In a sudden announcement, anime studio 3Hz announced on both X and its website that it would be transferring its animation planning and production to A-1 Pictures. This comes as a shock, as 3Hz was currently in the middle of creating the highly anticipated second season for Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online.

While 3Hz’s message assures that Gun Gale Online’s staff has not changed, the studio had given no explanation or prior announcement for its transfer of creative control to the long-running veteran business. While not framed as a merger or a closure, having A-1 take the reins is all but an admission that 3Hz’s future will be as a support studio after over a decade of independence.

Surprise Transfer Marks An End Of An Era

3Hz was founded in 2013 by former staff from Studio Kinema Citrus. While its portfolio isn’t as prolific as others, it was still responsible for several popular anime, including The Devil is a Part-Timer!! from season two onwards, the spy series Princess Principal, and Gun Gale Online. The announcement so far has not made clear what will become of its original IPs, though it seems likely A-1 will own them by proxy.

Source: Anime News Network, 3Hz (X account, website)