Grasshopper Manufacture splits from NetEase to go independent again

Grasshopper Manufacture, the studio behind No More Heroes, is once again flying solo. The developer has officially split from its parent company NetEase Games and regained its independence, as reported by VGC.

The separation comes after what Grasshopper founder Goichi "Suda51" Suda described in a statement as "thorough discussions" with NetEase. According to Kotaku, Suda called it an "amazing relationship" and said the move was made with NetEase's "generous cooperation."

The studio's statement, posted on September 30, cited a "strong desire to deliver titles in an even wider variety of styles" as a key reason for the change. This follows the February release of their latest game, Romeo Is a Dead Man.

Per Rock Paper Shotgun, NetEase has been pulling back from its global gaming investments recently, closing several studios and withdrawing funding from others. Grasshopper's successful split means it avoided a similar fate.

The studio now plans to move forward as an independent developer, leveraging what Suda says is improved self-publishing know-how. They remain committed to creating what they call the "NO GAME NO LIFE" gaming experience.