The recent closure of NetEase’s Montreal-based Bad Brain Game Studios highlights a significant trend in the gaming industry: consolidation. As larger companies acquire or shut down smaller studios, the landscape of game development is rapidly changing. This move not only reflects the challenges faced by independent developers but also raises questions about the future of creativity and innovation in gaming. The decision to close Bad Brain Game Studios underscores the competitive pressures within the gaming sector, where financial viability often trumps artistic ambition.