NetEase acquires SkyBox Labs, co-developers of Halo and Minecraft

SkyBox Labs isn't necessarily known for the specific games developed by the studio. However, it has helped develop world-renowned franchises such as Halo, Age of Empires and Minecraft. NetEase has now acquired SkyBox Labs, hoping to bring some of that expertise into its ranks.

SkyBox Labs is a Canadian game studio founded in 2011 by EA veterans. Over the last 12 years, the studio has been mostly developing games with Microsoft Studios, such as Age of Empires II HD expansions, Age of Mythology and Rise of Nations extended editions, Halo series, and even Minecraft.

During that time, the studio still developed a few titles on its own, namely Dragon Arena, Parade Runner, Tastee: Lethal Tactics and Stela, and co-developed EA Sports UFC. At this point, the studio is working on Fallout 76, Halo Infinite and various Minecraft games.

According to NetEase Games, SkyBox Labs will work independently from its new mother company as it continues to develop games for PC and consoles with its current partners. According to Shyang Kong, co-founder of SkyBox Labs, the decision to acquire the Vancouver-based studio was to grow the company's presence in Canada and co-developing more AAA games for some of the biggest game studios worldwide.

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