Visions of Mana Development Reportedly Canceled by NetEase

NetEase has reportedly laid off most of the staff at Ouka Studios, the developer of recently launched RPG Visions of Mana, with plans to shut down the studio completely. This closure comes shortly after the game’s release, which received critical acclaim, scoring an 8/10. The decision reflects a larger trend among major Chinese companies, such as NetEase and Tencent, shifting focus away from Japanese game development due to misaligned visions and a market inclination towards domestic investments. This follows a series of layoffs and studio closures across the gaming industry, including companies like Microsoft and Sony.

The closure is mainly due to NetEase’s strategic shift away from a Japan-centric game development approach, coupled with internal restructuring in response to market conditions. The success of domestically developed titles has encouraged these companies to focus more locally, resulting in the layoffs at Ouka Studios shortly after their game launch.

Visions of Mana is an action RPG that combines classic gameplay mechanics with modern graphics and storytelling. Launched on August 29, 2024, the game features a rich narrative and engaging combat that has resonated well with players and critics alike. Despite its promising start, the studio's impending shutdown raises concerns about the future of ongoing support and content for the game.