NetEase reaffirms global studio commitment while defending structural cuts
Summary
NetEase confirms continued support for overseas studios amid reports of mass layoffs and project cancellations
CEO William Ding's strategic pivot toward a smaller portfolio of evergreen, mass-market titles is driving portfolio consolidation
Studios like Rebel Wolves and Anchor Point say they are unaffected, while Skybox Labs and Ouka Studios report layoffs
"Organizational structure changes aimed at improving performance are a necessary part of our ongoing growth"
01
Context - Bloomberg report triggers widespread concern across NetEase studios
Bloomberg reported NetEase laid off hundreds of workers across its global studio network and canceled multiple projects
CEO William Ding is reportedly pulling back international investments to focus on a smaller set of evergreen, mass-market titles
Eggy Party was cited as the type of title that fits the company's refocused strategic direction
NetEase has a wide international studio portfolio including Jar of Sparks, Ouka Studios, Bullet Farm, Worlds Untold, Skybox Labs, Rebel Wolves, and Anchor Point
02
NetEase response - "business evaluations" framed as standard commercial practice
A NetEase spokesperson confirmed that "business evaluations" have taken place across the portfolio
The company maintains its "two-pronged" approach combining self-research and investment to explore global markets is still active
Studios across North America, UK, Spain, France, and Japan are described as continuing to develop their ongoing projects
"As far as overseas business efforts are concerned, NetEase has not wavered in its global expansion plans"
03
Marvel Rivals - layoffs hit a top-performing title's development team
NetEase laid off multiple Marvel Rivals developers in the United States following an internal business evaluation
The decision came despite Marvel Rivals surpassing 40 million players within months of launch
The move signals that commercial performance alone does not shield teams from restructuring decisions
04
Studio-level impact - mixed signals across the portfolio
Skybox Labs and Ouka Studios have reportedly seen layoffs in recent months
Rebel Wolves and Anchor Point issued statements confirming they remain unaffected by the business pivot
NetEase states it is actively recruiting and nurturing talent across its global operations
05
Outlook - quality-focused strategy signals tighter portfolio management ahead
NetEase frames future studio support around "really high quality studios and master creators" per CEO Ding's earnings call remarks
The company signals ongoing evaluation of "progress, viability and potential for success" for all global teams and products
Further structural changes across the international portfolio remain likely as the consolidation strategy matures
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