Like a Dragon Series Could Finally Be Getting a Major Upgrade

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Like a Dragon Series Could Finally Be Getting a Major Upgrade

Key Takeaways

  • Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s technical manager wants to develop a new Dragon Engine for future games in the Like a Dragon series.
  • The studio’s current engine was first used to create Yakuza 6 in 2016.
  • Recent titles in the franchise have been well received, but players have criticized reused assets and animations.

As a seasoned gamer who’s been through countless adventures in the vibrant world of Yakuza, hearing about Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio potentially developing a new Dragon Engine for future Like a Dragon games has me all pumped up like Ichiban Kasuga’s iconic back tattoo!

Yutaka Ito, head of technical operations at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, has expressed enthusiasm about creating a fresh Dragon Engine for upcoming titles within the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series. For the past eight years, ten games in this franchise have been crafted using the engine initially designed for Yakuza 6.

Once recognized internationally as “Yakuza,” the “Like a Dragon” series has experienced a surge in popularity during the last ten years, captivating players with its distinctive fusion of brawler and role-playing game (RPG) elements. This cultural phenomenon has inspired various adaptations such as radio dramas, stage plays, and even a recent live-action “Like a Dragon” series on Amazon Prime Video. The influence of the series is undeniable, as Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio persistently innovates to enhance the series for new audiences. Although its relatable characters and authentic portrayal of Japanese culture have contributed to its success, updates may be required to ensure the longevity of the “Like a Dragon” series.

During a conversation with Automaton, Yutaka Ito, who serves as both the technical manager at Ryu ga Gotoku Studio and the technical director of the latest game “Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth,” expressed his thoughts about potentially creating a fresh version of the Dragon Engine. The engine was initially used in the 2016 game “Yakuza 6: The Song of Life,” and has since been employed to develop nine additional titles, such as “Like a Dragon: Ishin” and the upcoming spin-off “Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii.” Ito stated his desire to work on a new Dragon Engine designed for high-end consoles, with the goal of creating a brand-new action-adventure game. It’s important to note that this is simply his personal opinion and doesn’t reflect any official plans from the studio.

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio May Develop a New Game Engine for Future Like a Dragon Titles

Enthusiasts of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s games often voice concerns about the frequent use of repeated assets and animations in newer releases. Many might welcome future installments that fully leverage modern hardware capabilities. It’s worth noting that an upgraded Dragon Engine has been hinted at before, with RGG studio head Masayoshi Yokoyama admitting in 2022 that it was due for a “significant overhaul,” describing the engine as outdated. The destiny of _Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii_ has already been decided, so fans can only speculate whether the next main series installment will be developed using cutting-edge technology.

The game titled “Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii” is set for launch on February 21, 2025. This adventure follows the character of Goro Majima, a recurring protagonist, as he commands a pirate crew in search of a hidden treasure and their escape from a deserted island. In early November, Toshihiro Nagoshi, creator of the “Like a Dragon” series, unveiled updates on his latest project, currently under development by his own studio, Nagoshi Studio. Although specifics are scarce, Nagoshi hinted that the game offers a vast world and engaging gameplay designed to be enjoyable rather than overwhelming.

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2024-11-20 20:14