Chinese conglomerate NetEase has parted ways with another internal studio based in the west.
Anchor Point Studios was unveiled by NetEase in April 2023, but studio CEO Paul Ehreth—who previously served as the lead designer on Control at Remedy—has explained the company is now transitioning to operate as an independent entity.
“This is a significant change for us, but one that we’re approaching with optimism, clarity, and excitement for what’s ahead,” he wrote in a post on LinkedIn.
“Now, as an independent studio, we have the opportunity to focus our vision even more sharply and pursue new partnerships that align with our creative ambitions. Our team remains motivated and deeply committed to the incredible game we’re building. The passion that brought us together is stronger than ever.”
Ehreth said Anchor Point has begun talks with prospective investors and partners in an effort to to secure financing for its debut project. He also thanked NetEase for enabling Anchor Point to assemble a “world class” team—although it’s now unclear what the future holds for those employees.
Anchor Point has offices in Seattle, United States, and Barcelona, Spain. The studio was founded to develop action-adventure titles for console and PC platforms. In 2023, Ehreth outlined plans to hire up to 100 people across Europe and North America to realize that vision.
NetEase has shuttered or severed ties with a number of western studios over the past year, including Bad Brain Game Studios, T-Minus Zero Entertainment, and Fantastic Pixel Castle.
That’s despite pledging to support its overseas studios in February 2025 after Bloomberg indicated the company had laid off hundreds of workers across its studio network.
At the time, Anchor Point issued a statement to alleviate concerns and explained it was “very much still growing” under the NetEase banner. Now, however, the studio must attempt to carve out a place for itself within the indie sphere.
NetEase, meanwhile, still appears to be laying off employees across the western hemisphere.
Game Developer has reached out to NetEase for comment.
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