Grasshopper Manufacture regains independence from NetEase
Suda 51's studio Grasshopper Manufacture has officially become independent again after separating from NetEase, avoiding potential closure as part of the publisher's studio consolidation.
Grasshopper Manufacture, the studio led by veteran director Suda 51, has officially regained its independence from NetEase. The separation allows the Japanese developer to continue operating as a standalone studio.
NetEase had acquired a stake in Grasshopper Manufacture, but the publisher has been consolidating its global studios in recent months. The studio's return to independence means it avoids being absorbed into those broader restructuring efforts that have affected other NetEase-backed operations.
Grasshopper Manufacture is known for titles including the No More Heroes franchise and Killer Is Dead. The studio's independence restores its ability to pursue its own creative direction and project decisions without oversight from the Chinese technology conglomerate.
The move comes as NetEase continues to reshape its gaming portfolio globally. Grasshopper's separation is a notable outcome in the publisher's recent period of strategic changes across its international studio network.
Sources
- Video Games ChronicleEstablished publication · recorded Sep 30, 2026Suda 51’s Grasshopper officially regains independence from NetEase, avoiding studio cull