Grasshopper Manufacture Splits From Netease Goes Indie [2026 Update]

As originally reported by Rock Paper Shotgun, renowned developer Grasshopper Manufacture has officially parted ways with Chinese tech conglomerate NetEase to re-establish itself as an independent game studio. Studio founder Goichi Suda, widely known as Suda51, announced the strategic separation following a three-year period under NetEase ownership, which originally acquired the developer during a broader buyout initiative from GungHo Online Entertainment in 2021. According to Suda, returning to indie status reflects a strong corporate desire to deliver titles across a far broader spectrum of artistic and mechanical styles to international gaming audiences. This corporate restructuring highlights a growing industry trend where mid-tier studios seek operational agility away from massive publisher oversight, similar to developments seen when . By shedding corporate mandates, Grasshopper aims to accelerate project development pipelines while preserving its iconic cult-classic identity, positioning its upcoming slate directly toward niche high-engagement player segments rather than mass-market broadcast directives.