Toshihiro Nagoshi, the creator behind the popular Yakuza series, has revealed his first major project from Nagoshi Studios, Gang of Dragon, at The Game Awards 2025. After leaving SEGA in 2021 following 32 years with the company, Nagoshi announced his new studio in 2022 in partnership with NetEase, a company known for mobile and live-service games. At the time, he assured fans that his focus would remain on traditional console and PC titles rather than mobile development.
Gang of Dragon is set in Kabukicho, a lively nightlife district in Shinjuku, Tokyo. The game stars South Korean actor Ma Dong-seok, widely known as Don Lee, as Shin Ji-seong, a high-ranking member of a Korean crime syndicate. Don Lee is recognized for his roles in Train to Busan, Marvel’s Eternals, and The Outlaws, as well as his recent appearance in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. His involvement adds a high-profile element to the game and aligns with Nagoshi’s approach of cinematic storytelling and detailed character work.
The reveal trailer emphasized a tone similar to the Yakuza series, but does not strictly follow its gameplay formula. It highlights the lives of criminals in an urban environment, focusing on the human drama of characters navigating the challenges of city life. Nagoshi stated in a press release that the teaser represents only a small portion of the story and gameplay that players can expect in the full release.
While development details remain limited, the studio confirmed that Gang of Dragon is “deep in development” and is currently only mentioned for PC. No release date or additional platforms have been announced, leaving open the possibility for future reveals at events in 2026. Fans and industry watchers will likely see more updates as development progresses.
This project marks a significant step for Nagoshi outside of SEGA, reflecting his continued interest in creating story-driven, action-oriented games set in realistic urban locations. With its combination of a familiar setting, cinematic presentation, and the involvement of Don Lee, Gang of Dragon is positioned to attract attention from both fans of Nagoshi’s previous work and a broader gaming audience.
As more information emerges, Gang of Dragon is expected to appear in future showcases, potentially building toward a release window in 2027.
