Chinese games operator NetEase says has been told it does not have approval to operate the local version of World of Warcraft, the world’s most popular online role-playing game.
The General Administration of Press and Publication (GAPP) – one of several government agencies responsible for internet content – said in a statement on its Website that NetEase should suspend charging users to play the game and not allow new account registrations.
GAPP said it was returning Shanghai Netease’s application for approval and said it was considering administrative penalties on the company, Netease said.
NetEase said at this stage it had still not been officially notified of GAPP's decision, but believed it was in full compliance with applicable PRC laws.
NetEase took over the China license of WoW game from Blizzard Entertainment in June. It was previously licensed to rival online games firm, The9.