NetEase Expands Global Presence with New Canadian Studio, Bad Brain Game Studios

NetEase continues its strategic expansion into Western markets with the establishment of Bad Brain Game Studios, its latest development house. Located in Toronto and Montreal, the studio will adopt a hybrid work model, combining office and remote work arrangements. Bad Brain Game Studios is currently working on a flagship franchise, kicking off with a narrative-driven, open-world action-adventure game powered by Unreal Engine 5, which draws creative inspiration from the distinctive aesthetic of 1980s cult movies. At the helm of the studio is Sean Crooks, a veteran producer who previously led projects at Ubisoft Toronto, including Driver: San Francisco and the Watch Dogs series. The team comprises experienced developers who have contributed to notable titles such as Far Cry 2, Just Dance, Army of Two, and several installments of the Splinter Cell series. This marks NetEase's second foray into Canada, following its acquisition of SkyBox Labs earlier this year. The launch of Bad Brain Game Studios is part of NetEase's broader initiative to establish a network of internal studios in the West, which includes recent openings like Anchor Point Studios, Spliced, Jar of Sparks, and the rebranded Jackalyptic Games.