Nagoshi Studio Reveals Gang of Dragon, the Yakuza Creator’s First New Project Since Leaving SEGA
Toshihiro Nagoshi, the creator behind the Yakuza series, has officially unveiled his first new project since departing SEGA in 2021. During The Game Awards 2025, Nagoshi Studio announced Gang of Dragon, marking the studio’s debut title following its formation in partnership with NetEase in 2022.
The reveal confirms that Nagoshi has followed through on the promise he made when establishing his new studio, reassuring fans that his creative direction would not shift toward mobile focused or purely live service projects despite NetEase’s strong presence in those markets. Instead, Gang of Dragon firmly positions itself within the narrative driven action adventure space that defined Nagoshi’s legacy, while still allowing room to evolve beyond the strict framework of the Yakuza formula.
The announcement was accompanied by a cinematic teaser showcased via the official reveal trailer. The footage establishes a gritty tone rooted in urban crime drama, immediately evoking familiarity for longtime fans while signaling a willingness to explore new thematic ground. Rather than replicating Yakuza outright, Gang of Dragon appears to reinterpret its spirit through a fresh lens.
Gang of Dragon is set in Kabukicho, the iconic nightlife district of Shinjuku in Tokyo, and stars acclaimed South Korean actor Ma Dong seok, also known internationally as Don Lee. He portrays Shin Ji seong, a high ranking member of a Korean crime syndicate operating within the district. Don Lee is widely recognized for his performances in Train to Busan, Marvel’s Eternals, The Outlaws, and more recently for his role as Samson Hook in Death Stranding 2 On the Beach, making him a notable leading presence for the project.
In a press release, Nagoshi described the reveal as both a moment of relief and renewed focus. He emphasized that Gang of Dragon aims to portray the lives of outlaws inhabiting the real streets of Kabukicho with honesty and emotional weight. According to Nagoshi, the teaser represents only a small glimpse of the broader human drama and gameplay systems currently in development, with more to be shared in the future.
At this stage, Gang of Dragon has only been confirmed for PC, with no release window or additional platform details announced. The project is described as deep in development, suggesting that further updates could surface at industry events throughout 2026. While unconfirmed, a release window sometime in 2027 would align with the current development trajectory following this initial reveal.
With Gang of Dragon, Nagoshi Studio has delivered a clear statement of creative intent. Rather than distancing himself from the crime driven storytelling that defined his career, Nagoshi appears to be refining and reimagining it under a new banner, setting the stage for what could become one of the most closely watched original projects of the next few years.
Do you see Gang of Dragon as a spiritual successor to Yakuza, or are you hoping Nagoshi takes this new series in a completely different direction?
