Overview
- NetEase confirmed to Bloomberg that financing for Toshihiro Nagoshi’s Tokyo studio will cease in May as it scales back game development.
- Employees were told of the decision on March 6, according to reports cited across outlets.
- Nagoshi Studio is seeking new sponsors to continue work on its debut title but has reportedly not secured backing yet.
- The studio is negotiating with NetEase over ownership of developed materials, with sources saying it can keep assets and branding only if it pays to do so.
- The funding cut follows earlier reductions and closures at NetEase’s international studios, and comes three months after 'Gang of Dragon' was announced with Ma Dong-seok in the lead role.