Nagoshi Studio, founded by Yakuza creator Toshihiro Nagoshi, is losing its NetEase funding starting in May. According to a Bloomberg report, the Chinese tech giant decided to cut financing after discovering the studio needed $44.4 million to complete its debut game, *Gang of Dragon*. Employees and a NetEase spokesperson confirmed the development to Bloomberg.

• Gang of Dragon, an action-adventure game set in Tokyo, was revealed during The Game Awards 2025 and stars Ma Dong-Seok, known for *Train to Busan* and Marvel's *Eternals*. The studio has been searching for new sponsors without success so far. While Nagoshi Studio can theoretically continue the project independently, it would need to pay NetEase for any costs to retain the brand or assets.

This setback follows NetEase's pattern of restructuring its gaming investments, including the 2024 shutdown of Ouka Studio. The loss of funding threatens to derail what was shaping up to be one of the most anticipated titles from a veteran Japanese game creator. With no alternative financing secured, the future of *Gang of Dragon* and Nagoshi Studio remains uncertain.