Japanese Studio Regains Independence After NetEase Partnership
Japanese studio Grasshopper Manufacture regains independence after NetEase divests overseas game development operations.
Event / Economy
Grasshopper Manufacture Independence
Japanese video game developer Grasshopper Manufacture separates from NetEase Games parent company to become independent studio. The separation was amicable with both parties maintaining positive relations after the studio released only one title under NetEase ownership.
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2026-10-01 to 2026-10-31 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 1 Oct, 00:19 UTC
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What happened
Romeo is a Dead Man is only game released by Grasshopper Manufacture under NetEase
Romeo is a Dead Man was the sole game title that Grasshopper Manufacture released while operating under NetEase Games. The game launched before the studio's split from the parent company and marked the completion of an all-hands project for the independent studio transition.
Grasshopper Manufacture founded in 1998
Grasshopper Manufacture, the video game developer known for titles including No More Heroes, Lollipop Chainsaw, and other distinctive games, was founded in 1998 by Suda51.
Grasshopper Manufacture plans 30th anniversary milestone in March 2028
Grasshopper Manufacture has identified March 30, 2028 as its upcoming 30th anniversary, which the studio considers a major milestone as it moves forward as an independent developer.
NetEase Games divesting overseas game development studios
NetEase Games has been systematically divesting itself of most of its overseas development teams over the past couple of years. The company closed Canada-based developer Worlds Untold in 2024, put Jar of Sparks on ice in January 2026, laid off workers at Sweden-based Liquid Swords in 2025, and laid off the entire U.S. team behind Marvel Rivals after the game's launch.
Grasshopper Manufacture splits from NetEase Games to become independent studio
Grasshopper Manufacture, the video game developer founded by Suda51, has announced its separation from parent company NetEase Games. CEO Goichi Suda confirmed the split was amicable, with NetEase providing "generous cooperation." The studio stated it aims to deliver games in a wider variety of styles and will move forward as an independent developer. Grasshopper Manufacture was acquired by NetEase Games in 2021 from GungHo Online Entertainment.
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