RGG Studio: 'Yakuza: Like a Dragon's Core is Middle-Aged Protagonists

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

Maintaining the "Middle-Aged Dude" Vibe

The series, led by the charismatic Ichiban Kasuga, enjoys a diverse fanbase. However, director Ryosuke Horii stated in an interview with AUTOMATON that they won't alter the narrative to cater solely to new demographics. The relatable struggles and conversations of middle-aged men, mirroring the developers' own experiences, are considered integral to the series' unique charm. This authenticity, exemplified by Ichiban's love for Dragon Quest and complaints about back pain, is seen as a key element of the game's originality.

Horii and lead planner Hirotaka Chiba believe the series' strength lies in its portrayal of everyday "middle-aged guy things," making the characters and their problems relatable to players.

Series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi, in a 2016 Famitsu interview (reported by Siliconera), expressed surprise at the increase in female players (approximately 20%) but emphasized the game's original design for a primarily male audience, stating a commitment to avoid altering the core experience to excessively cater to female players.

Criticism of Female Representation

Despite the series' success, concerns persist regarding the portrayal of female characters. Some players criticize the use of sexist tropes, limited roles for women, and the objectification of female characters by male counterparts. The recurring "damsel in distress" archetype in characters like Makoto (Yakuza 0), Yuri (Kiwami), and Lilly (Yakuza 4) is a frequent point of contention. Even in Like a Dragon 7, the limited number of female party members and the often suggestive comments from male characters towards female characters are cited as examples of this issue. Chiba's humorous comment about a party chat scene in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth highlights the potential for this issue to persist.

While acknowledging strides towards more progressive representation, the series still occasionally falls back on outdated tropes. However, recent entries like Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (awarded a 92 by Game8) are seen as positive steps forward, balancing fan service with a vision for the franchise's future.