Nagoshi Studio, founded by Toshihiro Nagoshi, creator of the "Like a Dragon" (Ryu Ga Gotoku) series, is once again facing significant personnel changes. According to investigations by overseas media, multiple development members have confirmed their departure from the company, including key personnel who held important positions. This further clouds the studio's future and the prospects of its upcoming title, "Gang of Dragon."
Over the past year, Nagoshi Studio's situation has been under constant scrutiny. Previous reports indicated that NetEase Games had withdrawn its financial support, followed by the studio's official website becoming inaccessible and its office being marked "permanently closed" on Google. More recently, co-founder and game director Daisuke Sato updated his X (formerly Twitter) profile to "former Nagoshi Studio," indirectly confirming his departure. Toshihiro Nagoshi himself was also introduced as an unaffiliated game creator in a recent Famitsu feature, fueling further speculation.
According to Game*Spark's investigation of known employees' LinkedIn profiles, as of May 31, 2026, at least seven more members have left Nagoshi Studio. Kazuki Hosokawa, who was responsible for the design department, explicitly announced his departure, stating he had spent a fulfilling four and a half years in a talented environment. Naoki Someya, Lead Environment Designer and Assistant Head of Design Department, has moved to LightSpeed Japan, while Technical Artist Tomoharu Hosaka has joined Capcom.
Additionally, 3D Cutscene Artist Hiroya Wakui and Lead Character Artist Saizo Nagai joined MIXI, the developer of "Monster Strike," in June. VFX Artist Shuichi Takahashi and Character Artist Toshichika Ando have not yet disclosed their new companies but have listed Nagoshi Studio as a former employer.
Currently, Nagoshi Studio has not issued any official statement regarding its operational status or the development progress of "Gang of Dragon." This adult-oriented title, starring Ma Dong-seok, was initially seen as Nagoshi Studio's first major project after its establishment. With the departure of numerous members, its future direction remains awaiting further official clarification.
via： Game*Spark