NetEase acquires Canadian game studio SkyBox Labs
The Halo Infinite co-developer will remain independent and continue co-creating games with existing and future partners
NetEase has announced the acquisition of Canadian game developer SkyBox Labs.
Founded in 2011, the studio has co-developed titles such as Halo Infinite, Minecraft, and Fallout 76.
SkyBox will continue to operate independently under the supervision of its founders Shyang Kong, Derek MacNeil, and Steven Silvester.
"We have built a team of talented individuals who are passionate and creative, and by joining NetEase Games, we will also be able to accelerate our plans to pursue new creative opportunities and enjoy access to world-class operational resources and the full breadth and depth of NetEase’s services so we can scale faster in Canada,” said Kong.
SkyBox will also continue to co-create games alongside existing and new partners.
The new acquisition follows after NetEase ramped up its business operations in 2022. Back in January, it unveiled a new studio from veteran Yakuza producer and executive director Toshihiro Nagoshi.
The firm launched its first US studio in May 2022, Jackalope Games, led by Jack Emmert, followed by another US studio opening in July, Jar of Sparks, led by former Halo Infinite head of design Jerry Hook.
In November 2022, NetEase secured a minority stake in Swedish indie developer Liquid Swords.