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Nagoshi Studio dissolved after NetEase withdrew funding for Gang of Dragon
Developing story first seen 2 hours ago
New coverage confirms Nagoshi Studio was dissolved on 31 October, leaving the future of its first game, Gang of Dragon, uncertain. The closure follows the withdrawal of funding by NetEase, the studio’s backer.
Founded by Yakuza creator Toshihiro Nagoshi, the studio announced Gang of Dragon less than a year ago and released its first trailer in December 2025. The game is set in Tokyo’s Kabukicho district and features protagonist Shin Ji-Seong; reports said it needed more than $44 million to reach completion. The company will liquidate its assets and settle its liabilities, while the game’s Steam page remains live.
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In short
- Nagoshi Studio was dissolved on 31 October.
- NetEase withdrew funding for Gang of Dragon.
- The game reportedly needed over $44 million to finish.
How this story developed
- 53 minutes ago Japan’s official gazette confirmed the closure followed a shareholders’ meeting; the game’s completion was reported to require more than $44 million, while its Steam page remained live.
- 1 hour ago Reports said Nagoshi Studio was dissolved on 31 October after backer NetEase withdrew funding, putting its first game, Gang of Dragon, in doubt as the company prepares to liquidate its assets and settle its liabilities.
Explained simply
Toshihiro Nagoshi is a Japanese game designer best known for creating the Yakuza series, which follows characters in crime settings inspired by real Japanese districts. After leaving Sega, where he led the series, he founded Nagoshi Studio to make new games.
Gang of Dragon was announced as the studio’s first game. Set in Tokyo’s Kabukicho district, it was to feature Shin Ji-Seong, a Korean crime syndicate figure. The studio’s closure leaves the project’s future unclear, and its reported funding needs help explain why the withdrawal of its main backer matters.
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Originally published by Engadget as “Nagoshi Studio, from the creator of the Yakuza series, officially shuts down”.