Grasshopper Manufacture Celebrates 25 Years of Innovation and Perseverance

As Grasshopper Manufacture marks its 25th anniversary, CEO Goichi 'Suda 51' Suda affirms that the studio's guiding philosophy, 'Punk's not dead,' remains a vital force, driving its commitment to creating games that provoke and inspire. The studio's name, inspired by the song 'Grasshopper' by Ride, serves as a reminder of the relentless energy and adaptability required in game development. Grasshopper's breakthrough came with the 2005 release of Killer 7, which gained international recognition thanks to a publishing deal with Capcom. Suda recounts how his experience at E3 sparked his interest in the global market, and the success of Killer 7 opened doors to new opportunities. The studio's early titles, such as The Silver Case, explored complex narratives that incorporated politics, not as a deliberate statement, but as a means to flesh out characters and stories. Suda emphasizes the importance of creating robust backgrounds and settings to bring characters to life. The studio is perhaps best known for the No More Heroes series, which has become a flagship franchise, spanning multiple platforms and games. Suda reflects on the challenges of game development, including the emotional toll of canceled projects and the financial realities of the industry. Despite these hurdles, Grasshopper has persevered, and its most successful titles, No More Heroes and The Silver Case, continue to generate revenue. Suda acknowledges the difficulties of navigating the industry, particularly during times of significant change, such as the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in 2011, which led to a period of transition for the studio. In 2013, Grasshopper was acquired by GungHo Online Entertainment, but by 2018, it had separated from the company and begun a new chapter as an independent developer. The studio has since developed and released Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes and is currently working on a new IP with a 53-person team. Suda emphasizes the importance of fostering a welcoming and healthy work culture, encouraging open communication, and avoiding overtime. He attributes the studio's longevity to its distinctive approach and commitment to creating games that reflect its unique perspective, even if that means not everyone will appreciate their work.