Singapore – NetEase Interactive Entertainment (NetEase Games), a subsidiary of China-based gaming firm and internet technology company NetEase, Inc., has signed a first-of-its-kind regional partnership deal with Epicsoft Asia, a subsidiary of Singapore-based video game publishing and distribution company GCL Global, for the distribution of its games and software.
The 5-year partnership agreement appoints Epicsoft Asia as the exclusive partner to market, sell, and distribute NetEase’s software and games, including its Steam activation keys and physical gift cards, in authorised regions.
The authorised countries and regions are as follows: Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
The first title slated to release under the agreement is ‘Naraka: Bladepoint’, developed by 24 Entertainment and published by NetEase Montreal. This title represents a widely popular action and adventure battle royale game. All games will support English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Thai as language options.
Prior to this partnership, GCL was also the sole distribution partner for Take-Two, CD Projekt Red, SEGA, and WB Games in Southeast Asia and the Greater China regions. The company has distributed numerous award-winning hits to the region, including Hogwarts Legacy, Grand Theft Auto V, Red Dead Redemption II, Cyberpunk 2077, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Elden Ring, and many more.
Looking towards the future, both companies have agreed to discuss the inclusion of new software products and renegotiations for additional versions and territories for each software product if required.
“GCL has a proven track record as the largest partner for international PC & video games publishers and developers in East Asia and Southeast Asia. They are a powerhouse in the industry, and have introduced gaming experiences that are visceral and immersive to the larger market. Their appetite for quality and avenues for quantity distribution makes them a compelling choice as NetEase Game’s exclusive regional distribution partner,” NetEase Interactive Entertainment said in a press statement.
Meanwhile, Jacky Choo, group chairman at GCL, also shared, “EPA has been a disruptive force within game publishing in the region. Our 16 years of experience in marketing and creative media design capabilities make us confident in achieving the distribution targets for Naraka: Bladepoint. It is a moment of great pride for us to be at the helm of affairs as a partner to NetEase Games.We look forward to furthering our relationship with additional software products and games to be rolled out in this ever-growing games and entertainment market.”