Sega: 'Yakuza: Like a Dragon' Will Focus on Middle-Aged Characters

The Yakuza/Like a Dragon series, while expanding its appeal to younger and female players, will remain focused on the experiences of middle-aged men. This commitment to its core identity was confirmed by the developers.

Middle-Aged Men Doing Middle-Aged Men Things

The series' director, Ryosuke Horii, acknowledged the increased female fanbase but stated that the narrative will not be altered to cater to this demographic. The charm of the series, according to Horii and lead planner Hirotaka Chiba, lies in its relatable depiction of middle-aged male struggles, from health concerns to hobbies. This authenticity resonates with players.

This perspective echoes a 2016 statement by series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi, who, while acknowledging the growing female player base, reaffirmed the series' initial target audience as male. He emphasized a cautious approach to avoid compromising the series' core identity.

Concerns Regarding Female Representation

Despite the series' focus, criticism persists regarding the portrayal of women. Some fans feel that female characters are often relegated to stereotypical roles or are subjected to objectification. This criticism highlights a tension between the developers' vision and the evolving expectations of a broader audience. The developers, while acknowledging the issue, seem to suggest that this aspect of the games will likely continue.

While the series has demonstrably progressed, occasional lapses into outdated tropes remain a point of contention. However, recent installments like Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (reviewed favorably by Game8) show a continued evolution, balancing the series' core identity with attempts at more progressive representation.