Minecraft heading to China as Mojang signs NetEase partnership

Minecraft is about to head to China for the very first time, Mojang has announced. 

The developer has agreed to license its blocky builder to China-based tech company NetEase, Inc, who will bring the Pocket and PC editions to the vast region. 

Long-term, the Microsoft-owned studio is hoping to create a tailor-made version of Minecraft for China, although there's no word on when the game will actually launch. 

"We’ll always embrace opportunities to bring Minecraft to new players around the world, widening our community, and giving us a new perspective on our game,” said Mojang CEO, Jonas Martensson.

"NetEase understand our long-term vision for Minecraft and support Mojang’s ideals, so we’re delighted to have them on board. We look forward to welcoming China’s builders and adventurers to the world of Minecraft.”

Less than a month ago Mojang made a move on the virtual reality market, bringing a new version its best-selling Pocket Edition to Oculus and Samsung's Gear VR headset.