China’s NetEase in talks to hire creator of Sega Yakuza series

NetEase Inc. is courting Yakuza franchise creator Toshihiro Nagoshi from Sega, a series that has been around for nearly 20 years. — Sega Corporation

NetEase Inc. is in final negotiations to poach Yakuza franchise creator Toshihiro Nagoshi from Sega, a sign of how Chinese games companies are expanding beyond their home turf during a government-led crackdown.

The hire from Sega Sammy Holdings Inc. would mark the biggest coup in a contest between NetEase and close rival Tencent Holdings Ltd. to scoop up video game talent and assets in Japan, made more urgent by slowing growth and regulatory pressure at home.