Grasshopper Manufacture Is Independent Again After NetEase Split

Grasshopper Manufacture is independent of NetEase Games as of October 1, 2026. In a statement reproduced by Gematsu, chief executive Goichi “Suda51” Suda says the decision followed discussions with NetEase after the studio completed Romeo Is a Dead Man. The announcement describes a cooperative separation and leaves the door open to future collaboration.

Why did Grasshopper leave NetEase?

Suda says finishing Romeo Is a Dead Man gave the team a chance to consider its next phase. The studio wants to make games in a wider range of styles, and chose to operate independently again. He thanks NetEase for its cooperation during the discussions. The statement does not describe a dispute, a forced sale or a financial reason for the split.

NetEase announced Grasshopper’s acquisition in 2021. The new announcement ends that parent-company relationship, but it does not disclose the transaction structure or price. It would be premature to say Suda personally bought the studio back.

Will Grasshopper publish its own games?

It has more options, according to Suda. Grasshopper says it improved its self-publishing skills while working on Romeo Is a Dead Man, which its official game listing names Grasshopper as publisher. The statement expressly allows for different publishing arrangements in the future. Independence does not mean every next title will be self-published, or that NetEase can never be a partner again.

Does this announce a new No More Heroes game?

No. Suda’s message looks ahead to future titles but names no new project, platform or release date. It does not announce No More Heroes 4, a killer7 revival or a Shadows of the Damned sequel. It also says nothing about the ownership of older franchise rights. Those questions need separate announcements from the relevant rights holders.

Grasshopper’s relationship to Lollipop Chainsaw is historical: Suda directed the original game. Our live-action film report explains why his work on that game does not establish involvement with the newly announced film.