Suda51’s Grasshopper Manufacture joins NetEase Games

Studios to collaborate on new console projects

Grasshopper Manufacture — the studio founded by No More Heroes creator Suda51 — has announced that it has joined Chinese conglomerate NetEase Games. The two companies will work together on a range of brand new console releases.

“As we all know, NetEase Games has developed many excellent games in the past, and I have long been aware of NetEase’s creative capabilities,” writes Suda51 (Goichi Suda) in a press release. “When talking with NetEase about ‘developing more unique console games together’, we resonated. After a lot of thoughts, we’ve unanimously decided to ‘get together’ in the long term through deeper cooperation to create more good content for gamers. Grasshopper Manufacture Inc., moving towards the brand-new future of game development, is now reborn and will continue to create history. Stay tuned.”

NetEase Games also spoke of its excitement for this new partnership.

“Grasshopper Manufacture Inc. is one of a kind in terms of mood-setting, movement design, and narrative rhythm design. Their strong passion for creativity, which has continued for decades, is extremely admirable. NetEase is honored to be the companion of Mr. Suda and Grasshopper Manufacture Inc. on this new journey into the future.”

NetEase also noted its intention to allow Grasshopper to retain creative freedom over its titles, while offering support from its wealth of available sources. NetEase also “extended its invitation” to other talented studios throughout Japan, it what appears to be an acquisition drive of sorts. The conglomerate states that it hopes to use both its deep resources and global network of industry figureheads to support any studio choosing to work under its umbrella.

Suda51 recently spoke with Jonathan Holmes about No More Heroes, Shadows of the Damned, and… badminton. You can check out the interview right here. Additionally, No More Heroes 3 is available now on Nintendo Switch.

Chris Moyse

Senior Editor – Chris has been playing video games since the 1980s. Former Saturday Night Slam Master. Graduated from Galaxy High with honors.