NetEase entered 2026 on solid footing, reporting RMB 112.6 billion in total revenue for 2025—an annual increase of 6.9%, equal to about USD $16.1 billion. The company’s latest financials reflect a year defined by stable franchise performance, expanding global reach, and a deepening commitment to AI‑driven development.
At the heart of NetEase’s momentum is its gaming division, which continues to anchor the company’s business. In 2025, gaming revenue rose to RMB 92.1 billion, or roughly USD $13.2 billion, marking a 10.1% jump from the previous year. Much of this strength came from enduring hits such as Fantasy Westward Journey Online and Identity V, alongside newer global successes like Where Winds Meet and Marvel Rivals. These titles helped ensure that online games accounted for nearly the entire segment’s revenue.
The company’s fourth‑quarter performance echoed this steady trajectory. NetEase generated RMB 27.5 billion (~USD $3.9 billion) in total Q4 revenue, a modest 3% year‑over‑year increase, while gaming contributed RMB 22 billion (~USD $3.1 billion)—up 3.4% from the same period in 2024. Although the quarter fell slightly short of some analyst expectations, the results still underscored the resilience of NetEase’s core business and the continued appeal of its flagship titles.
Beyond the numbers, NetEase used its 2025 report to highlight a strategic shift that may define its next decade: the full integration of AI across the game development pipeline. According to the company, AI now plays a role in everything from asset creation to design iteration, enabling faster production cycles and more ambitious interactive systems. While the financial impact of this transformation will unfold over time, NetEase positions it as a foundational capability rather than a passing trend.
The company also noted that Blizzard titles achieved record‑high annual revenue in China, a notable milestone following the renewal of the Blizzard–NetEase partnership. Although the report did not break out specific figures, the achievement signals a strong rebound for Blizzard’s presence in the region and reinforces NetEase’s role as a key operator of global franchises.
Taken together, NetEase’s 2025 results paint a picture of a publisher balancing stability with innovation. Its long‑running domestic hits continue to perform, its global titles are gaining traction, and its AI‑first development strategy is beginning to reshape how the company builds games. With these pillars in place, NetEase enters 2026 with both confidence and momentum—positioned not just to maintain its standing in China, but to expand its influence across the global games industry.
