U.S. tech giant Microsoft has announced it is joining forces with China's leading Internet technology company NetEase to develop a new version of the popular Minecraft video game specifically for the Chinese audience.

The new partnership is expected to allow the Chinese company to sell mobile and computer versions of the Minecraft video game for five years in the local market.

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Both companies did not reveal any information regarding when exactly the new version of the video game will be made available in the Chinese market.

"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 Jonas Martensson, Chief Executive Officer of Mojang. "NetEase understands our long-term vision for Minecraft and supports 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."

Mojang, the Swedish creator behind the popular video game, will definitely benefit from this new partnership and will take advantage of China's rapidly growing Internet and mobile gaming market. According to the latest report, China has over 780 million mobile Internet users in the country as of 2015 - which is about 56.8 percent of the entire population - and the number is still growing.

The move comes after Microsoft's previous 2014 deal with China's BesTV New Media Co., which is a subsidiary of the Shanghai Media Group. This deal allowed BesTV to distribute  Minecraft for the Xbox game console in China.

Mojang was acquired by Microsoft for $2.5 billion back in 2014. One of the main reasons behind the acquisition, according to Microsoft's Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella, is HoloLens.

TagsMinecraft China Version, microsoft corporation, Mojang, NetEase Games, Xbox One, China Video Game Console News