Early on December 27th, Beijing time, NetEase Group announced that Ding Yingfeng, Executive Vice President of the company and Head of the Interactive Entertainment Division, will officially retire on December 31st, 2025. Following his retirement, he will continue to serve as an advisor to the company. NetEase CEO Ding Lei expressed gratitude for Ding Yingfeng’s contributions, stating, “We sincerely thank Mr. Ding Yingfeng for his dedication and contributions. He has made outstanding contributions to the success of the company’s flagship games and played a key role in the construction of the company’s R & D and operational capabilities.”
Ding Yingfeng entered the gaming industry in 1998 as the lead designer for “Gulong Heroes.” He joined NetEase in 2002 and became instrumental in the design and development of several iconic titles, including the landmark game “Fantasy Westward Journey Online,” which was NetEase’s first self-developed large-scale online game. Launched in 2003, “Fantasy Westward Journey” and its mobile derivatives have generated substantial revenue and have been operational for over 22 years, making them some of the longest-running products in NetEase’s history.
As the leader of the Interactive Entertainment Business Group, Ding Yingfeng oversaw a diverse portfolio that included not only “Fantasy Westward Journey” but also “Fantasy Westward Journey II,” “Yan Yun Sixteen Sounds,” “Identity V,” and “After Tomorrow.” This division has become the largest game R & D and operational entity within NetEase, significantly contributing to the company’s financial success. According to NetEase’s annual reports, revenue from online game services, particularly those centered around MMO gameplay, has consistently accounted for over 70% of the total game business revenue, underscoring the importance of the Interactive Entertainment Business Group.
Within the competitive landscape of NetEase, the Leihuo Business Group operates as a parallel development institution, known for titles like “The Wuxia” and “NARAKA: BLADEPOINT.” This structure fosters a competitive environment that encourages innovation. Recently, the mobile game “The Wuxia” underwent significant operational changes, creating direct competition for traditional MMO products under Ding Yingfeng’s purview, prompting adjustments in their operational strategies.
On the eve of Ding Yingfeng’s retirement, NetEase released its third-quarter financial report for 2025, revealing a net revenue of RMB 28.4 billion, with RMB 23.3 billion derived from games and related value-added services—an 11.8% year-on-year increase. New games like “Yan Yun Sixteen Sounds” and “Broken Lands” contributed to this growth, alongside stable revenues from longstanding titles such as the “Fantasy Westward Journey” series and “Egg Party.”
This financial report represents the final interim results that Ding Yingfeng will be involved with before his departure. Following his retirement, leadership responsibilities within the Interactive Entertainment Business Group will transition to the existing management team, although specific details about his successor have not yet been disclosed by NetEase.
As Ding Yingfeng prepares to conclude his impactful tenure at NetEase, the effects of this leadership transition will likely shape the company’s future strategy in the gaming sector. Observers will be keen to see how these changes unfold and impact both the management structure and product offerings as the company looks towards 2026 and beyond.
