If you thought the Yakuza franchise would simply carry on without its creator, you were right. But you were also wrong to think Toshihiro Nagoshi would quietly exit the crime-drama genre he perfected. At The Game Awards 2025, Nagoshi Studio unveiled its debut title: Gang of Dragon. And if the trailer is any indication, this is a Yakuza game in everything but name.
The 2-minute teaser was packed with all the hallmarks of a classic Nagoshi production: back-alley stabbings, slow-motion punches, suited gangsters, and, crucially, a final reveal shot showing the iconic entrance to Kabukicho, Tokyo’s notorious nightlife district that inspired Kamurocho in the Yakuza series. Fans immediately caught the reference, and the internet collectively lost its mind.
Korean Crime Syndicate Meets Kabukicho
The game follows Shin Ji-seong, a high-ranking member of a Korean crime syndicate operating in the heart of Kabukicho. The protagonist is portrayed by South Korean actor Ma Dong-seok (also known as Don Lee), a Hollywood action star best known for his roles in Train to Busan and The Eternals. His likeness and motion capture work add a cinematic gravitas to the trailer, making it feel less like a game and more like a blockbuster crime thriller.
The plot centers on Shin getting caught in the crossfire of underworld conflicts, with rival factions closing in from all sides. It’s a familiar premise for fans of the genre, but given Nagoshi’s track record, that familiarity is a feature, not a bug.
Combat Built on Brutal Power
While the trailer was light on gameplay, the Steam page and press materials provide some juicy details. Combat is third-person and revolves around Shin’s “overwhelming physical power.” Expect hand-to-hand brawls with bone-crunching strikes, knife attacks, gunfights, and even vehicular mayhem as you rampage through the city streets.
The trailer showcased a bar brawl where Shin methodically takes down armed Yakuza with nothing but his fists, shrugging off gunfire like a boss. It’s the kind of hyper-masculine power fantasy that defined the Yakuza series, dialed up with modern graphics and physics.
No Release Date, But Hype is Real
Unfortunately, Nagoshi Studio didn’t announce a release date or even confirm all platforms. The game currently has a Steam page, which means PC is locked in, but console versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S seem inevitable given NetEase Games’ publishing muscle. Some industry insiders are speculating a 2026 or 2027 launch, but nothing is official yet.
Conclusion
After founding Nagoshi Studio in 2022, Toshihiro Nagoshi promised a more open, creative environment free from corporate hierarchy. Gang of Dragon looks like the fruit of that vision, a game that channels the soul of Yakuza without being beholden to its legacy. Whether it lives up to the hype remains to be seen, but the trailer alone has already cemented it as one of the most anticipated crime games of the decade.
FAQs
Who is developing Gang of Dragon?
The game is being developed by Nagoshi Studio, founded by Yakuza series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi.
Is this a Yakuza game?
No, but it shares the same DNA. Nagoshi left Sega and the Yakuza franchise behind, but Gang of Dragon is clearly inspired by his previous work.
Who is the main character?
The protagonist is Shin Ji-seong, a high-ranking member of a Korean crime syndicate, portrayed by actor Ma Dong-seok (Don Lee).
What platforms will it be on?
PC (Steam) is confirmed. PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S are expected but not yet officially announced.
When is the release date?
No release date has been announced yet. Fans are speculating 2026 or 2027 based on the development timeline.