Key Takeaways
Created with AI - we're still experimenting, so apologies if it misses the mark
- NetEase Games is scaling back its overseas operations by closing Bad Brain Game Studios in Montreal on November 17.
- The studios game, The Midnight Riders, is available for acquisition as they seek new partnership opportunities to continue the project.
- Sean Crooks, the studio head, praised NetEase for its support during their time working together.
- Bad Brain Game Studios is assisting staff in exploring potential employment opportunities with other companies, and NetEase also plans to close Fantastic Pixel Castle, another studio outside of China.
Our favorite Goodies
NetEase Closes Bad Brain Game Studios in Montreal, Seeks Acquisition for The Midnight Riders
NetEase Games is again scaling back its overseas operations, closing Bad Brain Game Studios in Montreal on November 17. Sean Crooks, the studio head, announced on LinkedIn that Bad Brain Game Studios and its game, The Midnight Riders, are available for acquisition as the studio seeks new partnership opportunities. Crooks praised NetEase for its support. Despite some initial interest in The Midnight Riders, the studio is seeking a significant breakthrough to continue the project with new collaborators. Bad Brain Game Studios is also assisting its staff by contacting other companies to explore potential employment opportunities. NetEase also reportedly plans to close Fantastic Pixel Castle, another studio outside of China. Before its cancellation, Fantastic Pixel Castle had been developing a new MMO.
In Case You Missed It
In a surprising turn of events, the PS5 exclusive Ghost of Yotei has been making waves in the gaming world. Just three weeks after its launch, Aline Analytics estimates that it has already surpassed Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows in player interest and reception, despite both games facing controversies. Ghost of Yotei seems to be resonating more with players, boasting impressive critic and user scores on Metacritic Ghost of Yotei Surpasses Assassin’s Creed Shadows Sales on PS5 in Less Than Three Weeks. Meanwhile, the gaming industry has seen a recent string of unfortunate events with another international studio backing by NetEase Games shutting down. In “Another Studio of NetEase Games Shuts Down” (published on November 4, 2025), Jonathan Dubinski explores the closure of Fantastic Pixel Castle led by industry veteran Greg Street, and its ambitious MMO project, “Ghost,” which faced challenges leading to NetEase’s withdrawal of support. While there’s hope for potential new investment post-closure, Street prioritizes helping his team secure jobs elsewhere Another Studio of NetEase Games Shuts Down. Adding to this wave of studio closures is the shutdown of Bad Brain Game Studios, founded by Ubisoft veterans and set to release Midnight Riders. Despite the game’s potential, Sophie Laurent’s insightful piece, “Bad Brain, Formed by Ubisoft Veterans, Shuts Down Following NetEase Funding End” (2025-11-06), explores how this Toronto-based studio was unable to secure further funding, impacting the gaming industry’s landscape ().
Have any thoughts?
Share your reaction or leave a quick response — we’d love to hear what you think!
-
0
-
0
-
0
-
0
-
0
-
0
