By Sagar V. Mankar 
NetEase Games reportedly shut down the official website of Ouka Studios, the developer of Visions of Mana. Based in Guangzhou and Tokyo, Ouka Studios’ website now displays a 404 error (page not found), leading to speculation that it might be the end of the studio. Bloomberg previously reported in August that NetEase planned to reduce its investment in Japanese game development and shut down Ouka Studios.
NetEase’s Console Game Vision Fell Apart
Founded in 2020, Ouka Studios was originally established in Guangzhou, China, before expanding to Japan. The studio’s goal was to create high-quality console games, adopting a mixed Japanese-Chinese team structure. However, this approach faced obstacles such as language barriers and inefficiencies in remote collaboration between the Guangzhou and Tokyo branches. These challenges likely impacted the studio’s overall productivity and project progress.
The studio was led by Tetsuya Akatsuka, a veteran game developer previously with Bandai Namco. According to Chinese media outlet IThome, Akatsuka has since removed references to Ouka Studios from his LinkedIn profile. Additionally, Yoshisuke Yoshida, the project director for Visions of Mana, resigned earlier this month. Yoshida announced that he would be joining Square Enix, as also reported by IThome.
NetEase’s Strategic Adjustment
Sources within NetEase told Chinese gaming media outlet Jinghe that the closure of Ouka Studios does not signify a withdrawal from the Japanese or international markets. Instead, it reflects a strategic adjustment. NetEase aims to focus on developing original games like Black Myth: Wukong, which can deliver multiple benefits such as increased sales, stronger commercial partnerships, cultural impact, and enhanced brand recognition.
Although NetEase has not issued an official statement, given the current trend of game studio closures and layoffs, it is unsurprising that another studio has ceased operations.
Sources: Bloomberg (August 2024 Report), IThome, Jinghe (Chinese gaming media)