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Simon Zhu

Investment/partnership/strategy/globalization chief@ NetEase Games

Simon Zhu is a prominent figure in the gaming industry, currently serving as the President of Global Investments and Partnerships at NetEase Games. Based in the Greater Seattle Area, he oversees strategy, investment, globalization, and key partnerships for the company. Zhu has been instrumental in expanding NetEase's global presence and fostering collaborations with top talent and studios worldwide.13

Career Highlights

  • NetEase Games:
    • President of Global Investments and Partnerships (July 2022–Present).
    • Previously served as Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnership (2012–2016), where he played a key role in launching games like Minecraft in China and developing VR, IP, and publishing initiatives.12
    • Led efforts to diversify NetEase's game portfolio with titles like Onmyoji Arena and Identity V, achieving significant success outside China.2
  • Independent Board Roles:
    • Served as an Independent Board Director for Bungie (2018–2022) and Devolver Digital (2018–2021), contributing to strategic growth in the gaming sector.1
  • Other Roles:
    • Co-founded and served as CEO of BitMovio, a blockchain-based video entertainment platform.5

Education

Simon Zhu holds a Bachelor's degree in Micro-electronics Engineering from Shanghai Jiao Tong University. He also attended Wuhan Foreign Languages School, reflecting his bilingual proficiency in English and Chinese.1

Industry Contributions

Zhu emphasizes collaboration and innovation, often stating his goal to "unleash potential" and "make the pie bigger together." He has been pivotal in NetEase's strategic shift toward creating internal studios and fostering partnerships with independent developers globally, despite challenges like overseas investment restrictions.234

Highlights

Jan 20 · pandaily.com
NetEase - Overseas Investment Failures Cause Turbulence - Pandaily
Aug 30 · pcgamesinsider.biz
After years of hard work, NetEase says it's seeing success outside of ...
After years of hard work, NetEase says it's seeing success outside of ...
Feb 28 · neteasegames.com
NetEase Games Introduces BulletFarm, a New AAA Global Game ...
Nov 16 · VentureBeat
NetEase unveils Worlds Untold studio led by Mass Effect veteran - VentureBeat
NetEase unveils Worlds Untold studio led by Mass Effect veteran - VentureBeat
Nov 7 · naavik.co
NetEase's Shifting Global Strategy - Naavik
Aug 17 · Pocket Gamer.Biz
NetEase launches new studio, T-Minus Zero Entertainment - Pocket Gamer.Biz
NetEase launches new studio, T-Minus Zero Entertainment - Pocket Gamer.Biz
Oct 29 · horasis.org
[PDF] Horasis China Meeting 2019 - Brochure

Related Questions

What are some of the key partnerships Simon Zhu has formed at NetEase Games?
How did Simon Zhu contribute to the success of Minecraft in China?
What strategies has Simon Zhu implemented for NetEase Games' globalization efforts?
Can you provide examples of the new genres NetEase Games has entered under Simon Zhu's leadership?
What is Simon Zhu's background in micro-electronics engineering and how does it influence his role at NetEase Games?
Simon Zhu
Simon Zhu, photo 1
Simon Zhu, photo 2
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Location

Greater Seattle Area