GoKawiilToshihiro Nagoshi's studio dissolves, leaving Gang of Dragon unfinished
Nagoshi Studio, founded by Yakuza creator Toshihiro Nagoshi, was officially dissolved on October 31 following a shareholders meeting, according to a notice in Japan's official gazette Kanpo. The closure comes less than a year after the studio unveiled its debut game, Gang of Dragon, and after backer NetEase reportedly withdrew funding, per Bloomberg, leaving the project more than $44 million short of completion.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The shutdown suggests the studio was unable to secure replacement financing after NetEase's exit, leaving Gang of Dragon's future uncertain even though its Steam page remains active. It also marks a setback for Nagoshi, whose name had carried significant weight in the crime-drama game genre since Yakuza's success, and raises questions about whether the game's assets or IP could be picked up by another publisher.
- Nagoshi Studio was dissolved on October 31, per a shareholders meeting notice in Japan's Kanpo gazette.
- Backer NetEase reportedly pulled funding, leaving Gang of Dragon over $44 million short of completion, according to Bloomberg.
- The studio will now liquidate assets and settle liabilities, casting doubt on the game's release despite its still-live Steam page.
Like a Dragon: Yakuza series (PS5) — With Nagoshi Studio's next project now gone, there's no better time to revisit the franchise that made him famous. The Like a Dragon/Yakuza series offers the same gritty Kabukicho crime drama and over-the-top action that defined his career. A great way to appreciate his legacy while waiting to see what comes next for the genre.
See Like a Dragon: Yakuza series (PS5) on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: engadget.com — Jackson Chen, 2026-11-02
Published there as: “Nagoshi Studio, from the creator of the Yakuza series, officially shuts down”
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