After having invested in the capital of Quantic Dream (to the tune of 100 million euros), in that of Bungie, Bahaviour and Jumpship, the Chinese NetEase has just announced having made the total acquisition of Grasshopper Manufacture, the company founded by Japanese game designer Suda51, known for games such as Killer7, Lollipop Chainsaw, or the No More Heroes series. If the amount of the buyback has not been communicated, we learn that the buyback was signed on May 31, when the studio was celebrating its 23 years of existence, an anniversary which saw no less than 25 employees leave. But by joining the ranks of NetEase, the Japanese studio can hope for even greater ambitions, especially as Suda51 has let it be known that they will keep complete freedom in the creation of their next games. NetEase will be there to financially support the needs of Grasshopper Manufacture, which should keep the same editorial line in the way of designing video games. Something to reassure players who adhere to the crazy spirit of Suda51 …
