NetEase Games establishes Canada-based Bad Brain Game Studios

NetEase Games has announced the establishment of Bad Brain Game Studios, a new game studio headquartered in Canada, with offices in Toronto, Ontario, and Montreal, Quebec.

Bad Brain Game Studios is currently developing an “ambitious new franchise” based on a story-driven, action adventure game and inspired by cult 1980s movies, mixing elements of adventure and horror. It will be open-world, available on multiple platforms, and built in Unreal Engine 5.

The studio is led by Sean Crooks, who previously worked on the Watch Dogs franchise and Driver: San Francisco. He is joined by a team of veteran developers who have worked on Far Cry 2, Child of Light, Just Dance, Army of Two, Splinter Cell: Conviction, and Splinter Cell: Blacklist, and more.

“I’m honored to be leading this talented team of developers in Canada,” said Bad Brain Game Studios studio head Sean Crooks in a press release. “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.”

Bad Brain Game Studios is currently recruiting across a variety of roles and offers a hybrid work environment. Visit the official website here.

Watch the studio introduction video below.

Studio Introduction