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Yakuza Creator's New Game Seems To Have Lost Its Director After NetEase Reportedly Pulled Funding

Nagoshi Studio is facing closure after NetEase reportedly withdrew investment in May 2026. The project has seemingly lost director Daisuke Sato and other staff. Official confirmation from NetEase remains unlikely.

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What changed

Recent reports indicate the loss of director Daisuke Sato and a lack of studio affiliation for Toshihiro Nagoshi.

Live updates

  1. Gang of Dragon Project Likely Dead After Funding Loss

    Nagoshi Studio is facing closure after NetEase reportedly withdrew investment in May 2026. The project has seemingly lost director Daisuke Sato and other staff. Official confirmation from NetEase remains unlikely.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • NetEase pulled funding starting May 2026.
    • Director Daisuke Sato and various other employees have left the project.
    • Toshihiro Nagoshi no longer has an affiliation with Nagoshi Studio.
    • Gang of Dragon is dead.
    confidence 60%

  2. Nagoshi Studio Disbands and Gang of Dragon Project Ceases

    Nagoshi Studio has shut down following the loss of investment from NetEase. The studio's first title, Gang of Dragon, is now considered dead. Key developers and founders have left the project.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Gang of Dragon is dead.
    • Nagoshi Studio has disbanded.
    • Key developers and founders have left the project.
    confidence 60%

  3. Nagoshi Studio Shuts Down as NetEase Cuts Funding

    Nagoshi Studio has closed following the withdrawal of funding from investor NetEase. Co-founder Daisuke Sato updated his bio to "ex-Nagoshi Studio" on June 17. The studio's debut game, Gang of Dragon, is now in doubt.

    What's confirmed:

    • Co-founder Daisuke Sato updated his bio to "ex-Nagoshi Studio" on June 17.
    • NetEase is cutting funding for Gang of Dragon.
    • At least seven employees, including those in lead positions, left the studio by the end of May 2026.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • The studio's offices were listed as permanently closed.
    confidence 90%

  4. Gang of Dragon Development Uncertain Amid Studio Turmoil

    The project Gang of Dragon and its developer Nagoshi Studio face potential closure. Reports indicate that NetEase may have withdrawn funding, leading to the loss of the game's director. Daisuke Sato has recently identified himself as an former member of the studio.

    What's confirmed:

    • Daisuke Sato is describing himself as "ex-Nagoshi Studio".

    Still unconfirmed:

    • The game has lost its director.
    confidence 60%