Grasshopper Manufacture, the studio known for titles such as the No More Heroes series and Lollipop Chainsaw, is once again an independent entity. The company, acquired by NetEase Games in 2021, has split from the Chinese conglomerate following the release of its most recent game, Romeo is a Dead Man.
In a press release, Grasshopper Manufacture CEO Goichi Suda, widely known as Suda51, announced the separation, stating it was the result of thorough discussions and NetEase's "generous cooperation." Romeo is a Dead Man was the sole title released by Grasshopper Manufacture during its tenure under NetEase.
Suda51 expressed a desire for the studio to "deliver titles in an even wider variety of styles to video game lovers everywhere." He added, "As such, Grasshopper Manufacture has chosen to move forward as an independent developer once again." He also noted that the studio has improved its self-publishing capabilities, affording it a "broad range of options" for future releases. Despite potential shifts in publication methods, Grasshopper Manufacture remains committed to creating unique games with its signature "NO GAME NO LIFE" experience.
The split follows a period where NetEase has reportedly been divesting from some of its overseas studios. In 2024, NetEase closed Canada-based developer Worlds Untold. Earlier this year, NetEase paused operations at Jar of Sparks, a studio it helped establish in 2022, and in 2025, laid off employees at its Sweden-based studio, Liquid Swords. The company also recently laid off the entire U.S. team responsible for developing the Marvel Rivals shooter.
While the departure was framed as voluntary and amicable, the studio's move to independence might be a preemptive measure ahead of potential broader restructuring within NetEase.
Grasshopper Manufacture has indicated plans for another game release this year. However, details regarding their upcoming projects as an independent studio have not yet been revealed. In the interim, Game Informer's review of Romeo is a Dead Man is available.