Featured Image Credit: The Pokemon Company/NetEase
In a shocking discovery that has leaked out from impacted developers, it has been discovered that NetEase has shuttered TiMi Montréal, the studio behind beloved games like Pokémon Unite.
The abrupt shuttering of game studios has become a common occurrence in the past year, and Chinese companies like NetEase have closed several Western-based operations with little explanation.
The shutdown of TiMi leaves the future of multiple titles uncertain, including Pokémon Unite, Call of Duty: Mobile, and Honor of Kings. Currently, NetEase has yet to make a statement addressing the closure of TiMi, but those impacted by the decision have come forward to confirm that it has happened.
As reported by Eurogamer, it appears that TiMi Montréal was closed on February 20, 2026. At this time, NetEase has made no statement, but former employees have taken to LinkedIn to comment about and confirm the closure.
NetEase closed TiMi Montréal on Feb 20.
— playswave (@playswave_com) February 22, 2026
Developers say they’d seen the shutdown coming but are “heartbroken.” The five‑year studio — once led by Ashraf Ismail and behind Jade‑inherited projects and mobile tie‑ins like Pokémon Unite — is the latest Western studio cut by NetEase.… pic.twitter.com/ALkCxmHHYi
In a statement from a Senior Gameplay Programmer on LinkedIn, the developer has stated, “Today, TiMi Montreal is officially closing its doors. While we had been aware this was coming for some time, it doesn't make the reality any easier.”
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Others impacted by the closure have responded in the comments, expressing upset and heartbreak over the situation. Many specifically mentioned that there was work that had yet to be shared with the world that will now be lost forever.
For many gamers, there is largescale concern over the future of games like Pokémon Unite, which currently has a world league tied to the Pokémon Championship Circuit. The lack of announcements has left many uneasy, with Unite players speculating that the game may be shut down despite its popularity.
Hopefully, more information will be offered by NetEase in the coming days. Until then, fans of the impacted games and the shuttered studio will want to keep an eye on updates from NetEase or the official websites for the games that have been affected.
