The Burning Crusade license granted

Last week, it was reported by Gamasutra.com that NetEase had suspended new user registrations due to its application to the Chinese government for a license to operate the World of WarCraft expansion pack The Burning Crusade. It appears that Chinese regulators are showing concern over the "undesirable content" of online games and are allegedly cracking down on foreign investments in its growing online gaming industry.

On February 16, 2010, Gamepolitics.com reported that China's General Administration of Press and Publication (the "GAPP") has granted the license permitting NetEase to operate The Burning Crusade. While the GAPP reportedly claimed to have previously suspended NetEase's permit for what it allegedly referred to as "gross violations" of regulations, NetEase appears to have always maintained that it did not violate any regulation. The GAPP has reportedly said that it granted NetEase the license because it had "taken necessary corrective measures."

Coverage at Gamasutra and Gamepolitics