Grasshopper Manufacture Regains Independence from NetEase

Grasshopper Manufacture has confirmed it is now operating as an independent studio after its partnership with NetEase Games ends. The developer, known for its distinctive titles, has chosen to move forward independently following five years under the Chinese publisher's ownership.

Grasshopper Manufacture will maintain its own signature flavor and further enhanced quality. The studio reflected on its future after finishing its recent project, 'Romeo Is A Dead Man'.

Ownership history and transition

NetEase acquired Grasshopper Manufacture in 2021 as part of its acquisition of GungHo Online Entertainment. This ended a period where the studio was part of the GungHo Group, a relationship that began in 2013. Before that, Grasshopper Manufacture was an independent studio following its founding in 1998 by Goichi Suda.

The ownership resulted from an equity transfer agreement involving GungHo Online Entertainment as the former parent company. NetEase Games acquired the studio from the GungHo Group for an undisclosed sum. Grasshopper Manufacture hopes fans will continue to watch over the studio as it makes its next leap forward.

Future creative direction

Studio head Goichi 'Suda51' Suda emphasized the split enables broader creative freedom. He stated the change reflects a strong desire to deliver titles in an even wider variety of styles to video game lovers everywhere. Suda said the team has improved its self-publishing know-how and now has a broad range of options available.

Grasshopper Manufacture remains committed to creating unique titles featuring the 'NO GAME NO LIFE' gaming experience. Suda emphasized the studio will continue to create unique titles with that philosophy and its signature flavor. He stated Grasshopper Manufacture is now ready for what he called the next adventure.

Recent projects and fan support

The studio recently completed 'Romeo is a Dead Man', a game described as curry-powered. It has not shared sales figures for that title. Under NetEase Games, Grasshopper Manufacture also produced 'Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered' in 2024.

CEO Goichi 'Suda51' Suda stated the studio considered its future direction after the release of 'Romeo is a Dead Man' earlier this year. The developers have asked fans for continued support as the studio nears its 30th anniversary. Grasshopper Manufacture is moving toward that milestone and beyond.

Goichi 'Suda51' Suda said the decision was reached after thorough discussions with NetEase Games, and with their generous cooperation. The studio will maintain its own signature flavor and further enhanced quality as an independent developer.