We’ve learned NetEase establishes Nagoshi Studio, a new game development studio located in Shibuya, Tokyo and led by Yakuza series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi.

While the news that NetEase establishes Nagoshi Studio is certainly expected after the former Sega boss departed the company, Nagoshi will serve as the new studio’s president and CEO. They’ll focus on making high-quality console games that will be released worldwide.

Previously, Toshihiro Nagoshi left Sega back in October of last year, while our previous report noted Chinese internet technology and video game company NetEase wanted to snatch up Nagoshi to garner more Japanese talent.

It was then sources claimed he would set up his own team to make new games, but had allegedly not signed a final contract. Nagoshi had retired in January of this year as Sega’s Chief Creative Officer.

Here’s the word from Nagoshi:

The changes in the environment surrounding the world of entertainment that began in the latter half of the 20th century have undergone even greater changes in the 21st century.
The content, production methods, and business models have all undergone a paradigm shift through changes in technology and infrastructure, and are still changing at an accelerating pace.
What used to be called “cool! is quickly turning into an old-fashioned relic.
I think this is a very tough time to be a creator.
However, I believe that no matter how much the times change, the essence of what is required in entertainment has not changed at all.

People look to entertainment for their dreams.
They look to entertainment for hope to live, for healing in hard times, and as a means to make fun times more exciting.
This desire itself is the same today as it was in the past.
Of course, there are differences in the way we enjoy it, the volume, and the speed, but the essence is the same.
And in order to fulfill that essence, the only way to achieve it is for all the creators to genuinely and earnestly face the work that needs to be created, and steadily approach the ideal form.

My goal is to make this studio an open and airy place.
This may sound too simple a goal, I know.
But no matter how good a creator you are, you can’t reach your full potential if you’re alone.
I believe that the first step to creating quality works and fulfilling the essence of entertainment with high motivation starts with an open environment.

We talk to each other with all our words, regardless of our position.
We are not afraid to make mistakes, but we correct them honestly and make our mistakes into assets. We should not abandon our ideals, but persistently move closer to them.
It may seem obvious, but what is obvious is surprisingly difficult and at the same time the most important thing.
This is a studio that seriously aims to create content for the world from such an environment.

Toshihiro Nagoshi, President and Representative Director