NetEase subsidiary Bad Brain Game Studios is shutting down on November 17, 2025.

The Canadian studio confirmed the news in a post on LinkedIn and explained it tried and failed to seek a new partner in a bid to keep the lights on.

Chinese conglomerate NetEase has severed ties with a number of its western studios this year, including T-Minus Zero Entertainment and Fantastic Pixel Castle.

In February, NetEase committed to supporting its overseas studios—but said some changes might be "necessary"—after Bloomberg reported the company had laid off hundreds of employees across its studio network. Despite those assurances, it has continued to scale down its network of internal studios.

"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," wrote Bad Brain on LinkedIn.

"Despite our continuing efforts to seek a new partner for the project, a path forward has yet to materialize. We are deeply grateful to NetEase Games for their support and for giving us runway to explore every possible opportunity."

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Bad Brain was established in 2023 and had been working on what it described as an "ambitious new franchise" under the leadership of former Ubisoft producer Sean Crooks.

The studio still hopes its debut project will see the light of day and has reminded investors that its game and underlying IP are available for acquisition.

"We [and] NetEase are open to discussions with publishers or studios who see potential in continuing its development. We believe strongly in what was created, and would love to see this world find its way to players," continues the LinkedIn post.

"To help support our people as they take their next steps, well also be releasing a sizzle reel from the project publicly, giving everyone the chance to showcase their incredible work and open doors to new opportunities."

Game Developer has reached out to NetEase for comment.