Goichi Suda, better known as Suda51, just revealed why Grasshopper Manufacture is self-publishing Romeo is a Dead Man after two decades of working with external publishers. In an extensive interview with Video Games Chronicle published December 4, the legendary developer explained that self-publishing allows the studio to operate with true creative independence and make games exactly the way they want. Romeo is a Dead Man launches February 11, 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC, marking Grasshopper’s first self-published title since the studio was acquired by GungHo Online Entertainment in 2013. The decision represents a major strategic shift for the cult-favorite developer behind killer7, No More Heroes, and Shadows of the Damned.
Why Self-Publishing Matters
Suda explained that while Grasshopper has technically been an independent studio for years, they’ve always relied on publishers to fund and distribute their games. That relationship inevitably creates compromises and constraints on creative vision, even when publishers give developers significant freedom. By self-publishing Romeo is a Dead Man through NetEase Games, Grasshopper can maintain complete control over development, marketing, and release strategy without external interference or pressure to hit specific sales targets that might not align with the game’s actual potential.
The move also signals confidence in Grasshopper’s ability to handle publishing responsibilities that many smaller studios avoid due to cost and complexity. Marketing, distribution, localization, platform negotiations, and post-launch support all require resources and expertise that traditionally made publishers necessary partners. Suda’s decision to take on these challenges directly suggests Grasshopper has grown significantly in capability and ambition since the GungHo acquisition over a decade ago.
Romeo Is A Dead Man Details
Romeo is a Dead Man is described as Grasshopper’s bloodiest action game yet, combining third-person sci-fi action with ultraviolent multiversal bounty hunting. The game lets players switch seamlessly between melee combat reminiscent of No More Heroes and gun-based shooting similar to Shadows of the Damned. Set across multiple universes, the story follows bounty hunters tracking targets through reality-bending scenarios that showcase Suda’s signature surreal storytelling style.
This marks Grasshopper’s first game built on Unreal Engine 5, utilizing features like Nanite geometry and Lumen lighting that are new to the team. Suda acknowledged the technical challenges of working with the engine, particularly regarding potential Nintendo Switch 2 compatibility. The studio is currently testing whether Romeo is a Dead Man can run properly on Switch 2, as Nintendo platforms have historically been crucial launching pads for Grasshopper’s visibility and success. Suda emphasized that Nintendo platforms are really important to us and acted as a jumping board for us to really get into the industry, so the team definitely has no plans to ignore the Switch 2.
The Nintendo Question
Whether Romeo is a Dead Man comes to Switch 2 depends entirely on technical feasibility. Suda explained that since Grasshopper is using Unreal Engine 5, they need to make sure that we can find a way that the engine is going to play nicely with Switch 2, especially regarding advanced features like Nanite and Lumen that might have porting issues. The studio is actively testing compatibility but cannot commit to a Switch 2 version until they confirm the game runs acceptably on Nintendo’s hardware.
This caution makes sense given Unreal Engine 5’s reputation for being demanding on hardware. Many developers have struggled to optimize UE5 games even on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, leading to performance issues and bloated file sizes. Getting an Unreal Engine 5 title running smoothly on Switch 2, which will likely have less powerful hardware than Sony and Microsoft’s current consoles, represents a genuine technical challenge. However, Suda made clear that if they can solve the technical problems, Grasshopper would definitely like to bring Romeo to Switch 2 and certainly other games in the future as well.
What This Means for Grasshopper’s Future
Self-publishing Romeo is a Dead Man positions Grasshopper to potentially publish future titles independently as well, assuming the financial and logistical aspects work out successfully. This could give the studio far more control over their catalog and allow them to pursue riskier creative projects that traditional publishers might reject as too niche or experimental. Suda has never shied away from weird concepts, but self-publishing removes the last barrier between his vision and players.
The interview also revealed that Suda wants to bring back forgotten PS2 game Michigan: Report from Hell, hopefully sooner rather than later, showing the studio is thinking about their back catalog alongside new projects. Suda’s long-term plans suggest Grasshopper is positioning itself as a sustainable independent operation capable of creating, publishing, and supporting games without relying on external partners who might not understand or appreciate their deliberately strange approach to game design.
Hotel Barcelona and Other Projects
Before Romeo is a Dead Man launches, Grasshopper released Hotel Barcelona in collaboration with White Owls, a 2D roguelite action platformer that received mixed reviews for its janky but charming design. The game demonstrates Grasshopper’s willingness to experiment with different genres and collaborate with other independent studios like Swery’s White Owls. These partnerships and genre explorations suggest Suda isn’t content to endlessly remake No More Heroes but wants to push Grasshopper into new creative territories.
The studio also wrapped up the No More Heroes trilogy, allowing them to move forward with entirely new intellectual property rather than being locked into a single franchise. Suda previously stated that ending No More Heroes allows us to do something new, and Romeo is a Dead Man represents that fresh start. Whether self-publishing proves sustainable for Grasshopper long-term remains to be seen, but the confidence to try shows how much the studio has evolved since Suda founded it in 1998.
FAQs
Is Grasshopper Manufacture self-publishing Romeo is a Dead Man?
Yes. Romeo is a Dead Man is Grasshopper’s first self-published game in 20 years, with NetEase Games providing support. Suda51 stated this allows the studio to operate with complete creative independence without publisher constraints.
When does Romeo is a Dead Man release?
Romeo is a Dead Man launches February 11, 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC. A Nintendo Switch 2 version is being considered but hasn’t been confirmed yet due to technical challenges with Unreal Engine 5.
Will Romeo is a Dead Man come to Switch 2?
Maybe. Suda51 stated that Nintendo platforms are very important to Grasshopper, and they’re testing whether Unreal Engine 5 can run properly on Switch 2. If technically feasible, they would definitely like to bring Romeo to Switch 2.
What engine is Romeo is a Dead Man using?
Romeo is a Dead Man is Grasshopper’s first game built on Unreal Engine 5, utilizing features like Nanite geometry and Lumen lighting. The team is still learning the engine’s capabilities and limitations.
What kind of game is Romeo is a Dead Man?
Romeo is a Dead Man is described as Grasshopper’s bloodiest action game yet, combining third-person sci-fi action with ultraviolent multiversal bounty hunting. Players can switch between melee combat and gun-based shooting.
Why is Grasshopper self-publishing now?
Suda51 explained that self-publishing allows Grasshopper to operate with true creative independence and make games exactly how they want without publisher interference or pressure to meet external sales expectations.
What other games is Grasshopper working on?
Suda51 mentioned wanting to bring back forgotten PS2 game Michigan: Report from Hell, hopefully sooner rather than later. Grasshopper recently released Hotel Barcelona in collaboration with White Owls and has wrapped up the No More Heroes trilogy.
Conclusion
Suda51’s decision to self-publish Romeo is a Dead Man represents a defining moment for Grasshopper Manufacture. After decades of working with publishers like Marvelous, XSEED, and EA, the studio is finally operating with genuine independence that allows them to chase their weirdest creative impulses without compromise. Whether this gamble pays off financially remains uncertain, but it’s refreshing to see a legendary developer bet on themselves rather than playing it safe with established publishing relationships. Romeo is a Dead Man launching in February will be the first real test of whether Grasshopper can handle publishing responsibilities while maintaining the creative chaos that makes their games special. If it succeeds, we might see more cult-favorite developers following Suda’s lead and reclaiming control over their destinies.