{"id":28648,"date":"2026-03-12T05:03:05","date_gmt":"2026-03-12T05:03:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gaitgames.com\/?p=28648"},"modified":"2026-03-12T05:03:05","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T05:03:05","slug":"netease-withdraws-funding-from-yakuza-creator-toshihiro-nagoshis-studio-and-upcoming-game-gang-of-dragon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gaitgames.com\/?p=28648","title":{"rendered":"NetEase Withdraws Funding from Yakuza Creator Toshihiro Nagoshi’s Studio and Upcoming Game Gang of Dragon"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n**Gang of Dragon: Uncertain Future for Nagoshi Studio’s Debut Game**<\/p>\n

The gaming community is facing uncertainty regarding the future of “Gang of Dragon,” the debut title from Nagoshi Studio, founded by Toshihiro Nagoshi, the renowned creator of the Yakuza\/Like a Dragon series. Recent reports indicate that the game may not see the light of day due to funding issues.<\/p>\n

According to a report by Bloomberg, NetEase Inc., the company financing Nagoshi Studio, announced on March 6, 2026, that it would cease funding for “Gang of Dragon” starting in May. This decision aligns with a broader trend of financial cutbacks the tech giant has implemented across its gaming investments. NetEase has previously pulled funding from other projects, including the team behind the “Mass Effect” franchise, and has enacted significant job cuts in various studio operations over the years.<\/p>\n

The primary reason cited for the funding withdrawal is the estimated need for at least \u00a57 billion (approximately \u00a333 million) in additional resources to complete the game’s development. Nagoshi and his team are now seeking alternative funding sources. Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing with NetEase regarding the future of the assets developed so far. Reports suggest that while NetEase may allow the studio to continue development, they would have to bear the associated costs to retain any branding or intellectual property.<\/p>\n

Nagoshi Studio was established in 2021 when Nagoshi left Sega to embark on this new venture. “Gang of Dragon” was officially revealed during the previous Game Awards, although only a pre-rendered trailer was showcased at that time. Despite some in-game screenshots available on its Steam page, actual gameplay footage remains non-existent.<\/p>\n

If the funding situation does not improve, the potential closure of Nagoshi Studio looms large over fans and the gaming industry alike. The community holds its breath, hoping that another studio does not succumb to the challenges of financial backing and operational sustainability, marking a substantial loss for gaming innovation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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\nIt’s looking pretty likely that Gang of Dragon, the debut game from Yakuza\/Like a Dragon creator Toshihiro Nagoshi’s studio, won’t be coming out at all. According to a report from Bloomberg<\/a>, Nagoshi Studio employees were told by NetEase Inc. Friday, March 6th, that it would be pulling funding for the game from this coming May.\n<\/p>\n

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