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.

Like a Dragon Studio Prioritizes its Core Identity: Middle-Aged Men Doing Middle-Aged Things

The enduring popularity of the Yakuza (now Like a Dragon) series, spearheaded by the charismatic Ichiban Kasuga, has attracted a diverse fanbase. However, the developers have confirmed their intention to stay true to the franchise's core identity.

Director Ryosuke Horii, in an interview with AUTOMATON, stated, "We've seen a significant increase in new fans, including women, which is wonderful. But we won't alter our storytelling to cater to this, as that would compromise our core themes." This commitment extends to maintaining discussions about topics relevant to middle-aged men, even if it means keeping conversations about things like uric acid levels.

Horii and lead planner Hirotaka Chiba believe the series' unique appeal lies in its relatable portrayal of middle-aged men's lives, experiences and problems. They see this authenticity as a key element of the game's originality. The relatability of the characters' struggles, from Ichiban's love of Dragon Quest to his complaints about back pain, is seen as a crucial aspect of the game's connection with players.

A 2016 Famitsu interview with series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi revealed that while the increase in female players was welcomed, the series' core design remains targeted towards a male audience. Nagoshi emphasized the importance of avoiding changes that would deviate from the intended creative vision.

Concerns Regarding Female Representation

Despite its male-centric focus, criticism persists regarding the portrayal of female characters. Some fans argue that the series relies on sexist tropes, often relegating women to supporting roles or presenting them in an objectified manner.

Online discussions highlight the limited number of significant female characters and instances where male characters make inappropriate comments towards them. The recurring "damsel in distress" trope for female characters in various Yakuza titles further fuels this criticism. This pattern, some fear, may continue in future installments. Chiba, while jokingly, alluded to this in an interview, commenting on instances where female characters' conversations are interrupted by male characters.

While acknowledging some strides toward more progressive representation, the series occasionally falls back on outdated tropes. However, newer entries are generally seen as a step in the right direction, with games like Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth receiving positive reviews for their balance of fan service and innovative directions.

Game8's 92/100 review of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth praises the game for its successful blend of honoring the franchise's legacy and charting a promising future for the Like a Dragon series.