Unraveling Hurdles for Gang of Dragon: A Rocky Start for Nagoshi Studio
The excitement surrounding Gang of Dragon, the inaugural title from Nagoshi Studio, appears to be facing significant challenges. Recent reports from Bloomberg indicate that NetEase, the Chinese tech powerhouse, plans to halt its financial support for the studio starting this May. This revelation has been confirmed by both NetEase representatives and employees within Nagoshi Studio.
According to the details, NetEase has decided to withdraw funding after discovering that Nagoshi Studio requires a staggering $44.4 million to bring Gang of Dragon to fruition. As the studio scrambles to locate alternative financial backers, early indications suggest they have not made much progress. While there remains a possibility for Nagoshi Studio to proceed with development independently, they would need to cover costs to retain ownership of their brand and assets.
Though Nagoshi Studio commenced work on Gang of Dragon upon its establishment in 2021, it was not until the recent trailer reveal at The Game Awards 2025 that the public finally glimpsed the game. This highly anticipated action-adventure will see renowned South Korean actor Ma Dong-Seok, known for his roles in Train to Busan and Marvel’s Eternals, taking center stage in the bustling streets of Tokyo.
Unfortunately, Nagoshi Studio may find itself among a growing list of gaming casualties linked to NetEase’s shifting strategies. Just last year, NetEase made headlines for closing Ouka Studio, a decision influenced by broader changes in their operations and approach to the Japanese market.
As the world of gaming constantly evolves, fans can only hope that Nagoshi Studio can navigate these turbulent waters and bring their ambitious vision of Gang of Dragon to life.