T-Minus Zero Entertainment has been closed by NetEase

NetEase has closed T-Minus Zero Entertainment, a studio located in Austin.

Rich Vogel, the studio head and co-founder of T-Minus Zero Entertainment, verified the closure to Game Developer shortly after he mentioned that the partnership between the studio and NetEase was concluding.

On August 26, 2025, Vogel used LinkedIn to announce the end of the collaboration with NetEase.

Vogel stated in his post, "Every journey has its twists and turns, and ours with NetEase is coming to an end."

He expressed gratitude to NetEase for their extensive support, which included the search for investors and the resources needed to transform their game concept into an engaging demo, which had drawn considerable interest.

Despite these efforts, securing necessary funding was unsuccessful due to prevailing market conditions, Vogel explained.

The establishment of T-Minus Zero Entertainment by NetEase took place in August 2023. The team, spearheaded by Vogel, included experienced developers from BioWare and Bethesda such as Mark Tucker, Jeff Dobson, and Scott Malone.

The team planned to release a third-person online multiplayer action game set in a new science fiction universe.

The studio aimed to craft expansive, engaging worlds for a global gaming audience, fostering dynamic and enthusiastic communities, Vogel remarked at the studio's start.

In a conversation with GamesIndustry.biz a month later, Vogel recognized the complexities of creating an online game in the current market.

He noted that the games-as-a-service model requires substantial initial investment for infrastructure and global operations prior to launch.

Vogel highlighted the risks involved in the entertainment sector, emphasizing the learning experiences gained during the game development journey.

In his LinkedIn message, Vogel acknowledged that the current economic environment might not be conducive to seeking investment but maintained confidence in the team's demo's ability to show the project's potential.

He took pride in the groundwork laid by the team.

NetEase, in a statement to Game Developer, confirmed they reached the "difficult decision" to discontinue the studio.

The company stated that, despite being inspired by the studio's vision, they had to reconsider their business priorities and are now assisting the team in exploring future possibilities.

GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to NetEase for further comments on the matter.