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NetEase acquires Grasshopper Manufacture

The deal was signed in May 2021

Developer Grasshopper Manufacture has been acquired by NetEase.

The agreement was signed on May 31, 2021, NetEase announced today in a press release, but the Chinese firm didn't disclose the terms of the agreement.

Japanese studio Grasshopper Manufacture has been operating for 23 years under the leadership of Goichi 'Suda51' Suda, and is behind the No More Heroes franchise and titles such as Killer7 and Lollipop Chainsaw.

The company previously was part of the GungHo Group since 2013.

"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," Suda commented. "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.

"NetEase Games understands the strengths of Grasshopper Manufacture Inc. and is willing to support us, and is an extremely reliable partner. NetEase Games will be mainly responsible for advising on our business planning activities and providing sufficient funding for game development."

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Marie Dealessandri: Marie joined GamesIndustry.biz in 2019 to head its Academy section. A journalist since 2012, she started in games in 2016. She can be found (rarely) tweeting @mariedeal, usually on a loop about Baldur’s Gate and the Dead Cells soundtrack. GI resident Moomins expert.
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