Gang of Dragon at Risk: NetEase Pulls Funding for Yakuza Creator’s Project

The development of the gritty crime thriller starring Ma Dong-seok is hanging by a thread as the studio scrambles to secure fresh capital.

Gang of Dragon, the latest project from Toshihiro Nagoshi — the visionary behind the iconic Yakuza franchise — faces an uncertain future following NetEase’s decision to terminate its financial backing by May 2026.

According to a Bloomberg report, the Chinese tech giant opted to halt its investment after learning that the project requires an additional 7 billion yen (approximately $44.4 million) to reach the finish line.

Positioned as a high-stakes action game, Gang of Dragon was designed to feature a rich narrative set within hyper-realistic recreations of Tokyo’s urban districts, with a heavy emphasis on visceral melee combat and high-octane chases. Despite the star power of South Korean actor Ma Dong-seok (famed for *Train to Busan*), the production’s momentum has ground to a halt.

This sudden withdrawal of funds doesn’t just stall the game; it casts a shadow over the very existence of Nagoshi Studio, which the developer established in 2022 after his high-profile departure from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio.

Breaking away into complete independence is no simple feat, as NetEase retains a significant stake in the company. For Nagoshi Studio to go solo, it would need to buyout the Chinese conglomerate. While Toshihiro Nagoshi has reportedly spent months courting potential new partners, no savior has yet emerged.

Source: iXBT.games