NetEase Cuts Funding for Nagoshi Studio, Clouding Future of 'Gang of Dragon'

The future of the anticipated action game 'Gang of Dragon' is now in question. Sources within Nagoshi Studio and a company spokesperson confirm to Bloomberg that its primary financial backer, the Chinese technology firm NetEase, will halt its funding this May. The studio, established in 2021 by famed 'Yakuza' series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi, reportedly requires an additional $44.4 million to finish the project, a figure that prompted NetEase's withdrawal.

Nagoshi Studio is actively seeking new investors but has not yet secured a deal. Should development continue independently, the studio would need to reimburse NetEase for costs related to retaining the game's intellectual property and assets. This move places Nagoshi Studio in a precarious position, reminiscent of NetEase's 2024 closure of its internal Ouka Studio.

The public's first substantial look at 'Gang of Dragon' came via a trailer at The Game Awards last year. The Tokyo-set adventure features South Korean actor Ma Dong-Seok, known for his roles in 'Train to Busan' and Marvel's 'Eternals.' What began as a high-profile collaboration between a legendary developer and a deep-pocketed publisher now faces an uncertain path to completion.

Source: Engadget