Control Lead Designer’s New Studio is Unaffected by NetEase’s Studio Closures

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Amidst rumors that NetEase could be reducing its foreign investment activities, Paul Ehreth, the CEO and creative director of Anchor Point Studios, has shared that the team remains undeterred in their progress and is continuing to work enthusiastically on their debut game.

On social media platform X, Ehreth discussed the recent news about NetEase and its international investments, plus the closure of numerous studios. He clarified that Anchor Point Studios has managed to stay unaffected by these studio closures. Furthermore, he described NetEase as an excellent collaborator.

Following the news about several studios shutting down, there’s been an outpouring of concern from friends and fans towards us. I wanted to clarify that Anchor Point Studios is unaffected by these closures and we’re continuing to work diligently on our game as usual.

In his extended post, Ehreth discusses the unstable condition of the current gaming market. Yet, remarkably, Anchor Point Studios continues to thrive, even listing multiple job vacancies for their upcoming game.

He expressed that NetEase has been an excellent collaborator for us, offering creative freedom and development assistance, and we eagerly anticipate working together to deliver an outstanding game in the future. Although the gaming industry might be experiencing turbulent times at present, our company is thriving, and we have vacant positions available for those seeking a secure environment. We invite you to join us on this journey – Through Hardships, To the Stars!

In 2023, Anchor Point Studios was established by experienced game developer Ehreth, who boasts a 20-year career in the gaming industry. Notably, he has contributed to hit games such as Control, Halo 4, and Halo 5: Guardians. Alongside Ehreth, Pete Torrents, another seasoned professional with credits on Halo, Ghost of Tsushima, The Division, and Red Dead Redemption 2, is part of the team at this new studio.

Based in both Barcelona, Spain, and Seattle, USA, Anchor Point Studios boasts two main studios. When the studio was initially established, Ehreth publicly acknowledged NetEase Games for granting the creative autonomy and resources required to construct a connected universe that would transcend games and impact other forms of media.

The first game produced by this studio remains unnamed as of now, but with the exceptional team they’ve assembled and the generous backing from NetEase, it’s highly anticipated that it could become a significant AAA title.

Earlier this month, it was reported that NetEase has begun to withdraw from certain international investments. This decision comes alongside the shuttering of an R&D studio focused on Marvel Rivals, as well as other investment pullbacks. Analysts attribute these moves to a combination of factors such as market uncertainty and escalating geopolitical issues.

NetEase has been firm in its commitment to its games, notably the hugely successful competitive shooter “Marvel Rivals”. Additionally, they are collaborating with various studios on numerous other projects, such as “FragPunk” and “Ananta”. To provide some background, NetEase also holds shares in firms like Devolver Digital, and owns studios directly, including Quantic Dreams and Grasshopper Manufacture.

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2025-02-25 14:41