Core Points - Blizzard announced the return of its popular game "StarCraft II" to the Chinese market on October 28, 2023, following the resolution of a contract dispute with NetEase, which led to the suspension of several Blizzard games in China earlier in the year [1][7]. Group 1: Game Return Details - "StarCraft II" will be available for pre-download starting October 19, with technical testing beginning on October 21, allowing players to access the game as early as that date [2]. - Players who previously purchased "StarCraft II" will not need to buy it again, and their account data will be preserved for seamless access upon the game's return [2]. - Players can recover their accounts through the "NetEase Da Shen app" or the Blizzard China website, requiring accurate registration information for successful recovery [2]. Group 2: Esports and Community Events - Alongside the game's return, various esports events will resume, including the "StarCraft II" Star Invitational on November 29-30 at the Hangzhou Esports Center, as well as community leagues and tournaments [4]. Group 3: Historical Context and Market Impact - Since the summer of 2022, five Blizzard games have returned to China, following a contract dispute with NetEase that led to the suspension of services for several titles [7]. - The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft for $68.7 billion in October 2023 has led to a strategic shift in management, facilitating the resumption of operations in China [7]. - The return of "World of Warcraft" and other titles has seen significant player engagement, with "World of Warcraft" achieving a record of over 120,000 players on a single server [8]. Group 4: Future Prospects and Challenges - Despite the return of Blizzard games, the company faces challenges in regaining its former player base, as the gaming landscape has evolved significantly since its peak in 2009 [11]. - Analysts suggest that Blizzard's previous management decisions may have alienated loyal players, and the current market dynamics favor new entrants and mobile gaming experiences [11]. - The potential return of less popular titles like "Heroes of the Storm" and "Warcraft III: Reforged" is viewed skeptically due to their limited audience and past performance issues [10].