NetEase Shuts Down Fifth Western Studio, Bad Brain Game Studios, After Just Two Years

Chinese conglomerate NetEase has announced the closure of yet another Western studio, Bad Brain Game Studios, just two years after its founding. This move comes as part of a series of shutdowns impacting NetEase’s western subsidiaries, including T-Minus Zero Entertainment and Fantastic Pixel Castle.

Bad Brain Game Studios, based in Toronto, will shut down for good next week, marking the end of its brief existence in the gaming industry. The studio’s closure follows the recent shutdown of Fantastic Pixel Castle, led by former World of Warcraft and League of Legends designer Greg Street.

NetEase’s decision to close down these Western studios has raised concerns among industry insiders about the company’s future plans and its approach to the global gaming market. With the gaming industry experiencing rapid changes and increasing competition, the closure of Bad Brain Game Studios serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by developers in today’s market.

As NetEase continues to reevaluate its Western operations, the impact of these closures on the gaming community remains to be seen. Fans of Bad Brain Game Studios and other affected studios are left wondering about the fate of their favorite games and whether they will continue to receive support in the future.

In conclusion, the shutdown of Bad Brain Game Studios is another example of the volatile nature of the gaming industry and the challenges faced by developers in a highly competitive market. As NetEase makes strategic decisions regarding its Western studios, the future of these companies and their projects hangs in the balance.