NetEase Games, a prominent Chinese publisher and developer known for AAA titles and partnerships with Blizzard and Bungie, has recently terminated nine employees following their arrests on bribery and money laundering charges. Among those dismissed are two high-ranking executives, Xiang Lang, the general manager, and Jin Yuchen, a former esports lead involved in projects like Marvel Rivals. This incident marks the second anti-corruption investigation for the company within two years.
Founded in 1997 by Ding Lei, NetEase initially focused on technology before expanding into video games. Over recent years, the company has strategically grown its gaming portfolio, acquiring studios like Grasshopper Manufacture and attracting renowned industry figures such as Toshihiro Nagoshi and Daisuke Sato, former Sega veterans. In 2023, they opened new studios like Spliced, founded by former Marvelous VP Toshinori Aoki and BlazBlue creator Toshimichi Mori, further cementing their influence in the gaming world.
The investigation, first reported by Chinese news outlet Leifeng and later by Bloomberg Law, centers on purchasing practices involving 28 suppliers, estimated at a contract value of between $140 and $279 million USD. The names of the implicated employees have since been erased from NetEase’s internal systems. Following the arrests, NetEase’s remaining staff noticed their screensavers replaced with compliance reminders—a clear signal of the company’s stance on internal ethics.
NetEase’s spokesperson confirmed ongoing police investigations into the corruption charges but has withheld further details. The company remains committed to its projects, including the urban fantasy open-world RPG Project Mugen, inspired by games like Grand Theft Auto, and Where Winds Meet, an anticipated title set for a 2025 release.
NetEase’s Legacy Under Scrutiny Amid Growing Portfolio
With partnerships on titles like Diablo Immortal and Destiny: Rising, NetEase’s growth and ambition in the gaming industry are indisputable. However, these recent events cast a shadow on the company’s reputation, raising questions about corporate governance and compliance. As the company continues to develop highly anticipated titles, the impact of these allegations on NetEase’s long-term strategy and industry standing remains to be seen.
