NetEase looking to test the water in console gaming via new projects from its Sakura Studio.
NetEase is long known for its mobile games. Games like Identity V, Onmyoji, MARVEL Super War have accumulated millions of players for the company. Today, NetEase Games announced its plan to publish three action games for consoles, the first attempt at the console action games market for the company.
The first game will be a single-player RPG in which player's character will grow through gameplay. Developers on the game has already eyed for potential expansion to the game in the future. The second game is likely to be a fighting game under the genre new-style battle. Lastly, the third game will be a "super-large, completely new action game" according to its developers. This game is currently in its prototype stage. NetEase is looking to create an original IP and a new game system through this game.
These projects were announced by NetEase's Sakura Studio, led by Toshihiro Nagoshi. NetEase has been laying out its plan to expand in the gaming industry for some time now. The company has invested in Western companies, such as Bungie, Behaviour Interactive, and Quantic Dream; they have acquired Suda's Grasshopper Manufacture.