Gree calls time on Western operations as focus shifts to Japan

Mobile and social game powerhouse Gree is closing down its headquarters in North America, Europe, and Australia to focus on its business in Japan.

The news follows reports that the company's Melbourne studio had been shuttered, and around 50 employees let go. 

In an official release, Gree explained that its overseas development model has been floundering of late, making it hard for the firm to recoup the costs required to maintain its headquarters in the West. 

In a separate statement handed to GamesIndustry.biz, the company clarified what that means by confirming its Melbourne, San Francisco, and Berlin offices will all be closed, with all employees being laid off. 

Moving forward, Gree plans to focus on developing games for its native market in Japan, before exporting its most popular titles to other countries. 

As for those games developed by Gree International Entertainment -- the official name of the company's Western subsidiary -- Gree says it will continue to operate them for the time being.

The firm has also pledged to continue supporting virtual reality startups in North America through its Gree VR investment fund.