Yakuza creator might leave Sega #ohsnap

https://www.destructoid.com/yakuza-creator-nagoshi-netease-report/

The creator of the Yakuza series is reportedly in talks to leave Sega for NetEase. Bloomberg reports that Toshihiro Nagoshi is in “final negotiations” to depart the company, where he’s been since 1989.

People familiar with the matter tell Bloomberg that the final contract hasn’t been signed yet and duties have not yet been finalized, but Nagoshi would reportedly be expected to set up his own team and create new games.

Bloomberg characterizes this as part of an ongoing contest between NetEase and rival Tencent to pick up video game talent from Japan. The two have reportedly struck more than 20 deals in Japan so far, and according to Bloomberg’s report, are zeroing in on individual creators.

Nagoshi has worked on a number of major Sega franchises, ranging from Virtua Racing to directing Super Monkey Ball, and he’s also been very public-facing in his role as head of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the team behind the Yakuza series. It may not be a death knell for Yakuza or its companion series, but it would be a noticeable loss.

NetEase did not respond to Bloomberg’s request for comment, while a Sega spokesperson told the outlet that it doesn’t comment on the employment status of individual employees.

Damn.. this is sad news.. I've never even heard of NetEase. Maybe Nagoshi might see the new Chinese restriction on gaming for kids and change his mind.

Thoughts, SW? You think Yakuza will be fine without Nagoshi?

The loss of Yu Suzuki was a bigger deal.

@SolidGame_basic: I have seen Netease a lot on the App Store.

Yeah, nah. This is actually coming precisely because of the new Chinese video game restrictions, not in spite of it. Chinese companies are hedging their bets and diversifying away from the Chinese market, and are seeking talent and content with international appeal to do so.

In hindsight, Tencent have been well ahead of the curve. NetEase have a lot of catching up to do.

Some studios do fine carrying on fine without their lead figureheads. Some of these leads improve their career trajectories and grow out of these moves and others kind of flounder without the synergy of their previous teams. Which this is, I can't tell. But can't blame someone for trying to do what's better for themselves.

Who knows, the change might leads to better yakuza games and them finally put the kamurocho map to die.

I would say good riddance to bad rubbish in regards to Toshihiro Nagoshi. I'm sure my fellow Nintendo Fanboy colleagues would agree with me. With this man out of the picture the Yakuza games can finally come to Nintendo platforms.

Well, time for Sega to bring back Yu Suzuki and make Shenmue 4!

Looking at how Shenmue 3 turned out... I dont think so

Yakuza > Shenmue

@vatususreturns: Shenmue 3 was made on a tight Kickstarter budget, with a team of amateurs. That doesn't take anything away from Suzuki's legacy.

Yakuza is built off the Shenmue template. Suzuki was Nagoshi's mentor, and Nagoshi did well building on Suzuki's legacy.

The loss of Suzuki was a big blow to Sega back in the days. After he left, Sega declined and became a shadow of its former self. But Nagoshi helped rebuild Sega and take it back to the top.

Two points:

1. Nagoshi isn't just known for Yakuza, but he also designed arcade classics like Virtua Racing (under Yu Suzuki) and Daytona USA.

2. Tencent and NetEase are the two biggest Chinese game companies. Tencent has managed to make a name for itself internationally, whereas NetEase is still largely unknown internationally. This is part of NetEase's plans to expand internationally like Tencent have done.

And Super Monkey Ball... but I ain't referencing the original console it appeared (alongside the arcade version of course).