NetEase has formed a new studio with locations in Toronto, Ontario and Montreal, Quebec called Bad Brain Games. NetEase has tasked it will be developing a new open-world title inspired by “cult 1980s movies, mixing elements of adventure and horror.” The Canadian-based studio is populated by Ubisoft veterans involved in the Watch Dogs franchise, Far Cry 2, Driver: San Francisco, Child of Light, Just Dance, Army of Two, and Splinter Cell: Conviction and Blacklist.
According to the press release, Sean Crooks, studio head of Bad Brain Game Studios, gave a statement thanking NetEase for their support on the studio’s first massive project.
“We’re all passionate about creating memorable and meaningful experiences. NetEase Games has given us a warm welcome, with an abundance of support and creative freedom to allow us to do what we do best.” said Crooks. “Our first game is a passion project that gives us the opportunity to truly free our brains.”
Additionally Simon Zhu, president of global investments and partnerships for NetEase Games, also released a statement on the impact of Bad Brain Games potential impact for the company.
“…With this new studio, NetEase Games continues its commitment to nurturing top-tier talent in Canada and creating games that players love.” said Zhu. “Canada has a thriving gaming industry, and we’re excited to continue to be a part of it. We believe that our talented teams in Toronto, Montreal and beyond will create some of the most innovative and exciting games the industry has seen.”
Bad Brain Games is NetEase’s latest effort in expanding the company’s “commitment to the game development industry in Canada” according to NetEase. With this move, the company hopes to give Canadian game developers “the support they need to build high-quality interactive entertainment experiences for a global audience.”
Previously, NetEase acquired No More Heroes developer Grasshopper Studios and Heavy Rain and Detroit: Becoming Human’s studio Quantic Dream. Additionally, NetEase has also introduced Anchor Point Studios. a new internal studio based in Spain, and the United States.