According to a recent Bloomberg report, which cites knowledgeable sources, NetEase Games has cut off “all but a handful of jobs” at its subsidiary studio Ouka Studios which notably developed the recently released title Visions of Mana. Additionally, the report also states that the company has been laying off staff members at the studio since Spring. The remaining staff will stay behind to manage the studio’s final games. “In supporting studios outside China, we craft our strategy based on our goal of providing better gaming experiences to local and global players,” a NetEase Games spokesperson said to Bloomberg. “[it is] thus always making necessary adjustments to reflect market conditions.” Lastly, according to the report, Tencent, another industry juggernaut, is reconsidering its investment in the Japanese game market and has significantly reduced the number of investments in new titles.
Visions of Mana details via the publisher:
A new adventure begins in Visions of Mana—the first mainline title in the Mana series in over 15 years! Immerse yourself in the vibrant graphics of this beautiful world, where the powers of nature blend with the elemental aspects of mana to create a rich tapestry of life. Journey through enchanting locations with near-seamless transitions in a semi-open field that’s yours to discover. Brace yourself for fast-paced, multi-dimensional actions in battle to enrich your fighting experience. Use the magic of the Elementals to explore this vast world to your heart’s content!
This is an action RPG that takes players on a new adventure with protagonist Val, a soul guard assigned to protect his friend, who has been chosen by the Faerie as the Alm of Fire to travel to the Tree of Mana and rejuvenate the mana flow.
Story
In Tianeea, the Fire Village, everyone is preparing to celebrate the coming of the Faerie and the naming of an “alm.” Every four years, alms from around the world are chosen to travel to the Tree of Mana and rejuvenate the flow of mana power. A soul guard is also chosen to ensure the alms’ safe pilgrimage. Val is one such guard.
On the day of the Faerie’s arrival, Val brings his childhood friend to the festival. As the sun falls beneath the skyline, all the spectators wait with bated breath, hoping to be chosen as an alm. The Faerie finally descends before Val’s friend, appointing her the Alm of Fire.
The villagers bid them both farewell, praying for their success as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime.
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Announced in a recent Steam post.
Announced on the official Twitter account.