NetEase cuts funding for Toshihiro Nagoshi’s Gang of Dragon

The Fate of Gang of Dragon: Toshihiro Nagoshi’s Debut Game in Jeopardy

It appears that Gang of Dragon, the highly anticipated debut game from Toshihiro Nagoshi’s studio, may never see the light of day. Reports from Bloomberg suggest that NetEase Inc. has decided to pull funding for the game, leaving its future uncertain. Employees at Nagoshi Studio were informed of this decision on Friday, March 6th, with funding set to be cut off starting in May. This news comes as a significant blow to the team behind the game, as they now face the possibility of its cancellation.

NetEase’s decision to withdraw funding for Gang of Dragon is part of a series of cutbacks the company has made in recent years. Previous projects, such as Worlds Untold led by Mass Effect talent, have also faced similar fates. The company’s move to cease funding for Gang of Dragon is attributed to the discovery that the game would require an additional ¥7 billion (£33 million) to complete. This financial hurdle has put the future of the game in jeopardy, prompting Nagoshi to seek alternative sources of funding. However, his efforts have yet to yield results, leaving the studio in a precarious position.

Established in 2021 after Nagoshi’s departure from Sega, Nagoshi Studio was founded with the goal of creating innovative gaming experiences. Gang of Dragon was set to be the studio’s flagship title, garnering attention after its reveal at the Game Awards. Despite the initial excitement surrounding the game, no actual gameplay has been showcased, raising concerns about its development progress. With NetEase’s decision to pull funding, the studio now faces the challenge of securing its future. Discussions are ongoing with the company to determine the fate of the existing assets and branding, with the possibility of shouldering the costs to retain them.

As Nagoshi Studio grapples with this setback, the gaming community is left wondering about the fate of Gang of Dragon. If the reported financial requirements are accurate and alternative funding sources are not secured, the studio may be forced to shut down. The potential closure of Nagoshi Studio would mark a significant loss for the industry, with hopes that a solution can be found to prevent this outcome. The gaming world eagerly awaits updates on the future of Gang of Dragon and the studio’s next steps in light of these challenges.