Gamers soak up the nostalgia as 'World of Warcraft' returns to China

People play World of Warcraft at an esports center in Jinzhou, in China's central Hubei province on August 1, 2024. — Photo by AFP/China OUT

BEIJING: Millennial gamers soaked up the nostalgia and embarked on fresh adventures in a land of orcs, mages and elves Thursday as "World of Warcraft" came back online in China.

Beloved titles from the fantasy epic to shooting game "Overwatch" went offline in China in January 2023 after a contract dispute between the American developer Blizzard and local partner NetEase – prompting a wave of mourning and anger from fans.