I’m sad that the Like A Dragon creator’s new studio is closing, but I wish their now-cancelled debut Gang of Dragon wasn’t just LAD again
Nagoshi Studio, the independent developer founded by Ryu Ga Gotoku Series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi, has been dissolved following a shareholders’ resolution, resulting in the cancellation of the studio’s debut title, Gang of Dragon. The closure comes less than a year after the game’s announcement at The Game Awards and only four years after the studio’s establishment.
Gang of Dragon was poised to be a spiritual successor to the Like a Dragon franchise, featuring similar realistic visuals and hand-to-hand combat set in Tokyo’s Kabukicho district. The project was planned to expand the formula with new mechanics including vehicular gameplay and gunplay sequences, alongside appearances from actor Ma Dong-seok (Don Lee). The game had generated significant anticipation among fans following its flashy reveal at last year’s Game Awards.
NetEase, the Chinese technology conglomerate that provided funding for Nagoshi Studio, appears to have played a role in the dissolution. Recent reports from March indicated changes to the company’s involvement, though the full details surrounding the studio’s closure remain unclear.
The cancellation represents a significant setback, as Nagoshi Studio represented an opportunity to see how the renowned creator would evolve the Ryu Ga Gotoku formula independently. The dissolution also means Gang of Dragon’s unique additions to the series concept—including action-movie-style sequences and Hollywood star power—will never reach players.