NetEase Games has announced the launch of Bad Brain Game Studios, a new game developer located in Canada.

Bad Brain Game Studios is headquartered in Canada and has two separate offices in both Toronto, Ontario and Montreal, Quebec. The studio is led by veteran dev Sean Crooks and a team of fellow veteran devs that worked on Far Cry 2, Driver: San Francisco, Child of Light, Just Dance, Army of Two, and more.

The studio’s first project is an “ambitious new franchise” based on a “story-driven, action-adventure game” they describe as an “open world, multi-platform experience built with Unreal Engine 5,” with inspirations from “cult 1980s movies, mixing elements of adventure and horror.”

“I’m honored to be leading this talented team of developers in Canada,” said Sean Crooks, studio head of Bad Brain Game Studios. “We’re all passionate about creating memorable and meaningful experiences. NetEase Games has given us a warm welcome, with an abundance of support and creative freedom to allow us to do what we do best. Our first game is a passion project that gives us the opportunity to truly free our brains.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Bad Brain Game Studios into our family and enriching our presence in Canada,” said Simon Zhu, president of global investments and partnerships for NetEase Games. “With this new studio, NetEase Games continues its commitment to nurturing top-tier talent in Canada and creating games that players love. Canada has a thriving gaming industry, and we’re excited to continue to be a part of it. We believe that our talented teams in Toronto, Montreal and beyond will create some of the most innovative and exciting games the industry has seen.”

Here’s a teaser for the new developer:

Lastly, Bad Brain Game Studios are naturally hiring for a number of positions within the company – check that out over on their official site.