Rumor: The9 May Lose StarCraft II

Tech.163.com, 3/14/08

A source close to Blizzard says that differences between the developer and operator The9 over proposed licensing fees for StarCraft II have led to The9 unilaterally abandoning discussions on operating the game. The9 did not deny the rumor; PR director Zhao Yurun simply said that the company had no comment.

Blizzard Senior VP Frank Pearce visited Beijing today on a trip he said was intended to promote sales of the new Starcraft II. An industry insider said that the fact that a Starcraft II license hasn't been given to The9 doesn't necessarily mean that there was a disagreement over pricing, but rather could stem from Blizzard competitor Electronic Arts' investment in the game operator last year. Blizzard could be seeking another operator in China both out of hopes for higher licensing fees and a desire to hem in The9.

Keywords: online gaming Frank Pearce Electronic Arts operating rights Blizzard Internet license StarCraft II The9 Zhao Yurun

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