NetEase Acquires No More Heroes Developer Grasshopper

Netease has acquired Grasshopper Manufacture Inc, the studio that developed the No More Heroes series.

Grasshopper Manufacture Inc is probably best known for auteur developer Goichi “Suda51” Suda, and his excessive creative liberties taken with the No More Heroes series.

Meanwhile NetEase is a huge developer and publisher, having published titles such as Identity V as well as Dead By Daylight Mobile.

While fans may worry that the acquisition of the studio may have an effect on the nature of Suda’s work, Netease has issued a statement saying they would be taking a more hands-off approach to the developer.

“As a developer itself, NetEase Games always prioritizes the self-expression of creators and the needs of gamers, and fully respects creative freedom through adherence to the three key aspects, including:

• Creative freedom: Creators can create games in the theme and gameplay style about which they are most passionate.
• Managerial autonomy: Creators have full authority to manage their own teams.
• Incentives for success: Providing creators with a worry-free environment allowing them to fully focus on creation.” , the statement reads.
  

Grasshopper Inc also issued a statement, also confirming that Suda’s bizarre sense of style wouldn’t be going anywhere despite the partnership with Netease.

“NetEase Games will be mainly responsible for advising on our business planning activities and providing sufficient funding for game development. We will be responsible for the creativity and production of games to ensure that we are able to continue to maintain the consistent “Grasshopper Manufacture flavor” and game quality for which we are known”, Grasshopper says.

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