New reporting from Bloomberg suggests that Gang of Dragon, the upcoming crime game from Nagoshi Studio, has run into serious financial trouble. According to the report, NetEase plans to stop funding the studio in May after internal estimates revealed the game would require at least ¥7 billion (around $44.4 million) more to finish development.
Bloomberg is also reporting that Toshihiro Nagoshi is currently attempting to secure new investors or publishing partners, though those efforts have not been successful so far.
Nagoshi Studio was founded by Toshihiro Nagoshi, the creator of the Yakuza series, now known as Like a Dragon. Nagoshi spent more than three decades at Sega and was the driving force behind Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the team responsible for building the Yakuza franchise into one of Sega’s most beloved properties.
In 2021, Nagoshi left Sega and formed Nagoshi Studio, bringing several veteran developers with him. The studio was backed by NetEase, with Gang of Dragon positioned as the team’s first major project since leaving Sega.
Fans of the Yakuza / Like a Dragon series have been looking forward to seeing what Nagoshi and his new studio could do outside of Sega, especially with a brand-new crime game. Personally, we can only hope Nagoshi Studio is able to find a new publisher, because it would be a shame to see a project like Gang of Dragon disappear before it ever gets the chance to release.
