Grasshopper Manufacture regains independence from NetEase Games

Grasshopper Manufacture has regained its status as an independent developer following an amicable separation from NetEase Games. The studio, led by CEO Goichi Suda, officially transitioned back to indie operations on October 1 after previously being acquired by the Chinese publisher.

In contrast, reports suggest that Nagoshi Studio may have ceased operations. While neither NetEase nor Toshihiro Nagoshi has officially confirmed a closure, the studio’s website and YouTube channel have gone offline. The situation follows reports of NetEase reducing spending on its gaming division, which allegedly impacted the development of the title ‘Gang of Dragon’. Sources indicate the project required significant additional funding that the publisher was reportedly unwilling to provide.