Grasshopper Manufacture has split from NetEase and has become an independent developer again.
Goichi Suda, AKA Suda51, shared this explanation via press release:
…as we reflected on the next stage of Grasshopper Manufacture’s future, we found a strong desire to deliver titles in an even wider variety of styles to video game lovers everywhere.
As such, Grasshopper Manufacture has chosen to move forward with as an independent developer once again.
This decision was reached after thorough discussions with NetEase Games, and with their generous cooperation.
We continue to cherish the amazing relationship our companies have built, and look forward to further collaboration when the opportunity arises.
On Twitter, Suda51 was a little more gung ho, exclaiming “NEXT FUCKING ADVENTURE!”
This announcement is remarkable after NetEase’s restructuring last year. They closed Ouka Studios and Nagoshi Studio in Japan, and the US team working on Marvel Rivals, among others.
While some fans joke about Suda51 tricking investors, Grasshopper Manufacture also survived and eight year tenure under GungHo Online. Surprisingly enough, Suda51 may just be good and transparent at running his studio as a business.
