Nagoshi Studio Shuts Down, Gang of Dragon Project Canceled
- Nagoshi Studio has officially closed, marking the end of its debut game, Gang of Dragon.
- The closure follows funding withdrawal by publisher NetEase, which left the studio in financial jeopardy.
- Toshihiro Nagoshi, known for the Yakuza series, established the studio in 2021.
Nagoshi Studio has officially ceased operations, leading to the apparent cancellation of its first game, Gang of Dragon. This development follows the withdrawal of funding by publisher NetEase from this Yakuza-like project.
Toshihiro Nagoshi, noted as the creator of the renowned Yakuza and Like A Dragon series, founded Nagoshi Studio in 2021. Almost a year ago, he announced Gang of Dragon, but the Tokyo-based studio has now shut down, a fact confirmed in the Japanese government gazette Kanpo.
This closure comes months after employees were informed that the studio’s future was jeopardized due to funding cuts from NetEase. Reports suggest Nagoshi Studio required an additional £33.1 million (approximately $44.4 million at the time) to complete Gang of Dragon, a sum that NetEase was reportedly unwilling to provide.
NetEase, the publisher of other projects like Marvel Rivals and Where Winds Meet, has been notably reducing its international investments over the last several years. The company has shut down various studios, including the Visions of Mana developer Ouka Studios, which closed shortly after releasing its game, and another studio formed by Mass Effect veteran Mac Walters that paused operations in search of new partnerships.
In contrast, some developers have found success; for instance, Suda51’s Grasshopper Manufacture managed to secure itself through a management buyout and now functions as an independent developer.
Details surrounding Gang of Dragon remain sparse, but its debut trailer showcased themes of violent crime and intense drama typical of Nagoshi’s previous works. Notably, the game featured Ma Dong-seok, an acclaimed actor known for his roles in films such as Train to Busan and Marvel’s Eternals.
News Courtesy of Eurogamer
