Earlier today, Chinese game publisher and internet firm NetEase has agreed to acquire Quantic Dream, the award-winning video game developer and publisher in charge of Detroit: Become Human, Beyond: Two Souls, and Heavy Rain. The deal is a follow-up to a previous minor investment NetEase made in Quantic Dream in 2019. Due to confidentiality matters, the purchase price was not disclosed.
With this deal, Quantic Dream will become NetEase’s first studio in Europe, representing an essential step in completing its vision to go global.
Co-CEO at Quantic Dream, David Cage, said in an exclusive email to GamesBeat, “We had acquisition discussions on several occasions during the past 25 years, but as none guaranteed our editorial independence, we decided to pass on these opportunities and continue as an independent studio. Our industry is undergoing a profound mutation through a wave of acquisitions of studios and publishers. This represents a paradigm shift for studios as our central position in the industry and contribution to the value chain is now more correctly valued. Consequently, in the recent past, we received several offers meeting our expectations.”
William Ding, CEO, and director of NetEase, stated: “We are thrilled to embark on an exciting new stage of growth with Quantic Dream, bound by our shared vision, mutual trust, and respect. NetEase will continue to fulfill our promise to support Quantic Dream to realize its full potential. By combining the wild creativity and exceptional narrative focus of Quantic Dream with NetEase’s powerful facilities, resources, and execution capabilities, we believe there are infinite possibilities that could redefine the interactive entertainment experience we provide for players worldwide.”
QUANTIC WILL CONTINUE TO CREATE UNIQUE GAMES LIKE BEFORE
Even though both companies would work together toward new projects, Quantic Dream will continue to operate independently. The studio will focus on creating and publishing its video games on all platforms, supporting and publishing third-party developed titles, and leveraging NetEase’s game development capabilities.
Quantic Dream has gained a reputation throughout the years for creating games with a strong narrative focus and nonlinear stories that reward players’ decisions. The studio is also known for its innovative use of motion capture to bring actors’ performances to life in new ways. Last year, the studio announced at The Game Awards that they would collaborate with Lucasfilm Games on the new action-adventure game Star Wars: Eclipse.
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