NetEase Files Trademark for ECC: Redline, Suspected New MMO

NetEase has filed trademark applications for a project titled ECC: Redline in the United States and Europe, according to filings spotted at the USPTO and EUIPO. The applications were filed on September 21st and are currently in the awaiting examination phase.

The trademark filings suggest ECC: Redline could be an MMO. The US application specifically names massively multiplayer online role-playing games alongside PC and mobile games, multiplayer software, esports competitions, and publishing. However, trademark filings are often deliberately broad, and the specific mention of MMORPGs does not confirm the project will take that form.

NetEase has not made any official announcement about ECC: Redline. Details remain scarce beyond the trademark categories, and the filings make no mention of which platforms the company might target.

The filing comes as NetEase continues expanding its gaming portfolio. The company has seen success with MMORPG-styled games like Where Winds Meet, which received Chapter 3 of its Hidden Mountain expansion earlier this month through developer Everstone Studio.

NetEase is also investing in single-player experiences. The company announced Blood Message, described as a story-driven, cinematic game developed by 24 Entertainment Lin'an. In a statement, lead producer and executive vice president Zhipeng Hu said the title represents NetEase's first completely single-player-focused experience following two decades in the gaming industry.

Assuming ECC: Redline remains on track, NetEase is likely to formally announce the project later this year, with a potential 2027 launch window.