NetEase, Inc.
NetEase, Inc. business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
"What if Larian had shut down after Divine Divinity?": Star Trek Online exec scorns publishers who close teams like BioWare in favour of "AAA veteran" start-ups and AI "magic beans"
Star Trek Online executive producer Thomas Marrone criticizes the industry practice of shutting down established development teams in favor of new studios led by "AAA veterans" or relying on emerging technologies like AI. He argues this approach is irresponsible and self-sabotaging, highlighting that successful studios like Larian and Blizzard often achieve breakthroughs after multiple titles and years of team collaboration. Marrone suggests that publishers prioritizing short-term financial gains should exit game development entirely.
Ex-BioWare boss and Mass Effect director Casey Hudson says he'll 'forever be grateful' for his time at the studio: 'Its legacy will live on'
EA has announced the closure of BioWare, the studio behind Mass Effect and Dragon Age, alongside layoffs affecting around 400 employees. Former BioWare director Casey Hudson expressed sadness but gratitude for the studio's legacy, highlighting its impact on unforgettable stories and characters. Other industry figures like Warren Spector reacted negatively to the closure.
Marvel Rivals’ Upcoming 50-Player PvE Mode is Wonderfully Chaotic in New Gameplay
Marvel Rivals is set to feature a chaotic 50-player PvE mode where players will team up as heroes to stop Thanos from obtaining the Infinity Gauntlet. The upcoming mode, inspired by events like the Battle of New York and Avengers: Endgame, promises a large-scale spectacle with interactive elements in Times Square. NetEase is confident in delivering an exciting experience for the event's October 24th release.
"Players want to engage with brands, not just consume them" – Mattel on its new Game Studios arm, why it's releasing on Roblox, and what it learnt from NetEase
Mattel has launched Mattel Game Studios to develop games based on its intellectual property, aiming to extend physical play into the virtual world. The company, which acquired its joint venture with NetEase, will focus on internally developed titles and strategic partnerships, emphasizing sustained engagement and authentic brand experiences. Mattel sees gaming as a core pillar of its entertainment ecosystem, with a long-term vision for its new studio to become a leading entertainment-based game developer and publisher.
Samson studio Liquid Swords files for bankruptcy, staff reportedly unpaid for two months
Swedish developer Liquid Swords has filed for bankruptcy after its 27 employees reportedly went unpaid for two months. The studio's debut title, Samson, sold over 150,000 copies and generated $2.4 million in revenue. A preliminary bidding document has been released for potential buyers of the company's assets, including intellectual property rights.
Marvel Rivals devs try not to spoil Avengers Doomsday ahead of MCU event: "We are doing everything we can to…
Marvel Rivals developer NetEase is taking precautions to avoid leaking details about the upcoming Avengers Doomsday crossover event. Game director Guangyun Chen stated they are doing everything possible to prevent leaks, despite recent rumors about characters like Nightcrawler and Doctor Doom appearing in future seasons, which are also rumored to play significant roles in the film.
"Horrible day to be a Shion main" - Overwatch fans aren't happy about five new China-exclusive skins not coming to the rest of the world
Blizzard Entertainment has released new China-exclusive skins for Overwatch characters, including Shion and D.Mon, sparking widespread fan backlash. Players are unhappy that these highly-praised cosmetics are not available globally, a recurring issue attributed to the relationship with Chinese publisher NetEase. While some exclusive content has historically benefited Chinese players, the current situation has intensified feelings of prioritization and disappointment among the international player base.
Warhammer Survivors Is Launching Mere Days Before GTA 6, And I Respect The Audacity
Warhammer Survivors is set to launch on November 10 for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices, with a demo available now on Steam. The game adopts the 'Survivors-like' formula, featuring intense combat against Tyranid enemies, weapon evolution, and a large roster of characters and weapons. Its release date is notably close to Grand Theft Auto 6, a bold move that the article respects.
MMO Week in Review: Welcome back to Atreia
This week's MMO news roundup covers the official launch of Aion 2 in the West, the early access release of Monsters & Memories, and upcoming expansions for EverQuest and EverQuest II. Lord of the Rings Online's Wolves of Mordor expansion is set for an October 21st release, while World of Warcraft Forever teases new classes. The article also touches on layoffs at Elder Scrolls Online developer ZeniMax and discusses the current state of the MMORPG genre.
Ananta means "unlimited possibilities," and that includes being Spider-Man, Venom, or just yourself
Ananta, a new game from NetEase, offers a vast array of possibilities, allowing players to embody characters like Spider-Man or Venom, or simply explore its diverse environments. The preview highlights impressive traversal mechanics in a New York-inspired city, drawing comparisons to Insomniac's Spider-Man games, alongside more traditional RPG elements in a country town setting. The game is set to launch in January 2027 with a focus on player freedom and grounded fantasy elements.
'Xbox is not for sale,' CEO Asha Sharma says
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that the division is not for sale, despite ongoing struggles and rumors of restructuring or spin-offs. Sharma emphasized a commitment to finding the right partnerships and operating model for success, while acknowledging the need for industry disruption. The comments come after significant layoffs and studio closures within Xbox.
"NO GAME NO LIFE": Grasshopper Manufacture have leapt from the jaws of NetEase and gone indie again
Grasshopper Manufacture, the studio behind No More Heroes and Killer7, has regained its independence after splitting from NetEase, which acquired them in 2021. Founder Goichi "Suda51" Suda stated the move reflects a desire to "deliver titles in an even wider variety of styles." The studio plans to continue creating unique games with its signature flavor.
NetEase trademarks ‘Redline,’ a possible new MMORPG project
NetEase has filed a trademark for 'ECC: Redline,' suggesting a new MMORPG project. The trademark explicitly mentions multiplayer online computer games and MMORPGs. While no official announcement has been made, NetEase is known for its extensive work in the MMO genre, with titles like Once Human and the upcoming Ananta.
God Quarry Map Best Team Composition - Marvel Rivals
The God Quarry map in Marvel Rivals, added in Season 10, is a Domination map that favors dive and flanker compositions over traditional bunker strategies. While the objective area lacks choke points, the map's destructible elements can be used to surprise opponents. Recommended team compositions include Vanguards like Venom and Captain America, Duelists such as Daredevil and Black Panther, and Strategists like Jeff the Land Shark.
"It's sad and devastating" – Black Myth: Wukong's physical publisher is mourning the loss of PlayStation discs
PM Studios CEO Michael Yum expressed sadness and devastation over Sony's decision to end PlayStation disc production in January 2028, which significantly impacts physical publishers. Despite the shift to digital, PM Studios sees potential in the AA market and collectible physical releases, citing the success of titles like Black Myth: Wukong and Bluey's Quest For The Gold Pen.
Marvel Rivals Brings In Strict New Multiplayer Punishments
Marvel Rivals is implementing stricter penalties for toxic behavior and match throwing to foster a healthier community. The developers at NetEase are introducing a mass-ban policy for repeat offenders and separating penalties for Quick Match and Arcade modes. Players who disconnect due to genuine reasons can appeal bans through customer support.
The Blood of Dawnwalker Had a $40 Million Budget, Development Began in 2022
The Blood of Dawnwalker achieved one million sales on a $40 million budget, with development beginning in 2022. Game director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz funded the studio initially, with NetEase later providing the budget and acquiring a stake. The team grew significantly from 90 to 160 employees to accommodate the project's expansion, and Rebel Wolves is already planning for sequels and New Game Plus for the current title.
The Blood of Dawnwalker, one of the year's top RPGs, was made on a budget of $40 million much like Kingdom Come:…
The Blood of Dawnwalker, a new vampire RPG from Rebel Wolves led by Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, was developed with a $40 million budget funded by NetEase and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. The game has sold over 1 million copies and received an 84 on Metacritic, positioning it as a successful example of the growing AA games market.
Marvel Rivals breaks its 17 month streak of adding 2 heroes per season, but its creative director reassures fans…
Marvel Rivals is breaking its streak of adding two heroes per season, with Season 10 only introducing one new hero, Gorr the God Butcher. This change aims to improve game foundations, balance, and introduce new game modes. Creative director Guangyun Chen and combat director Zhiyong reassured fans that this is not a permanent shift, and the team is also implementing significant changes to the competitive ban system.
Marvel Rivals Season 10 Butchers Blasphemy - All Changes
Marvel Rivals Season 10, titled "Butcher's Blasphemy," introduces Gorr: The God Butcher as the sole new playable hero, a surprise to players expecting Nightcrawler. The season, launching September 11, also adds a new map called God Quarry and features cosmetic events like "Pajama Party" and new game modes in the "Path To Doomsday" events. A significant change includes a revised turn-based ban system for ranked matches starting at Gold 3.
