Yakuza series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi is in talks to join NetEase

According to Bloomberg, Chinese game company NetEase is in talks to hire Yakuza series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi.

Sources told Bloomberg the Yakuza creator “is expected to set up his own team and create new games.” Discussions about his contract and obligations have not been finalized.

If Nagoshi were to join NetEase, he would leave Sega after 32 years.

Both NetEase and Tencent are looking to talent in Japan to expand their businesses.

Many of their own popular titles have yet to see great success outside of China.

Another challenge both companies face is the China’s efforts to reduce gaming addiction. Earlier today, China ordered Tencent and NetEase to limit online gaming to anyone under 18 to three hours a week. In other words, kids will only be allowed to play online games from 8pm to 9pm every Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and public holiday.

To address the problems, both companies are also looking for alternatives to their main businesses.

His work has been seen in over 100 Sega games since 1989. He’s been in charge of various artist, designer, game director, producer, and director roles at the company. In his latest assignment, he was the creative director for Virtua fighter 5: Ultimate Showdown.

[Source]: Bloomberg: China’s NetEase in Talks to Hire Creator of Sega Yakuza Series – [Archive].