NetEase Games studio Worlds Untold ‘pauses operations’ as it seeks new partner

Worlds Untold, a studio led by Mass Effect series writer Mac Walters and established in November 2023 as a NetEase Games subsidiary, has made the “difficult decision to pause operations” as it searches for a new partner, Walters said in a LinkedIn update. It was developing a near-future action adventure game set in a “breathtaking world filled with mystery and exploration.”

“It’s hard to find the right words for this, but I wanted to share that we’ve made the very difficult decision to pause operations at Worlds Untold while we search for a new partner to help bring our vision to life,” Walter said. “This was not a decision we made lightly—it’s been a deeply personal journey, and we’re all so proud of everything this team has built together.”

While this was not announced as an outright closure, the studio is currently focused on helping its team members connect with other companies to explore new opportunities.

Walters continued, “This is a heartbreaking moment for everyone involved, but I’m deeply grateful for the support of our partners, friends, and family, and for the time we’ve had together at Worlds Untold. While we’re pausing for now, this isn’t goodbye—there’s more to come, and we look forward to sharing the next chapter with you when the time is right.”