Veteran Capcom Producer Hiroyuki Kobayashi Joins NetEase

Following 27 years of service, Hiroyuki Kobayashi has bid farewell to Capcom to take on a new role at NetEase Games. In a Twitter announcement, Kobayashi revealed that his departure from the renowned Resident Evil developer occurred on March 31, 2022. He expressed his enthusiasm for joining NetEase as a producer, stating, "I will strive to create even more captivating entertainment experiences for everyone in this new era.". Kobayashi's illustrious career at Capcom began in 1995 as a programmer on the original Resident Evil. He subsequently transitioned into production roles, contributing to iconic franchises such as Dino Crisis, Devil May Cry, and Dragon's Dogma. Although Kobayashi has not disclosed specific details about his upcoming projects at NetEase, he assured that more information will be shared in due course. This development comes amidst NetEase's recent collaborations with prominent Japanese game developers. The company has made notable investments, including the acquisition of Grasshopper Manufacture and the establishment of Nagoshi Studio, led by veteran Yakuza producer Toshihiro Nagoshi. Additionally, NetEase has expanded its global presence with the launch of US-based studios, Jackalope Games and Jar of Sparks, underscoring its commitment to growth and innovation in the gaming industry.