According to a new report via Bloomberg, NetEase could potentially shut down Visions of Mana developer Ouka Studios.
The report says that NetEase possibly “intends to shut the Shibuya outfit.” It adds that NetEase “has cut all but a handful of jobs at its Ouka studio in Tokyo.”
Bloomberg later elaborated via X that NetEase has issued these staff reductions “since this spring at least.”
Both Tencent and NetEase are also reportedly reconsidering a variety of investments in Japanese studios. This may be because “years of spending yielded few hit games.”
At this time, neither Tencent nor NetEase issued official confirmation that there are plans to shut down Ouka Studios. However, the new report does include statements from each company.
Tencent said that it “remains committed to its partner studios and developing its business in Japan.” NetEase stated that it has “nothing to announce” regarding Ouka Studios closing down.
However, a NetEase spokesperson said that “we craft our strategy based on our goal of providing better gaming experiences to local and global players.” They added that NetEase is “always making necessary adjustments to reflect market conditions.”
Ouka Studios only just released Visions of Mana a day ago, and it already has solid critic reviews on Metacritic. Visions of Mana is available now on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. It is not currently available on Xbox Game Pass, as previously announced.
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Hope not. NetEase was really doing great with their new studios honestly I want to see them continue on this path like buy Kamui the new Mikami studio, Bokeh the Silent Hill guys, maybe Mistwalker, ArtPlay/IntiCreates, JP Games, and snag Tomonobu Itagaki and Yu Suzuki for new studios and Inafune. Build a new powerhouse. Tomokazu Fukushima too.