Nagoshi Studio, founded by the creator of the iconic Yakuza (Like a Dragon) franchise Toshihiro Nagoshi, has officially ceased to exist. Along with the company's closure, work on its debut project—the crime action game Gang of Dragon—has also been halted.
Loss of Funding from NetEase
Official confirmation of the Tokyo-based studio's liquidation appeared in the Japanese government gazette Kanpo. Trouble began for the team several months ago when Chinese publisher NetEase decided to scale back its investment in the project.
According to available information, the developers needed approximately another $44.4 million (around £33.1 million) to bring Gang of Dragon to release, but NetEase refused to allocate these funds.
Shift in Course for the Chinese Giant
Publisher NetEase, known for hits such as Marvel Rivals and Where Winds Meet, has recently been actively winding down international projects and downsizing overseas teams:
- Ouka Studios (developers of Visions of Mana) was closed almost immediately after the game's release;
- The studio Worlds Untold, led by Mass Effect veteran Mac Walters, was forced to pause operations while searching for a new partner;
- Similar funding issues also befell the studio of Jerry Hook (former lead on Halo Infinite).
The debut trailer for Gang of Dragon, showcased at The Game Awards, promised a deep crime drama in the style of Nagoshi's classic works, starring renowned South Korean actor Ma Dong-seok ("Train to Busan", "Eternals"). Unfortunately, due to the studio's closure, the game will no longer be released.
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