In a surprising move, NetEase Games is reportedly winding down operations at its Tokyo-based subsidiary, Ouka Studios. According to a Bloomberg report, the studio has already laid off most of its staff, retaining only a few employees to complete the release of their final project. This news comes just a day after the launch of Visions of Mana, a new installment in the beloved Seiken Densetsu (Mana) series, developed by Ouka Studios.
Ouka Studios was established in 2020 with the ambition to create high-quality console games, attracting veteran developers from industry giants like Capcom and Bandai Namco. However, the studio struggled to meet expectations on several projects, leading to operational difficulties. NetEase’s decision to close the studio reflects a broader reevaluation of its investment strategy in the Japanese gaming market.
NetEase is not alone in reassessing its investments in Japan. Tencent, another major Chinese tech company, is also reportedly rethinking its investment strategy in the region. Insider sources have revealed that Tencent has withdrawn funding commitments for several new game projects and is adjusting its investment scale. Despite these changes, Tencent stated via email that it remains committed to working with partner studios and expanding its presence in Japan.
In an email to Bloomberg, a NetEase representative acknowledged that while there is no official announcement yet regarding the closure of Ouka Studios, other studios in Japan under NetEase’s investment have shown progress. Over the past few years, both NetEase and Tencent poured significant resources into the Japanese market, hoping to produce blockbuster titles. However, these investments have not yielded the expected returns, leading both companies to reconsider their global investment strategies as the Chinese market begins to recover.
#NetEase #GameDevelopment #OukaStudios #JapaneseGames #GamingNews
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