Anchor Point Studios plans to separate from NetEase and become an independent entity

Anchor Point Studios has separated from its previous parent organization, NetEase.

Originally initiated by NetEase in 2023, Anchor Point Studios is led by industry veteran Paul Ehreth. He has previously served as director for Smilegate Barcelona and lead designer at Remedy on projects like Alan Wake 2 and Control. The studio, with its main location in Barcelona, Spain, and another in Seattle, USA, focuses on producing action-adventure games for both console and PC platforms.

Ehreth has recently disclosed that the studio is hitting a "milestone" as it transitions to becoming an independent entity. He shared, "This is a significant change for us, but one that we’re approaching with optimism, clarity, and excitement for what’s ahead," on LinkedIn, citing Game Developer as a source.

As a newly independent company, they now aim to refine their focus and seek new collaborations that resonate with their creative goals. The team is highly driven and committed to their current game project. Ehreth added that the founding passion is at its strongest.

The studio is starting talks with potential investors and allies who align with their vision for the future.

Ehreth expressed his "sincere gratitude" to NetEase, acknowledging their "support, resources, and trust" which facilitated the creation of a top-tier team and the exploration of daring creative concepts.

This development is part of a broader trend with NetEase, which has been spinning off or closing various Western studios. This includes entities like Bad Brain Game Studios, NetEase Montreal, T-Minus Zero, and Fantastic Pixel Castle. They also sold the mobile studio Mattel163 to Mattel.

NetEase's 2025 financial results show a 6.9% increase in total revenue, achieving RMB 112.6 billion ($16.1 billion). Its gaming division reported revenue of RMB 92.1 billion ($13.2 billion), up 10.1% from RMB 83.6 billion ($12.1 billion) in 2024. Online games accounted for 97.3% of the segment's revenue, largely due to increased sales from titles like Fantasy Westward Journey Online, Identity V, Where Winds Meet, and Marvel Rivals.