NetEase Pulls Funding of Yakuza Creator's Nagoshi Studio, Putting Development of Gang of Dragon at Risk

NetEase has reportedly pulled funding from Yakuza creator Toshihiro Nagoshi's studio and next game Gang of Dragon. According to a report from Bloomberg, Nagoshi Studio employees were told by NetEase Inc. on Friday, March 6th, that it would be pulling funding for the game from this coming May.

The news comes as a shock to fans of the Yakuza series, who were eagerly awaiting the release of Gang of Dragon. The game was announced in 2024 and was expected to be a major release for the studio.

NetEase's decision to pull funding is likely a result of the company's recent struggles in the gaming market. The company has faced increased competition from other gaming companies and has seen a decline in its stock price in recent months.

The future of Gang of Dragon is now uncertain, and it is unclear whether the game will be cancelled or delayed. Fans of the Yakuza series are taking to social media to express their disappointment and concern for the future of the game.

The news has also sparked a debate about the risks of relying on external funding for game development. Many developers have spoken out about the challenges of working with external investors and the risks of losing control over their projects.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Nagoshi Studio said that the company is 'exploring all options' for the future of Gang of Dragon. However, it is unclear what this means for the game's development and release.

The news is a blow to fans of the Yakuza series, who were eagerly awaiting the release of Gang of Dragon. The game was expected to be a major release for the studio and was seen as a key part of the company's plans for the future.

The decision by NetEase to pull funding from Nagoshi Studio is a reminder of the risks and challenges of game development. It is a sobering reminder of the importance of careful planning and management in the gaming industry.

Sources

[4] NetEase pulls funding of Yakuza creator's Nagoshi Studio, putting development of Gang of Dragon at risk
[5] NetEase has reportedly pulled funding from Yakuza creator Toshihiro Nagoshi's studio and next game Gang of Dragon