In a surprising turn of events, NetEase Games has announced the closure of Bad Brain Game Studios, a Montreal-based game developer it established just two years ago. Studio head Sean Crooks revealed in a LinkedIn post that the studio will officially close its doors on November 17. This news comes as a shock to many, especially considering that the studio was in the process of developing an intriguing title code-named “The Midnight Riders,” which promised an 80s-themed action-adventure experience.

In a recent interview, Sucker Punch co-founder Brian Fleming emphasized the studio’s commitment to remaining a single-project developer after the release of Ghost of Yotei. This decision reflects a dedication to quality over quantity, as the studio believes that focusing on one project at a time allows for deeper iteration and creativity. Fleming noted that while there are many good ideas, the studio can only pursue the best one every five years, making each decision crucial.

The gaming community is buzzing with excitement and intrigue following the leak of a pre-release build for Sony Interactive Studios and Firewalk Studios’ ambitious project, Concord. This build, named FWChaos, reportedly dates back to November 14, 2023, a significant nine months prior to the game’s anticipated launch in August 2024. The authenticity of the build has been confirmed by VGC, raising questions about the game’s development and future. Upon loading the game, players are greeted with a login screen that cannot be bypassed.