Nagoshi Studio is now officially closed. According to reports, the company was dissolved on October 31, 2026, following a shareholders’ decision. However, this sudden closure of the studio has raised concern regarding the future of its first game, Gang of Dragon, which features South Korean actor Ma Dong-seok. The game had already caught the attention of fans, but it’s now unclear whether players will ever be able to experience the gameplay.
Toshihiro Nagoshi, the creator of Yakuza, started the studio in November 2021 after he left SEGA. The official revelation of the studio came in 2022. Initially, NetEase Games supported the new team and helped it develop its first major title. However, the project soon faced issue with funds as NetEase stopped funding the studio in March 2026.
The game, which was initially unveiled in 2025 The Games Awards, reportedly required another 7 billion yen to move forward. Nagoshi was also looking for new investors to keep the project alive.
Since the game was revealed, it was clear that it was based on Nagoshi's previous work on the Yakuza series. The game mainly grabbed attention for Ma Dong-seok. The actor is well known for his roles in films like Train to Busan and The Outlaws.
The studio is closed, but that does not mean the game is canceled. However, one thing is certain that the future of the game is surrounded by clouds of uncertainty. The project needs funding and a team that will help the work progress. As of now, there is no confirmed news about a new developer or publisher for the project.
Nagoshi Studio's closure is a big blow to indie studios. The studio created excitement around its debut game with Ma Dong-seok's casting and Nagoshi's gaming background. Now, fans can only hope that another company steps in to save the project.