Grasshopper Manufacture announces split from NetEase Games

During the first half of the 2020s, we saw countless company consolidations and acquisitions from across the industry. One such publisher who engaged in a number of acquisitions was NetEase Games, purchasing the likes of Quantic Dream, Skybox Labs and Grasshopper Manufacture. With regards to the latter, the studio behind No More Heroes, Lollipop Chainsaw and most recently Romeo Is A Dead Man announced that it has officially split from NetEase, regaining its independence.

Making the announcement via a press release, Grasshopper Manufacture CEO Suda51 (Goichi Suda) offered an update on the studio, writing: “This past February, Grasshopper Manufacture released its latest title, Romeo Is A Dead Man, and celebrated its 28th anniversary in March. Thanks to the support of players worldwide, Romeo Is A Dead Man received high acclaim and great reviews.”

The letter continues, “Having finally completed this all-hands project, 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.”

According to Suda51, the split was an amicable one, stating that “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.”

As mentioned, the studio only recently launched Romeo Is A Dead Man, and so what the team is working on next remains unknown. That said, according to the CEO, whatever they choose to develop will feature “our own signature flavor and further enhanced quality.”

While the studio was acquired by NetEase back in 2021, Grasshopper Manufacture has not been independent for well over a decade following its initial acquisition by GungHo Online Entertainment back in 2013. Despite this Suda51 and the team managed to release a suite of unique and unconventional games. As such, it will be interesting to see what direction the studio chooses to take now that they are once again independent. The full press release can be found HERE.

KitGuru says: Are you excited by the prospect of an indie Grasshopper Manufacture? What’s your favourite game from the studio? Will their next title be even wackier? Let us know down below.

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