The Yakuza Creator Returns: Toshihiro Nagoshi Unveils Debut Game, Gang of Dragon, at The Game Awards

The legendary creator of the Yakuza (now Like a Dragon) franchise, Toshihiro Nagoshi, officially revealed his new AAA action-adventure game, Gang of Dragon, at The Game Awards 2025. This title marks the debut project from his independent company, Nagoshi Studio, following his departure from Sega in 2021.

A New Take on the Criminal Underworld

The cinematic world premiere trailer showcased a gritty next-generation criminal underworld experience, leading some to initially believe it was a new Yakuza or Sleeping Dogs game due to its familiar style and setting. The key details revealed about the project are:

• Protagonist: The game stars famous Korean actor Ma Dong-seok (also known as Don Lee, from Train to Busan). He plays the main character, Jin Jee-Sung.
• Setting: The action takes place on the bloody streets of Japan, with mentions of the Kabukichō neighborhood of Tokyo, an area thematically similar to the Yakuza series' fictional Kamurocho.
• Tone and Visuals: Early footage suggests a darker, grittier approach than Nagoshi’s previous work. The visuals look "spectacular" with incredible attention to detail, and the studio confirmed they are running in-engine, in real-time.
• Status: As the reveal was a world premiere, the game is currently deep in development, and no specific release date or platforms have been disclosed.

Gang of Dragon represents Nagoshi's independent creative vision, promising to be something special from the acclaimed creator.

FAQ: Everything About Nagoshi's New IP

Q: Is Gang of Dragon a Yakuza spin-off?

A: No. Gang of Dragon is the debut title from Toshihiro Nagoshi's new independent company, Nagoshi Studio, following his departure from Sega. While it shares a similar focus on the Japanese criminal underworld, it is a brand new intellectual property (IP).

Q: Who is the main actor in the game?

A: The main character, Jin Jee-Sung, is portrayed by famous Korean actor Ma Dong-seok (also known as Don Lee), who is known for his roles in films like Train to Busan.

Q: When will Gang of Dragon be released?

A: As the game was just revealed, no specific release date or target platforms have been announced yet. It is currently deep in development.