Grasshopper Manufacture has announced it is once again an independent developer after ending its affiliation with NetEase.
The move follows NetEase’s 2021 acquisition of the studio and comes as Grasshopper closes a chapter that included the February release of Romeo Is A Dead Man and the studio’s 28th anniversary in March.
Goichi Suda (Suda51), Grasshopper’s Representative Director and CEO, issued a statement explaining the decision and thanking players and staff for their support.
Background and recent history
Grasshopper Manufacture, known for cult hits such as No More Heroes III, Killer7, and Shadows of the Damned, was acquired by NetEase in 2021.
In the studio’s announcement, Grasshopper confirmed it has chosen to resume independent development after discussions with NetEase.
The studio also noted that Romeo Is A Dead Man was self-published by Grasshopper and received critical attention upon release in February.
Rewritten statement from CEO Goichi Suda
In journalistic terms, Suda said Grasshopper is grateful for the support it received for Romeo Is A Dead Man and for the efforts of everyone involved in the project.
He explained that after completing the title and reflecting on the studio’s future, Grasshopper decided to move forward independently in order to pursue a wider variety of game styles.
Suda added that the decision was made after thorough discussions with NetEase and with the company’s cooperation; he emphasized that Grasshopper values the relationship they built with NetEase and remains open to future collaboration.
The studio also said it has improved its self-publishing capabilities and will continue to create games that deliver the distinctive Grasshopper experience.
What this means for platforms and fans
As an independent developer, Grasshopper Manufacture retains control over how it publishes future titles.
The studio’s catalog and recent self-publishing activity keep multiple platform options open, including Nintendo platforms where Grasshopper titles have previously appeared.
Fans of the studio’s work should watch official channels—such as the studio’s website and Nintendo eShop announcements or any appearances during Nintendo Directs—for confirmed platform and release information.
Looking ahead
Grasshopper framed the change as part of a longer-term plan: the studio invited fans to follow its progress as it moves toward its 30th anniversary and beyond.
With a history of distinctive, auteur-driven projects and a renewed focus on independent operations, Grasshopper Manufacture’s next moves will be followed closely by players and industry observers alike.
The move follows NetEase’s 2021 acquisition of the studio and comes as Grasshopper closes a chapter that included the February release of Romeo Is A Dead Man and the studio’s 28th anniversary in March.
Goichi Suda (Suda51), Grasshopper’s Representative Director and CEO, issued a statement explaining the decision and thanking players and staff for their support.
Background and recent history
Grasshopper Manufacture, known for cult hits such as No More Heroes III, Killer7, and Shadows of the Damned, was acquired by NetEase in 2021.
In the studio’s announcement, Grasshopper confirmed it has chosen to resume independent development after discussions with NetEase.
The studio also noted that Romeo Is A Dead Man was self-published by Grasshopper and received critical attention upon release in February.
Rewritten statement from CEO Goichi Suda
In journalistic terms, Suda said Grasshopper is grateful for the support it received for Romeo Is A Dead Man and for the efforts of everyone involved in the project.
He explained that after completing the title and reflecting on the studio’s future, Grasshopper decided to move forward independently in order to pursue a wider variety of game styles.
Suda added that the decision was made after thorough discussions with NetEase and with the company’s cooperation; he emphasized that Grasshopper values the relationship they built with NetEase and remains open to future collaboration.
The studio also said it has improved its self-publishing capabilities and will continue to create games that deliver the distinctive Grasshopper experience.
What this means for platforms and fans
As an independent developer, Grasshopper Manufacture retains control over how it publishes future titles.
The studio’s catalog and recent self-publishing activity keep multiple platform options open, including Nintendo platforms where Grasshopper titles have previously appeared.
Fans of the studio’s work should watch official channels—such as the studio’s website and Nintendo eShop announcements or any appearances during Nintendo Directs—for confirmed platform and release information.
Looking ahead
Grasshopper framed the change as part of a longer-term plan: the studio invited fans to follow its progress as it moves toward its 30th anniversary and beyond.
With a history of distinctive, auteur-driven projects and a renewed focus on independent operations, Grasshopper Manufacture’s next moves will be followed closely by players and industry observers alike.
