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Why It Matters

Independence gives Anchor Point creative freedom and access to new capital, while NetEase’s pullback signals a re‑orientation of Chinese publishers away from direct control of Western development.

Key Takeaways

• Anchor Point exits NetEase, becomes independent studio
• Studio seeks investors and new publishing partners
• NetEase’s gaming revenue rose 10.1% in 2025
• Western studio spin‑outs reflect NetEase’s strategic pivot
• CEO cites gratitude and continued project commitment

Pulse Analysis

NetEase’s recent financial disclosures reveal a healthy 6.9% revenue increase, driven largely by its gaming division, which grew 10.1% year‑over‑year. This profitability has enabled the Chinese giant to streamline its portfolio, shedding non‑core assets such as Western development houses. Anchor Point Studios joins a growing list of spin‑outs, including Bad Brain Game Studios and Fantastic Pixel Castle, illustrating a deliberate pivot toward focusing on domestic markets and high‑margin mobile titles while offloading the complexities of overseas studio management.

For Anchor Point, independence opens a pathway to secure venture funding and negotiate publishing deals on its own terms. Freed from NetEase’s corporate oversight, the studio can prioritize its creative vision for the upcoming action‑adventure project, potentially accelerating development cycles and tailoring gameplay to global audiences. However, the transition also introduces financial risk; the team must now demonstrate a viable business model to attract investors, manage cash flow, and retain talent without the safety net of a parent company’s resources.

The broader gaming industry is watching this trend closely. Chinese publishers have historically used Western studios to diversify content, but recent market pressures and regulatory environments are prompting a retreat. As more studios become independent, the ecosystem may see a surge in boutique collaborations, cross‑regional co‑development, and a richer pipeline of mid‑scale titles. This shift could benefit publishers seeking fresh IP while offering indie developers access to capital and distribution channels previously locked behind larger corporate structures.