The Tokyo-based studio Grasshopper Manufacture confirmed on October 1, 2026 that it will operate once again as an independent developer. After five years under the umbrella of Chinese conglomerate NetEase Games founder Goichi “Suda51” Suda announced that the partnership has concluded amicably and that the studio now possesses the expertise to self-publish its upcoming titles.
Founded in 1998, Grasshopper Manufacture has built a reputation for unconventional, story-driven experiences such as the No More Heroes series, Killer7 and the recent arcade-style adventure Romeo Is a Dead Man. The separation comes at a pivotal moment: the studio just celebrated its 28th anniversary and finished a demanding all-hands project that earned strong critical praise.
From acquisition to separation
In 2021, NetEase acquired a controlling stake in Grasshopper Manufacture, joining a wave of Chinese investment in Japanese game creators. The deal was presented as a way to provide the studio with financial stability while granting NetEase a foothold in the Western-oriented console market. Over the ensuing years, the two companies cultivated what Suda described as an “amazing relationship,” collaborating on several releases and sharing development resources.
Early 2026, however, marked a strategic shift for NetEase, which began scaling back its involvement in Japanese development. Funding for projects such as Nagoshi Studios’ Gang of Dragon was halted, and other startups like GPTRACK50 saw their support withdrawn. Within this broader retreat, Grasshopper Manufacture’s leadership concluded that continuing as an indie studio would better serve its creative ambitions.
Recent releases and creative direction
The studio’s latest title, Romeo Is a Dead Man launched in February 2026. The game follows an FBI agent who jumps through time and space to apprehend criminals, blending fast-paced action with the surreal storytelling for which Suda’s team is known. Critics lauded the title for its inventive mechanics and distinctive art direction, awarding it high scores across major review outlets.
Critical reception of Romeo Is a Dead Man
While exact sales figures have not been disclosed, the game’s reception was described by Suda as “high acclaim and great reviews.” This positive feedback reinforced the studio’s belief that it can thrive without a major publisher, especially now that it possesses a deeper understanding of self-publishing workflows.
In the press release, Suda emphasized a “strong desire to deliver titles in an even wider variety of styles to video game lovers everywhere.” He highlighted that independence will allow the team to experiment beyond the expectations set by their most famous franchises, while still honoring the signature NO GAME NO LIFE ethos.
Future outlook and the legacy of independence
Going forward, Grasshopper Manufacture plans to leverage the publishing knowledge acquired during its NetEase years. The studio now has a “broad range of options” for releasing games, whether through traditional publishers, digital platforms, or direct-to-consumer models. Regardless of the chosen path, Suda reassured fans that the studio’s hallmark of quirky narratives and bold design will remain untouched.
Looking ahead, the company is already eyeing its 30th anniversary, slated for 2028. Preparations include a suite of new projects that aim to explore different genres, from roguelikes to narrative-driven adventures. Although the partnership with NetEase has ended, Suda left the door open for possible future collaborations, noting the “extraordinary relationship” built over the years.
In the wider industry context, NetEase’s withdrawal from Japanese studios signals a shift in cross-border investment strategies. For Grasshopper Manufacture, however, the move represents a return to the independence that defined its early years—and a chance to chart a fresh creative course on its own terms.
