Excitement surrounding Gang of Dragon, the first title from Nagoshi Studio, appears to be facing setbacks. A Bloomberg investigation reveals that the major Chinese firm NetEase plans to end its financial support for Nagoshi Studio beginning in May. The outlet verified this information through discussions with staff at the studio and an official from NetEase.
The analysis indicates that NetEase opted to withdraw its investment from Nagoshi Studio—established in 2021 by Toshihiro Nagoshi, the mind behind the Yakuza series—upon discovering the team required $44.4 million to finish the game. According to Bloomberg, the studio is actively searching for alternative investors but has yet to secure any. Additionally, the studio has the option to proceed independently, though it would need to compensate NetEase for retaining rights to the brand or related elements.
Nagoshi Studio has been developing Gang of Dragon since its inception, with wider exposure coming via a trailer unveiled at The Game Awards 2025. This action-adventure experience, located in Tokyo, features South Korean performer Ma Dong-Seok, recognized for roles in Train to Busan and Marvel's Eternals. Currently, Nagoshi Studio could become another victim of NetEase's strategic choices, similar to the closure of Ouka Studio by the company in 2024.