Yakuza Series Creator Toshiro Nagoshi's Studio Has Officially Shut Down Before Releasing a Game

Toshiro Nagoshi, creator of the Yakuza series, saw his studio shut down before it could release a game. Gematsu reported that Nagoshi Studio closed its doors through a shareholders' resolution on October 31, as announced in today's Japanese government gazette Kanpo. The studio was set to debut with the Game of Dragon, a Yakuza-like title.

Nagoshi established the studio in 2022 with backing from Chinese conglomerate NetEase, following his departure from Ryu Ga Gotoku a year prior. However, doubts arose in March when NetEase decided to cease funding as part of a wider retreat from international video game investment, according to Bloomberg. NetEase revealed that the game required at least ¥7 billion (approximately $44.4 million) to complete, which Nagoshi struggled to secure new investors for.

The studio's closure occurred nearly a year after Gang of Dragon's impressive reveal at The Game Awards in December, leaving the possibility of its release uncertain.