Kenji Ozawa, co-director of Visions of Mana, has announced the opening of his new studio, Studio Sasanqua, following the closure of Ouka Studio by NetEase last year. This move comes as Ozawa emphasizes the need for management accountability in the gaming industry.
Ozawa’s decision to establish his own studio stems from frustrations with management practices at previous companies. He criticized how poor management decisions often lead to developers losing their jobs, despite being the ones who execute projects.
At Studio Sasanqua, Ozawa aims to bridge the gap between developers and management. He intends to foster a collaborative environment where both parties share responsibilities. This approach is designed to enhance job security for developers, as Ozawa has committed to taking full responsibility for any failures attributed to management errors.
While the studio has not yet unveiled its first project, it plans to focus on developing smaller games using Unreal Engine. The long-term vision includes creating larger-scale titles for PC and consoles.
The closure of Ouka Studio was part of a broader trend, as NetEase has been downsizing its operations. Recently, the company laid off staff from its US-based Marvel Rivals team despite the game’s success. Reports indicate that NetEase is looking to divest from its non-Chinese studios, although it maintains a commitment to overseas operations.
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