Key Takeaways
Created with AI - we're still experimenting, so apologies if it misses the mark
- Fantastic Pixel Castle, an MMO studio backed by NetEase Games, will close on November 17, 2025.
- The closure of the studio is due to funding challenges and the discontinuation of support from NetEase Games as a first-party partner.
- Despite seeking external investment, the studio was unable to obtain additional funding before the closure date.
- The future of Ghost, an MMO title developed by Fantastic Pixel Castle, is now in jeopardy, although there remains a possibility for funding if team members stay on.
Fantastic Pixel Castle MMO ‘Ghost’ Closure Announced; Future Uncertain Amid Funding Challenges
Fantastic Pixel Castle, a game studio backed by NetEase Games, will close on November 17, 2025. Greg Street, the studio head with experience at World of Warcraft and Riot Games’ MMO division, announced the closure. “We’re shutting down Fantastic Pixel Castle on the 17th,” Street stated. He added that securing funding after that date remains a possibility, contingent on retaining team members. Founded in 2023, Fantastic Pixel Castle aimed to develop an MMO titled Ghost. However, NetEase Games decided to discontinue its support as a first-party partner, leading the studio to seek external investment. Despite these efforts, the studio was unable to obtain additional funding before the closure date. Street noted the inherent challenges of launching and maintaining large MMOs, emphasizing that even substantial investments do not guarantee success. This closure reflects a broader trend of NetEase reducing funding for its non-Chinese studios, impacting various international teams. While a chance to secure funding remains if team members stay, the future of Ghost is now in jeopardy.