"According to a Bloomberg report, Chinese tech giant NetEase is going to stop financing Nagoshi Studio starting in May. Bloomberg confirmed the news with the studio's employees and a NetEase spokesperson. The report explained that NetEase decided to cut funding to Nagoshi Studio, which was founded in 2021 by Yakuza franchise creator Toshihiro Nagoshi, after finding out the studio needed $44.4 million to complete the project."
"Bloomberg reported that Nagoshi Studio is trying to find new sponsors but hasn't had any success so far. The report also added that the studio can continue the project on its own, but would be responsible for paying NetEase for any associated costs to hold onto the brand or assets."
"The action-adventure game set in Tokyo would star Ma Dong-Seok, a South Korean actor who starred in Train to Busan and Marvel's Eternals. As of now, Nagoshi Studio might be at risk of joining other casualties stemming from NetEase's executive decisions, like when the tech giant decided to shut down Ouka Studio in 2024."
Nagoshi Studio, founded by Yakuza franchise creator Toshihiro Nagoshi in 2021, faces potential shutdown as NetEase withdraws financial support starting in May. The tech giant decided to cut funding after discovering the studio requires $44.4 million to complete Gang of Dragon, an action-adventure game set in Tokyo starring South Korean actor Ma Dong-Seok. The studio is actively seeking alternative sponsors without success. While Nagoshi Studio can continue independently, it must pay NetEase for brand and asset retention costs. Gang of Dragon was showcased at The Game Awards 2025, but now faces uncertain development prospects.
Read at Engadget
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