NetEase Shuts Down Fantastic Pixel Castle Studio

NetEase has made the decision to shut down Fantastic Pixel Castle, the MMO studio founded by former lead system designer, Greg Street. The studio will officially cease operations on November 17, less than two years after it was formed.

Background on Studio Closure

Fantastic Pixel Castle, also known as FPC, broke cover in 2023 with the goal of developing a new triple-A MMO codenamed ‘Ghost’ under the NetEase umbrella. However, the studio’s journey has come to an abrupt end as NetEase has decided to sever ties with the internal development team.

Greg Street’s Involvement

Greg Street, a veteran in the world of MMOs with experience from World of Warcraft and League of Legends, was instrumental in leading the development efforts at Fantastic Pixel Castle. Street was heading up the development of the League of Legends MMO before opting to leave Riot Games and join NetEase to work on ‘Ghost’.

NetEase’s Recent Studio Closures

Unfortunately, the closure of Fantastic Pixel Castle marks the third studio to be shuttered by NetEase since August. This trend raises concerns about NetEase’s global investments and its approach to supporting game development studios.

In conclusion, the shutting down of Fantastic Pixel Castle is a significant loss for the gaming industry, especially considering the talent and experience of individuals like Greg Street involved in the project. The fate of the ‘Ghost’ MMO remains uncertain as the studio closes its doors for good.