NetEase's popular Chinese MMORPG, Justice, could soon make its Western debut. This speculation is fueled by a trademark application for Sword of Justice by NetEase Interactive Entertainment, filed on September 1, 2023, indicating a possible rebranding for the Western market.
In a tip from Reddit, noting the possibility that NetEase may be looking to change their branding for Justice as they push forward with a global launch, this information was also hot on the heels of a trailer shown at NetEase's Connect 2023 presentation which showed off some of the gameplay. Originally released in China, Justice has garnered a significant following, thanks to its immersive world and intricate Wuxia gameplay. The game is set in a richly detailed world inspired by ancient Chinese folklore and martial arts, offering a cohesive blend of action, adventure, and cultural depth. Justice Online reportedly was set to utilize AI integrated NPC's that would provide novel conversations and details, similar to what ChatGPT is capable of. We reported back in 2022 that Justice Online (the PC Version) was headed to a global market by the end of the year, but in 2023, we hadn't heard any word of the release until NetEase presented a new trailer for the mobile version at NetEase Connect.
While details about the Western release are still scarce, the potential renaming to Sword of Justice aligns with NetEase's strategy to make the game more accessible to a global audience. This move reflects a growing trend among Chinese game developers to expand their reach beyond domestic markets, catering to a global gaming community's diverse tastes and preferences. However, very few games of this nature have broken through for a long standing run, with the most recent being Sword of Legends which shut down earlier this year.
Despite similar games standing on shaky ground in the past, the popularity in China shows that there may be fans eagerly awaiting more news, as the anticipation builds around what may change, if anything, as NetEase adapts the game for Western players. Whether it's simply a name change or a more significant overhaul, the Western release of Sword of Justice will be a welcome inclusion in the MMORPG landscape.
