Nagoshi Studio has officially shut down, and its debut title, Gang of Dragon, appears to have been abandoned, months after publisher NetEase withdrew funding from the Yakuza-like project.
Toshihiro Nagoshi, often credited as the creator of the acclaimed Yakuza and Like A Dragon series, launched his new studio in 2021 and unveiled his next game under a familiar-sounding title nearly a year ago. The Tokyo-based developer has now closed its doors, as confirmed in the Japanese official gazette, Kanpo.
The news follows months after staff were told the studio’s future was in jeopardy due to NetEase’s funding cuts. Nagoshi Studio reportedly required another £33.1 million (around $44.4m at the time) to bring Gang of Dragon across the finish line — a sum NetEase reportedly declined to provide.
The China-based publisher of Marvel Rivals and Where Winds Meet has been significantly scaling back its international investments in recent years. Visions of Mana developer Ouka Studios was shut down shortly after launching its striking action game, Worlds Untold (a studio formed by Mass Effect veteran Mac Walters) had to pause operations to seek a new partner, and Halo Infinite lead Jerry Hook’s studio faced very similar issues last year.
Some developers have been a little luckier. Suda51’s Grasshopper Manufacture saved itself through a management buyout and now operates as an independent developer, among others.
Little is known about Gang of Dragon, but its debut trailer featured the violent crime and high drama expected from Nagoshi’s previous work. The game also starred Ma Dong-seok, the acclaimed actor known for films such as Train to Busan and Marvel’s Eternals.
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