Yakuza Creator's new game Gang of Dragon is suddenly in serious trouble.

yakuza New game from creator Toshihiro Nagoshi gang of dragonsRecently released information suggests that backer NetEase is poised to pull future funding soon due to unexpected costs. that yakuza The franchise has been giving fans intense beat-em-up action and deep, crime-heavy stories for nearly two decades, and although Nagoshi is no longer associated with the development studio behind his brainchild, it looks like his next game will deliver a similar vibe.

First released by Sega yakuza The game, led by Nagoshi, was released on PlayStation 2 in December 2005. He has worked at Sega since the late 1980s, and in 2000 became CEO of one of its development studios, Amusement Vision (later rebranded as New Entertainment R&D). Nagoshi left Sega in 2021. Like a dragon: Lee ShinHe founded Nagoshi Studio shortly after, but his traces remain. yakuza The series was felt by fans. His new studio appears to be nearing completion of its first game, G.Ang of DragonIt seems like it has a lot going on. yakuza's legendary legacy, but new financial problems have raised questions about its upcoming product.

Yakuza Gang of the Dragon God of Kamurocho

Gang of Dragon turns into Grand Theft Auto and really looks like the Yakuza series.

Gang of Dragon, the new video game from Yakuza creator Toshihiro Nagoshi, returns to the series' roots, but with a GTA twist.

NetEase May Raise Funding From Yakuza Creator's Gang of Dragon

gang of dragons yakuza creator reveal trailer tga 2025 Image via Nagoshi Studio Inc.

There are now fears Nagoshi Studio may have to close in May due to financial problems. gang of dragons Even before it sees the light of day. According to a new report from Bloomberg, NetEase is preparing to cut off financial support for the studio because: gang of dragons It still needs about 7 billion yen, or about $44.36 million, to complete. NetEase's financial support is yakuza With his creator's studio as his main source of income, Nagoshi is said to be looking at other sources of financial support, but there are no reports that he has been successful.

If they can't secure another revenue stream before the first game is ready to release, the studio will likely close down and the game will be cancelled. This will be a big disappointment for fans who were drawn to the reveal. gang of dragons At The Game Awards 2025 in December, the first trailer, which was just over two minutes long, showed a gritty realism in cinematic expressions, including the main character being stabbed, a bare-handed bar fight against three men armed with guns, a knife fight, and a reckless driving sequence. When the Nagoshi Studio logo was revealed after the trailer's opening scene, the audience applauded loudly, and some voices were heard excitedly shouting “Yes! Yes!” About the rest of the cheers and applause.

The upcoming game may have a special appeal for fans. yakuza The franchise's dark roots, modern games with a following Like a Dragon: Yakuza Pirates of Hawaii's commitment to humor earned Ryugagotoku Studio a lot of praise, but it lost some fans in the shuffle due to its reliance more on a goofier, lighter tone. Although it appears to be in development in the first trailer. gang of dragons It's come a long way, but Nagoshi Studio hasn't announced an official release date. It currently only appears to be in development for PC, but other platforms may be added later, and it's only listed as “coming soon” on Steam.

pirate-yakuza-ending-dance-sequence Image courtesy of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio

This isn't the first time that NetEase's cost-cutting measures have put the future of an unreleased game in jeopardy. In early 2025, CEO William Ding's efforts to focus the China-based company's efforts on fewer games led to a budget overhaul that left many developers anxious, especially those based outside their home country. There were also reports that the 2024 hero shooter was hit. marvel rivals It was almost canceled before completion due to the high cost of rights to popular superheroes and villains now owned by Disney.


Gang of Dragon tag page cover art

system

PC-1


developer

Nagoshi Studio

publisher

Nagoshi Studio

number of players

single player

Steam Deck Compatibility

unknown


Source: Bloomberg, IGN

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