Hu Ge Signs with NetEase As Celebrity Endorser of Westward Journey 2

GUANGZHOU, China, April 7, 2016 /CNW/ -- NetEase, Inc. the leading China-based Internet technology company, has signed Chinese actor and idol Hu Ge as a celebrity endorser for its smash hit game, Westward Journey 2.

Hu Ge has been a phenomenon in China since 2005 when he played the leading role of Li Xiaoyao in the 2005 television series Chinese Paladin. Mr. Hu also played the charming character Mei Changsu in the widely popular TV drama Nirvana In Fire, which was recently broadcastin China, Singapore, Korea, Malaysia and the U.S.His great performances have lead to an Asia-wide mania for traditional Chinese Culture. NetEase expects to incorporate more entertainment elements into its products, creating better interaction with the players both online and offline, and maximizing the influence of the endorser. Along these lines, the company recently established Netease Pictures, its new film production arm, and has signed deals with four top entertainment companies in China to put Westward Journey onto movie screens.

"Inviting Hu Ge on board as our first all-in-one brand endorser can help us improve our brand image and attract more potential players," said Mr. Xiang Lang, senior marketing director at Netease Games. "Our cooperation with Mr. Hu will not be restricted to the traditional endorser role; we will explore more possibilities to refine and amplify the brand equity of Westward Journey." With the product line of this game being continuously expanded, and the current version also being constantly updated, we can expect the company to attempt deeper and more mature entertainment strategies for this game and brand.

Westward Journey 2, produced by NetEase, is a masterpiece, one of the most successful games in China. It has over 20 million registered users and 1.26 million peak time players. Westward Journey Mobile hit 3rd place on the Top Grossing games list on its first day after launch, eventually reaching 2nd place, where it stayed for 11 days. The latest entry to the Westward Journey brand, Westward Journey: Rage, is a new AMMO (Action Massively Multiplayer Online) game that will be launched soon.

Westward Journey 2 is renowned for its wide cultural influence,  due to the number of celebrities who have been attracted by its traditional Chinese features and sophisticated design. Prior to Hu Ge, the game boasted two iconic Chinese stars, Stephen Chow and Li Bingbing, as its endorsers. Mr. Chow is a pioneer of Chinese comedy movies while Mrs. Li is an Asian diva in Hollywood.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160406/352068

SOURCE NetEase, Inc.

NetEase, Inc., Sharon Hu, Communication Manager, [phone], [email protected]