Star Wars Eclipse and Detroit: Become Human developer Quantic Dream has confirmed that it is safe from layoffs and project cancellations put into effect recently across NetEase-funded studios.
In a message on LinkedIn, Quantic Dream CEO Guillaume de Fondaumière says the studio is “unaffected” by the cuts, and that development on Quantic Dream’s ongoing projects continues “at full pace”, although he doesn’t provide updates for specific projects (sorry, Star Wars Eclipse hopefuls).
The CEO says that his studio “remains committed to the strategy outlined by David [Cage] and [de Fondaumière] in 2019”, when NetEase first acquired a minority stake in the studio. He says that NetEase’s acquisition of Quantic Dream in 2022 fit with the companies’ “shared vision for the future”.
To close his post, de Fondaumière points to Detroit: Become Human, which reached 11 million sales last year, “demonstrating the lasting appeal and quality of [the studio’s] titles”.
He ends by saying that Quantic Dream’s current projects are “progressing as planned” and that the studio is “fully committed to delivering and launching these innovative, high-quality titles in the future”.
For context, studios funded by NetEase have been suffering layoffs and project cancellations, as well as outright closures, in recent months. Developers like BioWare vet Mac Walters’ Worlds Untold and Just Cause creator Christofer Sundberg’s Liquid Swords have announced layoffs before even releasing their first games.
It’s not just studios yet to release their games or underperforming studios, either. In a shock move, NetEase also closed the Seattle studio responsible for developing global hit Marvel Rivals, laying off the studio’s entire staff contingent in the process.
Not all NetEase studios are being hit, though. Some, like The Blood of Dawnwalker developer Rebel Wolves, say that they’re also safe from NetEase’s cuts, although for how long is another matter entirely.
As for what’s next for Quantic Dream, the studio is currently working on narrative adventure Star Wars Eclipse, although the game doesn’t even have a tentative release window yet. Stay tuned for more.
