Multiple NetEase overseas studios shut down

NetEase Games' overseas studio Fantastic Pixel Castle announced its closure. This shutdown is believed to be related to NetEase's recent reduction in its international business investments. FPC was founded in 2023 by former World of Warcraft and League of Legends designer Greg Street, with plans to develop a modern fantasy MMORPG codenamed "Ghost." Street announced on Monday local time: "Fantastic Pixel Castle will close on November 17. While there may still be opportunities for funding support afterward, it depends on how many team members can be retained." He also pointed out: "While we very much hope to continue completing this game, our current priority is to help developers find new jobs, whether in a potential independent team 'Fantastic Pixel Castle 2.0' or in other excellent and more stable gaming or tech companies." A few weeks ago, Street revealed that NetEase had ended its partnership with FPC and was assisting the studio in finding a new publisher for its game. In September this year, veteran MMO developer Rich Vogel confirmed that his studio T-Minus Zero Entertainment had been closed by NetEase. Earlier in January, NetEase confirmed it had ended partnerships with two North American studios: Worlds Untold, based in Vancouver and founded by Mass Effect writer Mac Walters in 2023; and Jar of Sparks, based in Seattle and founded by former Xbox designer Jerry Hook in 2022. Additionally, Ouka Studio, headquartered in Tokyo and involved in the development of Legend of Mana: Visions of Mana, was also closed last year