Chinese World Of Warcraft operator NetEase is expected to be fined by government agencies for "gross violations" of regulations, but will be allowed to keep running the popular online game.

As reported earlier this week, Chinese regulators the General Administration of Press and Publications (GAPP) and the Ministry of Culture (MOC) appear to have reached an agreement over the rules NetEase must abide by if it is to continue to operate World Of Warcraft.

NetEase has been caught in the middle of a regulatory spat between the GAPP and the MOC since the regulators clashed in November over the vague demarcation of their responsibilities. GAPP ordered NetEase to cease operation of World Of Warcraft for an alleged breach of regulations, despite the fact that the MOC had already approved NetEase’s operation of the Activision Blizzard-owned game.

A GAPP official told Reuters that a resolution regarding NetEase's operation of World Of Warcraft would be unveiled "very soon", with the site’s sources pointing towards a fine.

In addition, analysts said that NetEase is planning to launch the most recent World Of Warcraft expansion pack, Wrath of The Lich King, once it receives its punishment.