NetEase has officially closed the TiMi Montreal studio, a development hub behind notable titles like Pokémon Unite and Call of Duty: Mobile. The studio, founded in 2021 and led by former Assassin's Creed creative director Ashraf Ismail, struggled despite its potential. Employees expressed sorrow over the closure, citing the team's exceptional talent and camaraderie. This shutdown is part of a broader trend of NetEase closing Western studios while focusing on different strategies. TiMi Montreal's history of developing AAA open-world games and mobile titles makes this closure significant in the gaming landscape.
What led to the closure of TiMi Montreal?The closure of TiMi Montreal was part of a larger restructuring effort by NetEase, focusing on their priorities in game development. Despite the studio's talent and potential for creating notable games, it faced challenges in continuing its projects effectively. This decision reflects a trend of NetEase shutting down multiple Western studios amid shifting industry focuses.
NetEase's TiMi Studios has been known for creating successful mobile games, including Pokémon Unite, which has made waves in the gaming community despite the challenges within the mobile gaming sector. The studio's heritage was established from Jade Studio, indicating a strategic pivot in their approach to game development and a focus on specific genres and platforms.
Casey Loh
Casey Loh is a tech-savvy writer who specializes in the intersection of gaming and technology. With a background in computer science, Casey brings a technical lens to her reviews, breaking down the nuts and bolts of game engines, graphics, and AI innovation.
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Comments
Man, it's wild how quickly a studio with such promising talent can get axed, even after landing major IPs. Really makes you wonder about the long-term stability for devs in these big corporate shake-ups.
It's always tough to see talented studios get shuttered, especially when they've got a solid track record. This just highlights how volatile the industry can be, even for teams with big names attached.