NetEase Games, the gaming division of NetEase that develops the asymmetric competitive game "IdentityV: The Fifth Personality" and the battle royale game "KNIVES OUT," has announced the acquisition of Canadian game studio SkyBox Labs. NetEase Games is a global operator of video games. NetEase Games will provide SkyBox Labs with worldwide operational resources and a wide range of services, but the three co-founders will continue to operate SkyBox Labs independently.
NetEase Games Acquires SkyBox Labs
NetEase Games, the games division of NetEase, a leading Chinese Internet technology company, has acquired SkyBox Labs, a leading provider of games for smartphones, including "KNIVES OUT," "Life After," "IdentityV: The Fifth Personality and "Dead by Daylight Mobile," among other popular titles in Japan. In August 2022, the company acquired Quantic Dream, known for "Detroit: Become Human," and in December 2022, it announced a strategic investment in the game studio Rebel Wolves.
Canadian game studio SkyBox Labs
SkyBox Labs is a Canadian game studio founded by Shyang Kong, Derek MacNeil, and Steven Silvester. The company has been involved in...
- Halo 5: Guardians
- Halo 5: Forge
- Halo Infinite
- Minecraft BE for PS4
- Minecraft BE for Nintendo Switch
- Age of Empires II HD: The Forgotten
- Age of Empires II HD: The African Kingdoms
- Age of Empires II HD: The Rise of the Rajas
- Age of Empires: Definitive Edition
- GRANDIA II Anniversary Edition (Grandia II HD Remaster)
Shyang Kong, one of the co-founders of the company, has been involved in the development of many famous titles. One of the co-founders of the company, Mr. Shyang Kong, commented on the acquisition
PR TIMESOver the past 10 years, we have had the pleasure of working on such beloved games as "Halo Infinite," "Minecraft" and "Fallout 76. We look forward to continuing to grow our presence in Canada, supporting our existing and future partners, and collaborating on more AAA games for major game studios around the world. We have built a team of talented individuals who are passionate and creative. The addition of NetEase Games will allow us to expand our operations in Canada more quickly by enabling us to explore new development opportunities and benefit from NetEase's global operational resources and extensive service offerings.
commented.
We will continue to ensure smooth operations.
NetEase and NetEase Games have announced that they will focus on creating an environment that allows SkyBox Labs to grow as an independent game studio without any negative impact on game production. SkyBox Labs plans to hire additional new staff with the goal of continued business growth. NetEase and SkyBox Labs will also keep a close eye on the local Canadian community, commenting that they hope to support cultural events and other activities.
The announcement of the acquisition can be found on the official NetEase Games website (in English) and the official SkyBox Labs website ( in English).