Gossiping: Zhang Dong joins the fray on Weibo, a senior executive goes to war with players

Recently, Zhang Dong, a former executive at NetEase, has ignited controversy by posting a series of provocative messages on Weibo, essentially joining the 'frenzy' and attacking specific player groups, which has set the gaming community abuzz.

In response, the community's reaction has been mixed. Some netizens interpreted his continuous posting as a sign that he is 'getting desperate.' Many criticized his behavior, arguing that as a senior executive, using derogatory labels like 'xiaozi' (a slang term used to describe die-hard, blind loyalist fans) on a public platform is unbecoming and resembles toxic discourse often found on message boards like Tieba. Others mockingly labeled him a 'new mascot' of the industry and are eagerly waiting for the inevitable backlash, with some suggesting that even without intervention from other fanbases, NetEase's own players are already turning against him.

The comment section is split: some feel his remarks are dripping with bitterness, suggesting he is trying to distance himself from his past. Others speculate that he might be currently unemployed, which explains his unrestrained behavior. Regardless of the motive, his public outburst has undoubtedly become the latest major drama in the gaming community.