Grasshopper Manufacture, led by CEO Goichi Suda, announced that it became independent from NetEase Games effective October 1, 2026.
Joined the NetEase Group in 2021
Grasshopper Manufacture was founded in 1998. The company has developed numerous games, including *killer7*, *The Silver Case*, and the *No More Heroes* series, and released its latest title, *ROMEO IS A DEAD MAN*, in 2026.
The company had been under the umbrella of GungHo Online Entertainment since 2013, but reported that it had become part of the NetEase group following a share transfer agreement signed in 2021.
The positive relationship will continue
According to the press release, this decision to become independent was made after the company released *ROMEO IS A DEAD MAN* and completed a company-wide project, as they looked toward the next stage and sought to deliver a wider variety of game styles to users.This independence came about following discussions with NetEase and with their significant support; the company states that it will continue to value this positive relationship and will not hesitate to collaborate with NetEase whenever opportunities arise.
The company also declared that it will continue to plan and develop unique game titles, delivering an unprecedented gaming experience (“NO GAME NO LIFE”). They asked the public to look forward to their 30th anniversary and the leaps forward they plan to make beyond that milestone. Procedures related to the independence, such as executive reshuffles, are currently underway.
