Romeo is a Dead Man developer Grasshopper Manufacture has announced its separation from NetEase Games to become an independent studio.
In a press release, CEO Goichi ‘Suda51’ Suda stated that the release of Romeo is a Dead Man earlier this year led the studio to consider its future direction.
“We found a strong desire to deliver titles in an even wider variety of styles to video game lovers everywhere,” wrote Suda. “As such, Grasshopper Manufacture has chosen to move forward 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.”
Suda continued: “Having improved our own self-publishing know-how, we now have a broad range of options available to us, and regardless of how our games may be published we remain committed to creating unique titles featuring the ‘NO GAME NO LIFE’ gaming experience expected of Grasshopper Manufacture with our own signature flavour and further enhanced quality.”
NetEase acquired the studio from GungHo Online Entertainment in 2021 for an undisclosed sum. Grasshopper Manufacture had been part of the GungHo Group since 2013.
Suda founded Grasshopper Manufacture in 1998, and it is known for developing the No More Heroes series, Killer7, and Shadows of the Damned.