Chinese giant NetEase is opening Bad Brain Game Studios, a brand new developer based in Canada.
The venture is split between Toronto, Ontario and Montreal, Quebec, and is working on a new open world narrative-based action adventure title built on Unreal Engine 5. Said project is inspired by cult 80s movies.
Bad Brain is headed up by Ubisoft veteran Sean Crooks. He has worked on the likes of Watch Dogs 2, Driver: San Francisco and the Just Dance franchise. Crooks is heading up a team that has worked on projects including Far Cry 2, Child of Light and Army of Two.
“I’m honoured to be leading this talented team of developers in Canada,” Crooks said.
“We’re all passionate about creating memorable and meaningful experiences. NetEase Games has given us a warm welcome, with an abundance of support and creative freedom to allow us to do what we do best. Our first game is a passion project that gives us the opportunity to truly free our brains.”
NetEase Games’ president of global investments and partnerships Simon Zhu added: “We’re thrilled to welcome Bad Brain Game Studios into our family and enriching our presence in Canada. With this new studio, NetEase Games continues its commitment to nurturing top-tier talent in Canada and creating games that players love. Canada has a thriving gaming industry, and we’re excited to continue to be a part of it. We believe that our talented teams in Toronto, Montreal and beyond will create some of the most innovative and exciting games the industry has seen.”
