NetEase Games has announced the closure of Bad Brain Game Studios, marking the end of the relatively new developer’s operations less than two years after its formation. The studio confirmed in an official statement that its last day of operation will be November 17, 2025.
In a heartfelt message addressed to supporters, studio head Sean Crooks wrote, “It’s with a heavy heart that we share that Bad Brain Game Studios will be closing its doors. Our last official day of operation will be on November 17th.” He noted that despite continued efforts to secure a new partner for the studio’s ongoing project, “a path forward has yet to materialize.”
Founded in 2023 under the NetEase Games umbrella, Bad Brain Game Studios was based in both Toronto and Montreal, Canada. The studio brought together a team of industry veterans with experience on major franchises such as Watch Dogs, Far Cry, and Splinter Cell. Led by Crooks, the studio was developing an ambitious, story-driven open-world action-adventure game using Unreal Engine 5, blending adventure and horror themes inspired by cult films from the 1980s.
Crooks expressed deep gratitude toward NetEase for its backing and flexibility during the studio’s final months. “We are deeply grateful to NetEase Games for their support and for giving us runway to explore every possible opportunity,” he said. The team, he added, had worked tirelessly to push “creative and technical boundaries every day with passion, imagination, and craft.”
Although the closure means the studio’s debut project will not continue under its current form, the statement emphasized that the game and its intellectual property remain open for acquisition or partnership discussions. Crooks affirmed, “We believe strongly in what was created, and would love to see this world find its way to players.”
To support staff members affected by the shutdown, Bad Brain Game Studios has released a public sizzle reel showcasing the team’s work, allowing developers to present their contributions to prospective employers. Crooks encouraged interested companies to reach out, noting that the studio’s roster includes “world-class developers, artists, and storytellers.”
The announcement concludes on a reflective note, with Crooks extending appreciation to those who had supported the studio’s creative vision. “While this chapter is ending sooner than we had hoped, the spirit of what we created at Bad Brain will live on through the incredible people who made it possible.”
The closure of Bad Brain Game Studios represents a setback for NetEase’s expansion efforts in North America, though the publisher continues to invest in global game development initiatives. The fate of the studio’s unreleased project now rests on whether another developer or publisher chooses to continue its production.
