Grasshopper Manufacture, the acclaimed studio behind the No More Heroes series, is set to regain its independence. The company announced today that it will officially separate from NetEase Games on October 1, 2026, and resume operations as a fully independent developer.
NetEase Games initially acquired Grasshopper Manufacture back in 2021. Under NetEase’s ownership, the studio received crucial funding for game development and access to a vast pool of development talent, comprising thousands of individuals. This partnership aimed to bolster Grasshopper’s capabilities and support its creative vision.
Founder Goichi Suda, widely known as Suda51, expressed the team’s desire to deliver even richer gaming experiences to a global audience. This ambition, he stated, was the driving force behind the decision to once again operate independently. Suda emphasized that the studio engaged in thorough communication with NetEase Games prior to this decision and extended his gratitude for their generous collaboration.
The studio has reportedly enhanced its capabilities for self-publishing games, which provides them with a broader spectrum of choices for future projects. This move signifies a new chapter for Grasshopper Manufacture, allowing them to chart their own course in the competitive game development landscape.
While the specific projects currently in development at Grasshopper Manufacture remain undisclosed, the studio has a storied history of creating unique and often eccentric titles. Beyond the celebrated No More Heroes franchise, their portfolio includes cult classics like killer7, Shadows of the Damned, and Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes. The shift back to independence is likely to reignite anticipation among fans eager to see what innovative and distinctive experiences the studio will conjure next.
The transition is scheduled to take place on October 1, 2026. Further details regarding the studio’s future plans and potential new projects are expected to be announced closer to the date.
