Grasshopper Manufacture Splits from NetEase Games
Japanese developer Grasshopper Manufacture has ended its partnership with NetEase Games, becoming independent once again.
Grasshopper Manufacture has split from NetEase Games, the company announced. The Japanese developer, known for stylish action games and experimental titles, is no longer under the ownership of the Chinese internet giant.
NetEase Games acquired Grasshopper Manufacture in 2021 as part of a broader expansion into global gaming studios. The split marks a return to independence for the studio, which was founded in 1998 and has developed cult classics including the No More Heroes series, Killer7, and more recent projects like Travis Strikes Again.
The exact terms of the separation and what it means for Grasshopper's current and future projects remain unclear from the announcement. The studio's back catalog and ongoing commitments under NetEase ownership have not been detailed in available information.
Grasshopper Manufacture joining the independent developer space comes as several major publishers have divested holdings in recent years. The studio's creative direction and upcoming slate will likely benefit from the restored autonomy, though specifics on future releases have not been disclosed.
Sources
- GematsuEstablished publication · recorded Sep 30, 2026Grasshopper Manufacture splits from NetEase Games
- GamesIndustry.bizEstablished publication · recorded Sep 30, 2026Grasshopper Manufacture becomes independent as it splits from NetEase Games
- Insider GamingEstablished publication · recorded Sep 30, 2026Grasshopper Manufacture Parts From NetEase and Becomes Independent
- Game InformerSecondary publication · recorded Sep 30, 2026Suda51's Grasshopper Manufacture Is An Independent Studio Again After Splitting From NetEase
- GamingBoltSecondary publication · recorded Sep 30, 2026Grasshopper Manufacture Goes Independent Once More, Splits From NetEase Games
- ShacknewsEstablished publication · recorded Sep 30, 2026Grasshopper Manufacture separates from parent company NetEase Games
- PlayStation UniverseSecondary publication · recorded Sep 30, 2026Romeo Is A Dead Man Studio Grasshopper Manufacture Is Now Independent After Splitting From NetEase Games
- Rock Paper ShotgunEstablished publication · recorded Sep 30, 2026"NO GAME NO LIFE": Grasshopper Manufacture have leapt from the jaws of NetEase and gone indie again
- Nintendo LifeSecondary publication · recorded Sep 30, 2026Grasshopper Manufacture Parts Ways With NetEase And Goes Independent
- Game DeveloperEstablished publication · recorded Sep 30, 2026Suda 51's Grasshopper Manufacture splits from NetEase
- Gaming AgeSecondary publication · recorded Oct 1, 2026Grasshopper Manufacture announces separation from NetEase as gamers breathe a sigh of relief!
- AUTOMATON WestEstablished publication · recorded Oct 1, 2026Suda51’s Grasshopper Manufacture splits from NetEase Games to go independent