Despite having one of the most successful games in the world right now with Marvel Rivals, Chinese gaming giant company NetEase is reportedly looking to sell its non-Chinese gaming studios, in an effort to cut costs amidst dissipating growth. The report originally broke from Game File by reliable gaming journalist Stephen Totilo, and lines up with similar reporting from Bloomberg regarding severe job losses and cutbacks.
It’s a strange headline to read, especially considering Marvel Rivals is constantly making new waves with its popularity and overall quite happy fan base. The studio is aiming to strip down its international investment, at a time when international cooperation and business is very questionable and uncertain, particularly in the tech industry between China and the United States. According to Bloomberg, the only games being seen as worth the investment at present are the ones that are most likely to “generate hundreds of millions of dollars”.
NetEase seeking to sell their international studios is concerning, as those that don’t have buyers could face permanent closure in the effort to cut costs. Some of NetEase’s current international studios include Grasshopper, Quantic Dream, Skybox Labs and more. Even the mammoth success of Marvel Rivals wasn’t enough to save the American part of its development team, with mass layoffs of international staff taking place earlier this week.
What future do you hope to see for NetEase’s international studios allegedly facing closures, and what do you think of the industry trend overall towards job losses? Sound off your thoughts in the comments down below, and keep your eyes on GameLuster for more breaking gaming news.
