As NetEase scales back its gaming operations and multiple studios downsize, Grasshopper Manufacture has gone independent again.
If you missed it, Grasshopper Manufacture has been under the NetEase banner since 2021. In that time, the development team has launched No More Heroes III (and its port to the current generation of consoles), Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered, and Romeo is a Dead Man, three titles that have been well received by audiences and critics alike.
The current gaming landscape at NetEase is: the company is on a death march. NetEase has shut down or pulled funding from many Western studios since it began its acquisition spree, and some of them are: Bad Brain Game Studios, Fantastic Pixel Castle, T-Minus Zero Entertainment, Worlds Untold and Ouka Studio. It’s worth mentioning that most of these studios did not ship any games.
Just this year, Anchor Point Studios also hoisted anchor and sailed into independence via a LinkedIn post. The post from Creative Director Paul Ehreth reads, “I want to express my sincere gratitude to NetEase Games for the support, resources, and trust they’ve given us. Their backing allowed us to build a world‑class team, explore bold creative ideas, and lay the foundation for something truly special. We’re proud of everything we’ve accomplished together.” Now, Grasshopper Manufacture is also jumping to greener pastures. Now, It’s Grasshopper Manufacture’s turn.
In a statement, Grasshopper Manufacture said: “This past February, Grasshopper Manufacture released its latest title, Romeo Is A Dead Man, and celebrated its 28th anniversary in March. Thanks to the support of players worldwide, Romeo Is A Dead Man received high acclaim and great reviews. Our whole studio would like to extend our sincerest thanks to everyone who enjoyed the game, and to everyone who worked tirelessly toward making its release possible.” Grasshopper’s statement also thanked NetEase for their collaboration, and Grasshopper looks forward to potentially working together in the future.
The statement went on to say Grasshopper Manufacture has “a broad range of options available to us, and regardless of how our games may be published, we remain committed to creating unique titles featuring the ‘NO GAME NO LIFE’ gaming experience expected,” adding, “with our own signature flavour and further enhanced quality.” All fans need to know: Suda51 and Grasshopper are still making games; they’re just independent again.
