Toshihiro Nagoshi, the creative force behind the Yakuza series, made headlines in 2021 when he departed SEGA after an impressive 32-year tenure. In 2022, he unveiled Nagoshi Studio, in partnership with NetEase, promising to focus on global console games. This promise has now materialized into their debut project, Gang of Dragon, which was recently announced at The Game Awards 2025.
Nagoshi’s Commitment to Console Gaming
Gang of Dragon is an action-adventure game that reaffirms Nagoshi’s dedication to console gaming, despite forming his new studio under NetEase, a company renowned for its mobile and live-service successes. The cinematic trailer showcases a vibe reminiscent of the Yakuza series, yet it carves its own identity without being bound to its predecessor’s defining elements.
Star Power and Setting
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Kabukicho, Shinjuku, a bustling nightlife district in Tokyo, Gang of Dragon introduces South Korean actor Ma Dong-seok, also known as Don Lee, as the protagonist, Shin Ji-seong. Lee, known for his roles in Train to Busan, Marvel’s Eternals, and Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, lends his charisma to this high-ranking member of a Korean crime syndicate.
“This project depicts, with unwavering honesty, the lives of outlaws who inhabit the real streets of Kabukicho,” said Nagoshi in a press release. His enthusiasm is palpable as he looks to deliver a compelling human drama through this new game.
As for the release, there’s no confirmed date or platform beyond PC. However, with the project reportedly “deep in development,” it’s likely we’ll see more of Gang of Dragon in 2026, potentially aiming for a 2027 release window.
