NetEase Games has announced it has now set up its first game development studio in the United States.
Jackalope Games is based in Austin, Texas and will be led by industry veteran Jack Emmert.
Emmert has been involved in developing various games, MMORPGs in particular which include City of Heroes, Neverwinter, Star Trek Online, and DC Universe Online.
“NetEase Games is the best possible place for me and my team to thrive,” said Emmert.
“We share the same passion- to create engaging online universes for gamers worldwide. NetEase Games is providing the support and resources needed to build a great studio and great games.”
Similar to NetEase’s recent acquisition of Grasshopper and the creation of Nagoshi Studio, Jackalope Games will be developing games for consoles and PC, operate independently and be given creative autonomy in its game development and publishing work. Its first project will be entirely funded by NetEase Games.
Jackalope Games will also be hiring talent internationally, without the need to relocate thanks to the studio already embracing the virtual office (work-from-home) culture that is necessary during these times.
NetEase Games is continuing to build up its lineup of internal developers to make games for consoles and PC. The Chinese publisher has been operating mostly in the mobile market. Though they have published one non-mobile game recently, Naraka: Bladepoint.