In a bold move that’s shaking up the gaming industry, Anchor Point Studios is breaking free from NetEase to chart its own course as an independent developer. This isn’t just a corporate reshuffle—it’s a story of creative ambition, gratitude, and the pursuit of something truly special. But here’s where it gets controversial: as NetEase continues to spin out or shutter Western studios, what does this say about the future of these partnerships? And this is the part most people miss: could this trend signal a broader shift in how global gaming giants operate?
Anchor Point Studios, founded in 2023 under the NetEase umbrella, has been making waves with its focus on action-adventure titles for consoles and PCs. Led by industry veteran Paul Ehreth—whose resume includes stints at Smilegate Barcelona and Remedy, where he worked on Alan Wake 2 and Control—the studio operates from Barcelona, Spain, with an additional office in Seattle, USA. Ehreth recently announced on LinkedIn that the studio is transitioning to independence, calling it an “important milestone” fueled by optimism and excitement for the future. Game Developer highlighted this shift, emphasizing the studio’s renewed focus on sharpening its vision and pursuing partnerships that align with its creative goals.
But what does independence really mean for Anchor Point? Ehreth explains, “As an independent studio, we have the opportunity to focus our vision even more sharply and pursue new partnerships that align with our creative ambitions.” The team remains deeply committed to their current project, with Ehreth noting that the passion driving them is stronger than ever. The studio is now actively seeking investors and partners who share their vision for the future. Yet, this raises a thought-provoking question: In an industry dominated by giants, can smaller independent studios truly thrive, or will they always be at the mercy of larger publishers?
Ehreth didn’t forget to express his gratitude to NetEase, acknowledging the support, resources, and trust that allowed Anchor Point to build a world-class team and explore bold creative ideas. “We’re proud of everything we’ve accomplished together,” he said. This sentiment is a rare glimpse into the often-complex relationships between studios and their parent companies. But it also begs the question: If NetEase’s backing was so instrumental, why are so many of its Western studios spinning out or shutting down?
Anchor Point’s move is just the latest in a series of similar actions by NetEase. In recent years, the company has spun out or closed several Western studios, including Bad Brain Game Studios, NetEase Montreal, T-Minus Zero, and Fantastic Pixel Castle. It also sold mobile studio Mattel163 to Mattel. These moves come as NetEase reported a 6.9% rise in overall revenue to RMB 112.6 billion ($16.1 billion) in 2025, with its gaming segment growing 10.1% to RMB 92.1 billion ($13.2 billion). Online games, led by titles like Fantasy Westward Journey Online and Marvel Rivals, accounted for 97.3% of the segment’s revenue.
As Anchor Point Studios embarks on its independent journey, the gaming community is left to ponder the implications. Is this a sign of creative liberation, or a symptom of larger industry challenges? What do you think? Is independence the key to innovation, or are studios better off under the safety net of a giant like NetEase? Share your thoughts in the comments—this conversation is far from over.
