Benzinga | Nov 2, 2021 11:21AM EDT

Tencent-Backed Epic Games Shuts Down Fortnite's Chinese Version

* Epic Games will shut down Fortnite's local Chinese version on November 15, CNBC reports.

* Fortnite prevented users from registering for new accounts starting November 1. Epic Games did not disclose any reason for the shutdown.

* Epic Games launched the battle-royale game in 2018 in partnership with Tencent Holdings Ltd (OTC:TCEHY), which owned a 40% stake.

* Interestingly, Fortnite's Chinese version was playable in a "test" mode, excluding some features from the main version, like in-app purchases.

* Games go through a strict approval process in China before launch, with heavy censorship on Western titles.

* In October, Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT) -owned social network LinkedIn closed its local version in China due to a "significantly more challenging operating environment and greater compliance requirements." The company plans to instead launch a job search site in China without any social media features.

* Related Content: China To Get Stricter With Minor's Gaming Time

* Price Action: TCEHY shares are trading lower by 5.50% at $58.51 on the last check Tuesday.