Following reports that NetEase is reportedly winding down its international gaming investments and is “actively seeking buyers for its non-Asian studios,” NetEase-owned studio Rebel Wolves has issued a statement recalling that the Chinese company is only a minority shareholder.
Rebel Wolves’ Statement
Ownership and Financial Stability
In a statement on LinkedIn, Rebel Wolves’ chief publishing officer and co-owner Tomasz Tinz said he was aware of the “rumors,” but stressed that the studio is largely owned by its employees. The team is currently working on The Blood of Dawnwalker under the direction of The Witcher 3 director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, who is also a co-owner of the studio.
> “First of all, thank you for all the warm messages and wishes. Our game development is progressing steadily and we have no financial problems. The vast majority of Rebel Wolves shares are owned by Konrad Tomaszkiewicz and other studio co-owners who work at Rebel Wolves. NetEase is a minority shareholder.”
Development of The Blood of Dawnwalker
Fully Funded and Collaborative Efforts
Tintz also confirmed that The Blood of Dawnwalker’s development is “fully funded” and the studio is working with partners and publisher Bandai Namco to “bring the first chapter of the Dawnwalker saga to life”3.
NetEase’s Strategic Retreat
Job Cuts and Pauses
NetEase’s retreat began late last year with job cuts and/or “pauses” at studios for Worlds Untold, Jar of Sparks, and Liquid Sword2. Last week, the Chinese tech giant cut jobs at its U.S.-based Marvel Rivals development team despite the game’s massive success, saying the decision was made to “optimize development efficiency”2.
Global Expansion Plans
Mixed Signals
The company insists it is “not backing down on its global expansion plans,” though there are reports that the publisher is shedding “virtually all” of its overseas gaming operations due to rising costs2.
Conclusion
NetEase’s recent actions have created uncertainty within the gaming industry. While the company maintains that it is committed to its global expansion plans, the job cuts and strategic retreats suggest a more cautious approach. Rebel Wolves, however, remains confident in its financial stability and the development of The Blood of Dawnwalker.
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