NetEase Games will shut down Bad Brain Game Studios on November 17, 2025. The Montreal-based studio began operations in 2023 under the leadership of veteran developer Sean Crooks. In a heartfelt LinkedIn post, Crooks confirmed the closure and thanked NetEase for supporting the team throughout the process.

“It’s with a heavy heart that we share that Bad Brain Game Studios will be closing its doors,” he wrote. Crooks explained that the team tried to secure a new partner but could not find one in time. He praised the group’s creativity and commitment, saying they “pushed creative and technical boundaries every day with passion, imagination, and craft.”

The End of a Promising Project

Bad Brain had been working on a project codenamed The Midnight Riders. The team released a short sizzle reel that offered a glimpse of the game’s retro aesthetic and fast-paced, 80s-inspired action. The footage revealed a cinematic adventure filled with neon lights and stylized sequences, suggesting a bold creative direction that many fans praised online.

Even though development stopped, both the game and its intellectual property remain available for acquisition. NetEase has invited potential partners to discuss opportunities to continue the project. Crooks expressed hope that someone would take the reins, saying, “We believe strongly in what was created, and would love to see this world find its way to players.”

A Team Worth Recognizing

Crooks also announced that the team released the reel publicly to help its developers showcase their skills. He encouraged other studios to reach out, describing them as “world-class developers, artists, and storytellers.” By doing so, he hopes the video will open doors for his former teammates and help them find new opportunities in the industry.

A Legacy That Lives Beyond Closure

Although Bad Brain’s story ended sooner than expected, the studio’s vision continues to inspire those who followed its progress. Crooks believes their creativity and dedication will leave a mark. “The enthusiastic response our project has received is a direct reflection of that creativity and dedication,” he said.

Ultimately, The Midnight Riders now represents both an unfinished dream and a chance for new beginnings. If another studio takes over, the project could still find its way to players—and keep the spirit of Bad Brain alive.