Detroit: Become Human developer Quantic Dream bought by China’s NetEase

Quantic Dream revealed Wednesday via a blog that it had been purchased by NetEase. Chinese internet firm, which in 2021 acquired Grasshopper Manufacture and invested in Destiny developer Bungie. In 2018, it also acquired a small stake in Quantic dream in 2019. Detroit: Become Human.

“We met NetEase about 4 years ago and offered to join us as a minority shareholder in January 2019,” Quantic Dream wrote in a statement. “During this time, we have learned a lot about each other. Our first collaboration was on large and small projects. We enjoyed our time together, and we discussed our industry and future plans. We discovered that we share the same desire to create bold, highly qualitative work that makes an impression.”

Quantic Dream will join NetEase Games, with NetEase becoming the studio’s parent company and sole shareholder. French publisher and game designer, best known for creating games like Heavy Rain, Beyond Two SoulsPlease see the following: Detroit: Become HumanSince 1992, the company had been operated as an autonomous entity. In 2020, these charges were dropped against the company that was roiled by workplace harassment allegations in 2018.

Quantic Dream had a long-standing publishing relationship with Sony Interactive Entertainment over several years. The partnership was ended in 2021 due to the success of Quantic Dream’s commercial venture. Detroit: Become HumanIt was announced that the studio will self-publish its future games. Quantic Dream states that the company, “[…] will still operate independently, maintain the ability to create and self-publish our video games on all platforms, and continue to support and publish titles developed by third parties.”

Quantic Dream has released the trailer for their upcoming new game. Star Wars: EclipseAt The Game Awards, December.

NetEase is also the publisher of Blizzard Entertainment’s games, including Diablo: The Immortal World of WarcraftIn China. Recently, the internet company made investment in new studios from Jeff Gardiner (ex-Bethesda Game Studios) and Charlie Staples (Obsidian Entertainment). They also recently hired Toshihiro Nagoshi, ex-Sega creator and Capcom producer Hiroyuki Kobayashi.