Suda Goichi's Grasshopper Manufacture is parting ways with NetEase Games to stand on its own two feet as an independent development studio.

This independence comes after much deliberation on the studio's next moves following the release of the new title Romeo Is a Dead Man earlier this year. While Romeo Is a Dead Man holds a 'Very Positive' user reception, it peaked at a rather modest 1,896 Concurrent Players on Steam, failing to set the charts on fire commercially. CEO Suda Goichi noted that the separation was achieved amicably through in-depth discussions and the active cooperation of NetEase.

Moving forward, Grasshopper plans to explore a wide range of options without being tied down by traditional publishing constraints. Suda Goichi emphasized that the studio will continue crafting original, high-quality games packed with their signature 'NO GAME NO LIFE' ethos.

Suda Goichi's Grasshopper Manufacture previously joined the GungHo group in 2013 and was acquired by NetEase Games in 2021. Through this agreement, the studio is returning to an independent setup once again.