Barcelona, Spain – NetEase, the Chinese gaming giant, is continuing a strategic shift in its international portfolio, granting independence to Anchor Point Studios. This move, announced February 16, 2026, marks the latest in a series of restructurings for NetEase, which has been spinning off or closing Western-based studios over the past year as it reassesses its global investments. The decision impacts the studio behind ambitious action-adventure titles and reflects a broader trend of Chinese tech companies recalibrating their international expansion strategies.
Anchor Point Studios, founded in 2022, is now actively seeking new investors and partners to support the development of its debut project. The studio, led by industry veteran Paul Ehreth, maintains offices in both Barcelona, Spain and Seattle, Washington, allowing it to tap into talent pools across Europe and North America. This transition to an independent entity follows the closure or spin-off of several other NetEase-backed studios, including Ouka Studios (known for Visions of Mana), NetEase Montréal, Bad Brain Game Studios, and Fantastic Pixel Castle. Mattel recently acquired full ownership of Mattel163, a joint venture with NetEase, further illustrating the company’s evolving strategy.
NetEase Restructures International Gaming Presence
The move to grant Anchor Point Studios independence comes as NetEase navigates a changing global landscape for gaming. The company initially launched Anchor Point Studios in April 2023 with the aim of bolstering its presence in the Western gaming market, according to reporting from GamesIndustry.biz. However, a period of restructuring has led to a significant reshaping of its international holdings. The company’s financial results for 2025 reported a 6.9% rise in overall revenue to RMB 112.6 billion ($16.1 billion), suggesting a strong overall performance despite the studio adjustments.
The decision to spin out Anchor Point Studios isn’t a reflection of the studio’s performance, but rather a strategic realignment within NetEase. Ehreth described the transition as an “important milestone” for the team in a LinkedIn post, expressing optimism and excitement for the future. “This is a significant change for us, but one that we’re approaching with optimism, clarity, and excitement for what’s ahead,” he wrote. The studio is now focused on securing financing that aligns with its creative ambitions, signaling a commitment to maintaining its vision for its upcoming game.
Paul Ehreth’s Vision for Anchor Point Studios
Paul Ehreth brings a wealth of experience to the helm of Anchor Point Studios. Before founding the studio, he held a leadership role at Smilegate Barcelona and served as lead designer at Remedy Entertainment, contributing to critically acclaimed titles like Alan Wake 2 and Control. His background in developing successful action-adventure games positions Anchor Point Studios to potentially make a significant impact on the gaming landscape. The studio’s dual-location strategy – with offices in Barcelona and Seattle – is designed to attract top talent from both European and North American markets.
The studio’s focus on action-adventure titles places it within a competitive, yet popular, genre. The success of games like Alan Wake 2 and Control, both of which Ehreth contributed to, demonstrates the potential for innovative and engaging experiences within this space. Anchor Point Studios’ ability to secure funding and attract skilled developers will be crucial to its success as an independent entity.
Recent Studio Restructuring at NetEase
NetEase’s recent moves reflect a broader trend of reassessment within the company. The closure of Ouka Studios, the team behind Visions of Mana, in 2024, was a particularly notable event. Gamer.no reported on the studio’s closure shortly after the game’s launch. Other studios affected by NetEase’s restructuring include NetEase Montréal, Bad Brain Game Studios, and Fantastic Pixel Castle. T-Minus Zero Entertainment, however, managed to navigate the cuts and has since grow an independent studio, demonstrating that not all studios faced complete closure.
The sale of Mattel163 to Mattel further underscores NetEase’s shift in focus. This joint venture, originally established to develop mobile games, is now fully owned by Mattel, signaling a move away from mobile gaming for NetEase. These changes suggest that NetEase is prioritizing core competencies and streamlining its international operations to maximize efficiency and profitability.
Impact on the Gaming Industry
NetEase’s restructuring has implications for the wider gaming industry. The closure of studios like Ouka Studios represents a loss of creative talent and potential game projects. However, the spin-off of studios like Anchor Point Studios could foster innovation and allow these teams to pursue their visions with greater independence. The success of these newly independent studios will depend on their ability to secure funding, attract talent, and deliver compelling gaming experiences.
The move also highlights the challenges faced by Chinese tech companies expanding into Western markets. Cultural differences, regulatory hurdles, and intense competition can all contribute to difficulties in establishing a strong foothold. NetEase’s restructuring suggests a more cautious and targeted approach to international expansion, focusing on areas where it has a clear competitive advantage.
Anchor Point Studios’ future remains uncertain, but the studio’s leadership and the talent within its ranks position it for potential success. The studio is currently engaged in conversations with prospective investors and partners, seeking to secure the resources needed to bring its debut project to fruition. The gaming community will be watching closely to see how this independent studio evolves and what innovative experiences it delivers.
The next step for Anchor Point Studios will be securing the necessary funding to continue development of its unannounced action-adventure title. Interested investors and partners are encouraged to reach out to the studio directly. Stay tuned to World Today Journal for further updates on Anchor Point Studios and NetEase’s evolving gaming strategy.
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