Sega Restructures Gaming and Pachinko Businesses, Yakuza Creator Steps Down as CCO

Sega has announced that it’s restructuring its business, splitting console/PC gaming and pachinko effective April 1st. Both companies will be owned by Sega Sammy and despite name changes to directors, executive officers and representative directors, that there are “no changes in the names, locations, business content, capital or fiscal year end.” One interesting change, though, is that chief creative officer Toshihiro Nagoshi is stepping down.

Nagoshi, better known for founding Ryu ga Gotoku Studio and creating the Yakuza series, isn’t leaving though. Instead, he’s taking on the role of creative director. This could indicate a more hands-on approach with development. Over the past several years, Nagoshi has served as executive director for various titles in the Yakuza franchise like Yakuza 0, Yakuza Kiwami 1 and 2 and so on.

He’s also had an executive producer role in titles like Sakura Wars, Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games: Tokyo 2020, Team Sonic Racing and so on. Time will tell how these changes affect Sega in the long-term especially with regards to Nagoshi’s output. In the meantime, stay tuned for more details.