NetEase Games has established Jackalope Games, their first American studio based in Austin, Texas.

Jackalope Games will make “new and exciting PC and console games as a first-party studio of NetEase Games.”

Industry veteran Jack Emmert (City of Heroes, Neverwinter, DC Universe Online, etc) is at the helm of Jackalope Games, so it’s possible their first game will be online-focused.

“NetEase Games is the best possible place for me and my team to thrive,” Emmert said in a press release. “We share the same passion– to create engaging online universes for gamers worldwide. NetEase Games is providing the support and resources needed to build a great studio and great games.”

Despite the fact that Jackalope Games is a wholly-owned Netease Games subsidiary, they will reportedly operated independently and have creative freedom with their game development and published.

The Jackalope is a mythical creature from North American folklore, and was also included in the fantastic 2000-released movie Scooby-Doo and the Alien Invaders.