Grasshopper Manufacture has split from its parent company NetEase Games to operate as an independent studio once again, according to an announcement by representative director and CEO Goichi Suda. The developer completed this transition following the release of its latest title, ROMEO IS A DEAD MAN, earlier this year.
The Split From NetEase Games
Grasshopper Manufacture reached the decision to separate from NetEase Games after what CEO Goichi Suda described as thorough discussions and with the publisher’s generous cooperation. NetEase Games originally acquired the studio from GungHo Online Entertainment in 2021 for an undisclosed sum. Before that acquisition, Grasshopper Manufacture spent eight years under the GungHo Group after joining in 2013. Suda founded the studio in 1998, building its reputation on titles such as Killer7, Shadows of the Damned, and the No More Heroes series.
Future Plans for Independent Development
Following the completion of ROMEO IS A DEAD MAN and the studio’s 28th anniversary in March, leadership evaluated the company’s trajectory. Suda stated that the team discovered a strong desire to deliver video games in a wider variety of styles to players worldwide. Having expanded its self-publishing knowledge, the studio now maintains a broad range of options for releasing future projects. Suda emphasized that regardless of publication methods, the developer remains committed to producing unique titles featuring what he termed the “NO GAME NO LIFE” experience, complete with the studio’s signature flavor and enhanced quality as it approaches its 30th anniversary.
Studio History and Ownership Timeline
- 1998: Goichi Suda founds Grasshopper Manufacture.
- 2013: The studio joins the GungHo Group.
- 2021: NetEase Games acquires Grasshopper Manufacture from GungHo Online Entertainment.
- February: The studio releases ROMEO IS A DEAD MAN.
- Recent: Grasshopper Manufacture splits from NetEase Games to resume independent operations.
Grasshopper Manufacture becomes an independent developer again
Why did Grasshopper Manufacture leave NetEase Games?
After finishing their latest project and reflecting on the studio’s future, leadership and staff wanted the freedom to deliver video games in a wider variety of styles. The separation happened amicably following thorough discussions and with NetEase Games’ cooperation.
Who owns Grasshopper Manufacture now?
Grasshopper Manufacture is once again operating as an independent developer, managed by founder, representative director, and CEO Goichi Suda.
Who originally founded the studio?
Goichi Suda, also known as Suda51, founded Grasshopper Manufacture in 1998.
What was the studio’s most recent game release?
The studio released ROMEO IS A DEAD MAN earlier this year, which received high acclaim and positive reviews from players worldwide.
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