Summary

• Nagoshi Studio’s first game may face cuts due to budget constraints, as NetEase founder eyes cost-saving measures.
• The game may not receive additional funding for development, marketing, or promotion, jeopardizing its success.
• NetEase shifting focus to profitable games, leaving Nagoshi’s planned project unlikely to meet expectations.

Toshihiro Nagoshi, known for creating the Yakuza series, faces challenges with his upcoming game as NetEase reportedly implements budget cuts. After departing from the Yakuza series and establishing Nagoshi Studio in 2021, the studio’s first project could be at risk due to the company’s financial strategies.

Nagoshi left Sega in October 2021, just after releasing Lost Judgment, and founded his studio shortly after. Although details about the upcoming game remain scarce, it was envisioned to be a significant undertaking. However, recent reports suggest that due to changes in leadership values, the project may be severely constrained with no extra funding allocated for development or marketing.

As NetEase has been restructuring to focus on more profitable ventures, Nagoshi’s work now faces an uncertain future, echoing concerns within the gaming community about the viability of his ambitious project.