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NetEase reportedly to hire Yakuza creator Toshihiro Nagoshi

Sega veteran to form new development team and create new titles as publisher aims to expand business

Chinese publisher NetEase is reportedly in final talks to hire Sega veteran and Yakuza series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi.

As reported by Bloomberg, the video game talent acquisition would be a part of its plan to expand its gaming business.

Nagoshi originally joined Sega in 1989 and has worked on a number of titles, and in 2005 he created the crime drama title Yakuza.

In 2011, he founded the Sega division Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, which has been responsible for the development of the Yakuza series.

Bloomberg reports that NetEase intends to have Nagoshi set up a developmental division to develop games similar to his role at Sega.

The outlet said the publisher aims to make games that will be internationally popular.

Last year, the Chinese gaming giant opened a game development studio in Japan led by Tetsuya Akatsuka, formerly of Bandai Namco.

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Jeffrey Rousseau

Staff Writer

Jeffrey Rousseau joined GamesIndustry.biz in March 2021. Based in Florida, his work focused on the intersectionality of games and media. He enjoys reading, podcasts, staying informed, and learning how people are tackling issues.