NetEase shares drop after it delays Diablo Immortal in China

NetEase has delayed Diablo Immortal in China just days before the title was slated to launch.

According to Reuters, the Chinese studio said the decision was made so it can make "multiple optimization adjustments" to fine-tune the gameplay experience.

It's also being reported that the game's official account on Chinese messaging app Weibo has been banned from making new posts, although it's currently unclear why.

Diablo Immortal is being co-developed by NetEase and Activision Blizzard. The free-to-play MMORPG launched in territories such as the U.S. and Europe on June 2, 2022, and is available on platforms including Android, iOS, and Microsoft Windows.

According to NetEase, Diablo Immortal had recorded over 15 million pre-registrations as of last week, but news of the delay caused shares in the company to dip by 9 percent on Monday.

It's now unclear when precisely Diablo Immortal will be rolled out in China.