Gang of Dragon, one of the most anticipated video games, is in jeopardy after losing funding from NetEase

One of the games that generated the most excitement during the 2025 The Game Awards was Gang of Dragon, the new project from Toshihiro Nagoshi. The creator of the Yakuza saga presented a proposal at his new studio that aimed to recapture the spirit of the franchise he himself had launched. However, the project starring South Korean actor Ma Dong-seok—also known as Don Lee—is now at a critical juncture after losing funding from NetEase.

According to a report by Bloomberg, the Chinese company plans to stop funding the study starting in May. The decision was reportedly made after discovering that the development needed an additional injection of 7 billion yen (about $44.4 million) to be completed.

NetEase reduces its investment in international studios

If Nagoshi Studio fails to secure a new source of funding, Gang of Dragon could end up being canceled. The game promised to place players in Tokyo’s Kabukichō district, with a focus on action and organized crime.

The situation reflects a broader trend within NetEase. After several years of investing in video game studios around the world, the company has begun to reduce its international presence. This strategy has already led to the closure of some teams, such as Ouka Studios, responsible for Visions of Mana. It now remains to be seen what will happen to the studio founded by one of the most influential figures in the industry, Toshihiro Nagoshi.

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