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Yakuza Creator's Studio Officially Shuts Down After Backers Desert It
Polygon.com • • technology
Key Points:
- Nagoshi Studio, founded by Yakuza creator Toshihiro Nagoshi, has officially closed after its backer NetEase ceased funding due to high costs associated with completing the game Gang of Dragon.
- Gang of Dragon, a Yakuza-style crime drama starring Ma Dong-seok, was revealed at the 2025 Game Awards and was projected to require an additional 7 billion yen ($44 million) to finish.
- NetEase, amid a broader strategy of reducing its gaming portfolio and overseas investments since 2024, decided to cut funding for Nagoshi Studio, which failed to secure alternative financial support.
- Nagoshi Studio was established in 2022 by Nagoshi and former members of Sega's Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, known for the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series, marking the end of a project from a veteran developer with over 30 years at Sega.
