Nagoshi Studio has removed its entire YouTube channel, including all videos related to Gang of Dragon, following the withdrawal of funding by NetEase. The move leaves the game’s future in jeopardy, as the studio struggled to secure alternative financial support.
YouTube Channel Wiped Without Warning
Users on the Yakuza subreddit first noticed the disappearance of Nagoshi Studio’s YouTube channel, which previously hosted trailers and developer updates for Gang of Dragon. The channel now appears empty, with no official content remaining.
As of now, the only accessible official trailer for the game is hosted on The Game Awards’ YouTube account. Nagoshi Studio itself is no longer listed as a channel on the platform.
Funding Withdrawal Leaves Project in Limbo
NetEase reportedly pulled financial support from Nagoshi Studio, forcing lead developer Toshihiro Nagoshi to seek new investors to continue development on Gang of Dragon. Reports indicated that if funding was not secured by May 2025, the project would likely be canceled.
With the deadline now passed, Nagoshi Studio has failed to secure the necessary backing, leaving the game’s future unresolved. Additionally, NetEase reportedly required Nagoshi to raise enough funds not only to continue development but also to purchase the game and its assets from the publisher, adding further financial strain.
No Official Statements from NetEase or Nagoshi Studio
Neither NetEase nor Nagoshi Studio has issued an official statement regarding the funding situation or the deletion of the YouTube channel. The lack of communication has left fans and industry observers speculating about the game’s fate.
Gang of Dragon: A Yakuza Successor in Jeopardy
Gang of Dragon was intended as a spiritual successor to Toshihiro Nagoshi’s beloved Yakuza series. The game was set to star Korean actor Don Lee, adding a new dimension to the franchise’s narrative style.
This article was originally published on Destructoid.