Chinese tech giant NetEase has reduced financial support for several internal game studios as part of a broader business restructuring. Among the teams affected is Nagoshi Studio, the independent outfit led by Toshihiro Nagoshi, best known as the creator of the Yakuza series, according to reporting by Bloomberg.
Nagoshi Studio was established in 2021 and has been working on its first project, titled Gang of Dragon. The project was first announced to the public at The Game Awards in December 2025, and the studio has been developing the title since its founding.
NetEase plans to fully cease financing Nagoshi Studio starting March 9. Media reports indicate the decision stems from an estimated additional financing need of $44.4 million to complete the game's development. The studio is actively seeking outside investors to cover the gap, but so far no external company has committed to the project.
While pursuing potential partners, Nagoshi Studio is also in negotiations with NetEase to determine the fate of the already completed assets and materials for the game. The outcome of those talks will decide whether development can continue under new ownership or if the project will be wound down.