Yakuza: Like a Dragon Series Gearing Up for 20th Anniversary

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Key Takeaways

  • Like a Dragon franchise will celebrate 20th anniversary.
  • An upcoming main series follow-up to Infinite Wealth likely to be announced soon.
  • Fans speculate potential game remakes and new game engine version for anticipated 2025 announcements.

As a dedicated fan who has been following the Yakuza franchise since its humble beginnings on the PlayStation 2, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia and anticipation as we approach the 20th anniversary. This series has been an integral part of my gaming life, providing countless hours of immersive storytelling, captivating characters, and unforgettable side quests.

The 20th anniversary of the “Yakuza: Like a Dragon” franchise is fast approaching, and the veteran game series is getting ready for the occasion. A team leader from the creators of the “Like a Dragon” games has recently revealed some insights into how they plan to celebrate the 20th anniversary.

Back in 2005, I stumbled upon the “Like a Dragon” series, which was initially known as “Yakuza,” on the PlayStation 2. Though it had been a hit in Japan since its debut, it faced some challenges breaking through in the western world for quite some time. However, things started to change with the release of “Yakuza 0,” the prequel that turned out to be a game-changer. For many English-speaking gamers like myself, this became our gateway into the enthralling narrative, side-splitting quests, and a back catalog of games that spanned years. It’s safe to say “Yakuza 0” left quite an impression!

Currently, Masayoshi Yokoyama, executive producer of the game “Like a Dragon”, has shared some insights as the game marks its 19th anniversary. In a short video message, Yokoyama mentioned that the series will be commemorating its upcoming 20th anniversary throughout the year. He hinted at several events and announcements to come, building excitement for fans. Additionally, the studio is strengthening its approach towards merchandise and content, aiming to set up a global structure to cater better to fans globally.

What Can Like a Dragon Fans Expect for the 20th Anniversary?

As we approach the 20th anniversary of the series, RGG is set to unveil “Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii” in February. This game allows players to once again step into the shoes of the legendary former Yakuza, Goro Majima, who finds himself with amnesia and causing chaos across Hawaii. So far, RGG has been fairly tight-lipped about which games will follow after this one.

It’s uncertain what the future holds, but fans might be in for some exciting news. It’s possible that a sequel to “Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth” will be announced within the next year. If the 20th anniversary of the series mirrors its 10th anniversary, we could also see announcements of game remakes. The 10th anniversary saw the release of “Yakuza 0” and “Yakuza Kiwami“, a remake of the first game, followed quickly by “Yakuza Kiwami 2“, a remake of the second title. Since no games have been fully remade beyond that point, many believe that a refresh of “Yakuza 3“, which launched on the PS3, is well overdue.

Beyond this, RGG’s top management has entertained ideas about a fresh iteration of the engine powering the Like a Dragon games, given that the current one was developed during the 10th anniversary era. Regardless, it appears that 2025 could bring a flurry of thrilling updates for followers of this extended series.

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2024-12-10 04:25