Bad Brain Game Studios Closes Down Due to Partnership Issues

Canadian game development studio Bad Brain Game Studios, a subsidiary of NetEase, has announced that it will be ceasing operations. The studio was working on a project codenamed Midnight Riders but was unable to secure a new partner, resulting in its closure on November 17, 2025. In a statement, studio head Sean Crooks expressed his gratitude to NetEase Games for their support and acknowledged the team's hard work and dedication to the project. He also mentioned that the Midnight Riders project and its underlying IP are available for acquisition or partnership, and discussions with potential publishers or studios are welcome. Crooks thanked everyone who supported the studio throughout its journey, stating that the spirit of what they created will live on through the talented individuals who made it possible. Bad Brain Game Studios was formed by NetEase in 2023, comprising developers from Ubisoft Toronto, and was the company's second studio in Canada after acquiring SkyBox Labs. This closure marks the second NetEase subsidiary to shut down this week, following the announcement of Fantastic Pixel Castle's closure on the same day. Another NetEase studio, T-Minus Entertainment, was acquired by a group of veteran directors and founders after its closure in September, highlighting the challenges faced by the company's subsidiaries in securing funding and partnerships.