NetEase closes Bad Brain Studios in Canada and reduces presence in North America

NetEase Games is continuing its policy of reducing its presence outside of China, this time with the closure of Bad Brain Game Studios, located in Montreal, Canada, on November 17th. This trend of studio closures is a critical point indicating a shift in focus in the company's global strategy.

The leader of the production company, Sean Crooks, announced on LinkedIn that the studio, along with the game and Intellectual Property (IP) The Midnight Riders, are available for sale or partnership, in hopes of keeping the project alive. Crooks expressed gratitude for NetEase's support in seeking new partners, believing the game will showcase the "high talent of this team".

Despite receiving "enthusiastic responses to the project", Crooks stated they have not yet been able to find partners for Bad Brain or The Midnight Riders. Faced with the imminent closure, Bad Brain is also seeking help from other companies in the industry to help find new work for their employees.

The closure of Bad Brain Game Studios closely follows the news that NetEase will also be closing another studio outside of China, Fantastic Pixel Castle. Fantastic Pixel Castle was developing a new MMO since 2023 before the Chinese company cut funding and removed support for the project.

NetEase Games will close Bad Brain Game Studios in Montreal, Canada, on November 17th, further reducing its presence in North America. Leader Sean Crooks is seeking partnerships or the sale of the studio and IP The Midnight Riders. The decision follows the closure of Fantastic Pixel Castle, which also had its funding cut by NetEase.