- Toshihiro Nagoshi's studio has officially shut down, ending the development of Gang of Dragon.
- This closure follows other signals that NetEase is looking to divest from gaming outside its Chinese studios, including a recent closure just months after a launch.
Toshihiro Nagoshi's game studio has officially dissolved, marking the end of development for its projects, including the anticipated title from the creator of the Yakuza series. Shareholders made the decision on October 31, as reported in a Japanese government notice.
The closure follows NetEase Games cutting funding to Nagoshi Studio, which had been established in November 2021 with support from the Chinese gaming giant. Reports indicated that Nagoshi sought independent funding after the cut but was unable to secure the necessary financial backing.2
This dissolution is part of a broader trend, as NetEase appears to be divesting from non-Chinese gaming ventures. Just over a month ago, the company made headlines for similar actions, indicating a strategic shift in its investment focus.
The end of Nagoshi Studio not only signifies a loss for fans of the Yakuza franchise but also highlights the challenges faced by developers in securing funding in a rapidly changing gaming landscape.
“The studio's closure comes after NetEase has shown signs of pulling back from gaming outside its Chinese operations, including another shutdown just over a month after a launch. This suggests a broader strategic shift for the company in its international gaming ventures.”
Game Informer
