Anchor Point Studios has officially gone independent from NetEase, with CEO Paul Ehreth confirming the move in a public statement. The action adventure studio, founded under the NetEase banner in 2023, is now operating on its own and actively seeking new investors to fund its debut project.
The announcement marks another shift in NetEase’s relationship with its Western studios, following a string of closures and spin-offs over the past year.
Anchor Point Confirms Split From NetEase
In a LinkedIn post, Anchor Point CEO Paul Ehreth described the transition as an “important milestone” for the studio.
He added that independence will allow the team to sharpen its creative focus and pursue partnerships that better align with its ambitions. According to Ehreth, the studio remains “deeply committed to the incredible game we’re building.”
Ehreth also expressed gratitude toward NetEase Games for its support, resources, and trust, saying that backing from the publisher helped Anchor Point assemble what he called a world-class team.
Who Is Anchor Point Studios?
Anchor Point Studios was unveiled by NetEase Games in April 2023 as part of its broader Western expansion strategy.
The studio is led by Paul Ehreth, previously lead designer on Control at Remedy Entertainment. He also worked on Alan Wake 2 and previously held a director role at Smilegate Barcelona.
Anchor Point operates out of Barcelona, Spain, with an additional office in Seattle, United States. When it launched, the studio outlined plans to hire up to 100 developers across Europe and North America to build action adventure titles for console and PC.
Its debut project has not yet been publicly revealed in detail, but it has consistently been described as an action adventure experience designed to push gameplay boundaries.
Seeking New Investors And Partners
Now operating independently, Anchor Point has begun conversations with prospective investors and partners to secure funding for its first game.
Ehreth made it clear the studio is open to discussions, even inviting people to reach out directly if they are interested in backing the project. While he did not disclose financial specifics, the message strongly signals that external funding will be crucial to maintaining momentum.
Game Developer reports that the future of the studio’s workforce remains uncertain as the team transitions into the independent space, though leadership remains in place.
NetEase’s Ongoing Western Retrenchment
Anchor Point’s departure comes amid a broader rollback of NetEase’s Western expansion.
Over the past year, the Chinese publisher has shuttered or severed ties with several Western studios, including Bad Brain Game Studios, T-Minus Zero Entertainment, and Fantastic Pixel Castle. Some studios have attempted to relaunch independently after separation.
This trend stands in contrast to NetEase’s financial performance. The company recently reported 2025 revenue of RMB 112.6 billion, up 6.9 percent year-on-year, with gaming revenue rising 10.1 percent to RMB 92.1 billion. Online games accounted for 97.3 percent of that segment’s revenue, driven by higher sales from titles such as Fantasy Westward Journey Online, Identity V, Where Winds Meet, and Marvel Rivals.
Despite those gains, its Western footprint has clearly shifted, with layoffs and restructures affecting multiple teams across North America and Europe.
What Happens Next For Anchor Point?
For now, Anchor Point Studios is positioning the move as a new chapter rather than a shutdown. Leadership remains intact, the core team is still in place, and development on its debut action adventure project is ongoing.
The next major update will likely revolve around funding, either through a new publishing partnership or direct investment. In a climate where even established studios are navigating uncertainty, Anchor Point’s future will depend heavily on securing the right backers to replace NetEase’s financial support.
For players, the key takeaway is simple. The studio isn’t closing, it’s going indie. Whether that independence leads to greater creative freedom or added financial pressure will become clearer once its first project steps into the spotlight.