What's Happening?
NetEase has announced the closure of its subsidiary, Bad Brain Game Studios, based in Canada. The studio, which was unable to secure a new partner for its ongoing project codenamed Midnight Riders, will
cease operations on November 17, 2025. Studio head Sean Crooks expressed gratitude to NetEase for their support and highlighted the team's efforts in pushing creative and technical boundaries. The project Midnight Riders and its underlying intellectual property are available for acquisition or partnership, with NetEase open to discussions with interested publishers or studios. Bad Brain Game Studios was formed in 2023 and included developers from Ubisoft Toronto. This closure follows the shuttering of another NetEase subsidiary, Fantastic Pixel Castle, which also faced challenges in securing funding for its MMORPG project.
Why It's Important?
The closure of Bad Brain Game Studios reflects the challenges faced by game developers in securing partnerships and funding for ambitious projects. This development impacts the Canadian gaming industry, as NetEase's decision to close two subsidiaries in the region may affect local employment and innovation. The availability of Midnight Riders for acquisition presents an opportunity for other studios or publishers to capitalize on the project's potential. The situation underscores the competitive nature of the gaming industry, where securing financial backing and partnerships is crucial for survival and success.
What's Next?
NetEase and Bad Brain Game Studios are open to discussions with potential partners interested in continuing the development of Midnight Riders. The closure of the studio may lead to job losses, but it also opens the possibility for other companies to acquire the project's intellectual property. The gaming community and industry stakeholders will be watching closely to see if any partnerships or acquisitions materialize, which could influence the future of the project and the careers of the affected developers.
