Worlds Untold Studio Pauses Operations After Split with NetEase

[petergannort]

Worlds Untold, the AAA studio led by Mass Effect veteran Mac Walters, has announced a temporary halt to its operations following a split with publisher NetEase. Founded in 2023, the studio had set out to create a narrative-driven action-adventure game that departed from the RPG structure of the Mass Effect series.

Walters, who had spent nearly two decades at BioWare, played pivotal roles as the lead writer for Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3, as well as the creative director for Mass Effect: Andromeda. After leaving BioWare in 2023, Walters founded Worlds Untold with the goal of developing original IPs with strong narrative foundations, signaling his desire to move on from the Mass Effect franchise.

In a LinkedIn post, Walters described the studio's suspension as "very difficult," noting that establishing Worlds Untold was a deeply personal project. He emphasized that the pause is not permanent, and the studio plans to seek new partnerships to continue its work. The team at Worlds Untold was comprised of seasoned industry professionals, including Sotaro Tojima, Elizabeth Lehtonen, and Ramil Sunga, among others. While the studio is pausing its operations, Walters confirmed that all staff members are now exploring new opportunities.

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The reasons behind the split between NetEase and Worlds Untold have not been disclosed by either party. While the games industry has seen numerous studio closures and layoffs in recent years, NetEase has remained active in launching new studios, including BulletFarm, Fantastic Pixel Castle, and T-Minus Zero Entertainment since late 2023.

The exact cause of the breakdown in their relationship remains unclear—whether it was due to creative differences, the pressure of NetEase's expansion, or another factor. NetEase has had a history of complex partnerships amid its aggressive investment strategy.

Despite the setback, the gaming industry faces the loss of a promising studio led by a seasoned storytelling expert. While the future of the project is uncertain, it is hopeful that Worlds Untold will secure new financial backing to continue its ambitious vision.