Nagoshi Studio, founded by Yakuza creator Toshihiro Nagoshi, has officially closed its doors, leaving the future of its upcoming game GANG OF DRAGON uncertain.
Nagoshi Studio, the Tokyo-based developer founded by Yakuza creator Toshihiro Nagoshi, has officially shut down following reports earlier this year that parent company NetEase Games was withdrawing financial support.
According to a notice published in Japan’s official government gazette, Kanpo, the studio was formally dissolved through a shareholders’ resolution on October 31, 2026.
Established in November 2021 under NetEase Games, Nagoshi Studio was formed after the longtime SEGA veteran departed the company, where he had played a major role in creating the Yakuza franchise, now known as Like a Dragon.
The studio’s first project, GANG OF DRAGON, was officially announced in December 2025. Set in Tokyo’s Kabukicho entertainment district, the action-adventure game was set to star Korean actor Ma Dong-seok, also known as Don Lee.
However, the studio’s future became uncertain in March 2026 when Bloomberg reported that NetEase planned to end its funding in May. The developer was reportedly given the opportunity to become independent, provided it could secure the necessary financing.
With the studio now officially dissolved, the future of GANG OF DRAGON remains unclear. No announcement has been made regarding whether development will continue under another studio or publisher.
The closure marks an unfortunate end for Nagoshi Studio, which was established with the ambition of creating new experiences under one of the Japanese gaming industry’s most recognisable creators.
Neither NetEase Games nor Toshihiro Nagoshi has provided further details regarding the future of GANG OF DRAGON at the time of reporting.
Leave a Reply