Gang of Dragon developer Nagoshi Studio faces potential closure as NetEase moves to terminate funding. Find out what this means for the future of the project and Nagoshi Studio’s plan moving forward.
Gang of Dragon Developer Nagoshi Studio Faces Closure
NetEase Cuts Off Funding
Gang of Dragon, an upcoming RPG title by Nagoshi Studio, may never see the light of day as NetEase plans to halt its funding for the project. As reported by Bloomberg on March 7, the studio founded by Yakuza creator Toshihiro Nagoshi is at risk of closure as its parent company continues to scale back its global game development footprint.
According to a NetEase spokesperson, Nagoshi Studio staff were notified that all financial backing for the studio will cease this coming May. The project's budget reportedly drove the decision, as the Chinese company determined that Gang of Dragon requires an additional $44.4 million (¥7 billion) to complete development.
NetEase has expressed willingness to let the studio go independent, provided Nagoshi can secure the funds to pay off the existing development costs and branding for Gang of Dragon. While the specific details of the exit agreement remain undisclosed, Nagoshi Studio is reportedly scouting for a new partner to keep the project alive.
Nagoshi’s First Project Since Leaving RGG Studio
First revealed during The Game Awards 2025, Gang of Dragon marks Toshihiro Nagoshi’s first major project since his departure from Ryu Ga Gotoku (RGG) Studio in 2021. According to its Steam page, Gang of Dragon follows protagonist Shin Ji-seong, a high-ranking member of a Korean syndicate navigating the gritty streets of Shinjuku’s Kabukicho district.
The project premiered with a two-minute trailer starring renowned South Korean-American actor Ma Dong-seok, known for his standout roles in Train to Busan, The Outlaws, and Marvel’s Eternals.
Although the teaser only contained cinematic cutscenes from the game, it highlighted Gang of Dragon’s visceral combat and realistic character models, drawing immediate comparisons to Nagoshi’s previous work on the Yakuza series.
Since its reveal, fans have shared their excitement for this ambitious new title, especially those who are closely familiar with the Yakuza franchise. Unfortunately, recent news of the funding cut has made many wary of the game’s future. However, the community remains hopeful that Nagoshi Studio will find a way to save the project.
Gang of Dragon is currently being developed for PC via Steam. To stay up to date with the latest information about the game, check out our article below.
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NetEase to Stop Funding Nagoshi Studio as It Shrinks Gaming
Gang of Dragon Steam page
