Grasshopper Manufacture splits from NetEase to go independent
Grasshopper Manufacture has separated from NetEase Games to become an independent studio again, CEO Goichi Suda announced.
Grasshopper Manufacture has announced that it has separated from NetEase Games to become an independent studio once again. The studio behind No More Heroes and Killer7 confirmed the move, ending its ownership under the Chinese games giant.
CEO Goichi "Suda51" Suda said the release of Romeo is a Dead Man earlier this year prompted the studio to consider its future direction. He added that the decision was reached after discussions with NetEase Games and with their cooperation.
Suda also said the studio has improved its self-publishing know-how and now has a broad range of options for publishing its games.
Background
NetEase Games acquired Grasshopper Manufacture from GungHo Online Entertainment in 2021 for an undisclosed sum. Before that, the studio had been part of the GungHo Group since 2013.
Suda founded Grasshopper Manufacture in 1998. The studio is known for developing the No More Heroes series, Killer7, and Shadows of the Damned. Its latest title, Romeo is a Dead Man, was released earlier this year.
The news was first reported by gamesindustry.biz.
Quick answers
Who did Grasshopper Manufacture split from?
Grasshopper Manufacture separated from NetEase Games to become an independent studio again.
Why did Grasshopper Manufacture become independent?
CEO Goichi Suda said the release of Romeo is a Dead Man earlier this year led the studio to consider its future direction, and the decision was reached after discussions with NetEase Games.
When did NetEase acquire Grasshopper Manufacture?
NetEase Games acquired Grasshopper Manufacture from GungHo Online Entertainment in 2021 for an undisclosed sum.