NetEase Studios Eyes Potential Investors for Quantic Dream and Grasshopper Manufacture Acquisition
Various studios at risk include Nagoshi, Skybox Labs, Studio Flare, and T-Minus Zero.
NetEase is reportedly retracting support for its international game ventures.
The Chinese conglomerate’s retreat began at the end of last year when it reduced staff and/or “paused” projects at Worlds Untold, Jar of Sparks, and Liquid Sword. However, Game File reports that the company is “actively seeking buyers for more of its non-Chinese studios” with the aim of divestment.
Insiders speaking to Game File under the condition of anonymity reveal that NetEase intends to shed the majority of its international teams. If they fail to secure a buyer, studios like Quantic Dream and Grasshopper Manufacture may face shutdowns.
Other studios at risk include Anchor Point, GPTRACK50, Jackalyptic Games, Nagoshi, Pincool, Riot Wolves, Skybox Labs, Studio Flare, T-Minus Zero Entertainment, and additional entities.
NetEase chose not to provide an official comment but indicated to Game File: “All studios and projects are under constant assessment, and NetEase will implement necessary changes as identified during this process.”
Earlier this week, NetEase reduced staff in its US-based Marvel Rivals creative team, despite the game’s significant success, asserting that the decision was made to “enhance development efficiency.” It also maintained that it “has not wavered in its international expansion strategies” amidst reports of potentially unloading “nearly all” of its foreign game divisions due to escalating costs.
Yesterday, Matt reported that Marvel Rivals – which has been a notable triumph for publisher NetEase since its launch last year – was said