Yakuza
News, coverage and analysis tracking Yakuza across the outlets.
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Metal Gear Solid Composer Norihiko Hibino Stealths Into Pop Music
Scarlet Moon has released "Prescription for Pop," a new project from Metal Gear Solid composer Norihiko Hibino. The project transforms Billboard pop hits from 2024 and 2025 into jazzy lullabies, following the success of Hibino's "Prescription for Sleep: Game Music Lullabies" series. This new venture marks a return to pop music arrangements for Hibino and AYAKI, who previously charted on Billboard with their game music covers.
Shinobi Art of Vengeance SEGA Villains DLC Announced for April — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & Guides
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is releasing a new DLC in April that adds three SEGA villains—Goro Majima, Death Adder, and Dr. Eggman—as boss encounters across five new stages. A free update launching the same day will introduce a new Hardcore mode and other quality-of-life improvements.
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance's SEGA Franchise Crossover Villains Stage DLC Launches on April 3 Alongside Free Update That Adds New Hardcore Mode | Console Creatures
Lizardcube and SEGA announced that the SEGA Villains Stage DLC for Shinobi: Art of Vengeance will launch on April 3rd, introducing villains from classic SEGA franchises as new bosses. The DLC will be available for $9.99 or as part of the digital deluxe edition. A free update on the same day will add a new Hardcore Mode and other gameplay adjustments.
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance Gets SEGA Villains DLC Release Date, Adds Majima, Eggman, and Death Adder in April
SEGA and Lizardcube announced that the SEGA Villains Stage DLC for Shinobi: Art of Vengeance will release on April 3, 2026, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, and PC. The DLC adds crossover boss fights featuring Death Adder, Goro Majima, and Dr. Eggman, along with new stages, abilities, and music. A free update will also launch the same day, introducing Hardcore Mode and various gameplay adjustments.
There's a New Live Action Yakuza Adaptation, and You Can Watch It All for Free Now
A new live-action series adaptation of the Yakuza franchise, titled Yakuza Powered by Nihon Toitsu, has been released with English subtitles on IGN. The series consists of three episodes, with the final two now available to watch for free. The adaptation incorporates elements from the games, including in-engine cutscenes and backgrounds.
There's a New Live Action Yakuza Adaptation, and You Can Watch It for Free
A new live-action adaptation of the Yakuza series, featuring actors from the Japanese drama Nihon Touitsu, is now available to watch for free with English subtitles on IGN. The series, which includes in-engine cutscenes and backgrounds rendered from the PlayStation 5, will have three episodes released throughout the week. This adaptation is separate from the previously released Amazon version and aims to capture the essence of the source material.
SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance SEGA Villains Stage DLC Launches April 3rd
SEGA and Lizardcube announced that the SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance SEGA Villains Stage DLC will launch on April 3, 2026, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, and Nintendo Switch. The DLC introduces three legendary SEGA villains as bosses and includes new stages, modes, ninpo, outfits, and music tracks. A free update patch will also add Hardcore Mode and combat system adjustments.
A live-action Yakuza gets a surprise release 18 months after Amazon's divisive series, and fans know which one they…
A new live-action Yakuza series, 'Yakuza Powered by Nihon Toitsu,' has been released on IGN's YouTube channel, receiving immediate praise from fans who prefer it over Amazon's 2024 adaptation. While low-budget, the series is noted for retaining the franchise's humor and offering an authentic Yakuza experience, contrasting with the lukewarm reception of Amazon's more divergent take.
Yakuza Live-Action Miniseries Debuts March 17 Exclusively on IGN
A three-episode live-action miniseries based on the first two Yakuza video games will premiere on March 17 exclusively on IGN's website and YouTube channel. Each episode will be approximately one hour long.
Far Cry 4 Director Bats For Asset Reuse While Dismissing AI As A Threat
Alex Hutchinson, director of Far Cry 4, believes asset reuse has always been a part of game development and can be justified with creative framing, citing examples like the Yakuza series. He also views AI as a potential tool for generating prototypes and concepts, but ultimately believes complex tasks will still require human developers.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is Getting Goro Majima, Angry Birds’ Red and Puyo Puyo’s Arle for Free
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is adding Goro Majima from the Yakuza franchise, Red from Angry Birds, and Arle from Puyo Puyo as free playable characters this Spring. Each new character will bring their own unique vehicles, with Red and Majima arriving in April and Arle in May. New in-game music will also be added.
Yakuza Live-Action Miniseries Debuts March 17 Exclusively on IGN - IGN
A three-episode live-action miniseries based on the Yakuza video games, titled Yakuza Powered by Nihon Toitsu, will debut on IGN starting March 17. The series, which leads into Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, stars Yasufumi Motomiya as Kazuma Kiryu and will be available on IGN.com and IGN's YouTube channel with English subtitles.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Patch 3 Adds Angry Birds’ Red, Yakuza’s Goro Majima, and Puyo Puyo’s Arle as Free
SEGA announced that Patch 3 for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will add Red from Angry Birds, Goro Majima from Yakuza, and Arle from Puyo Puyo as free playable characters starting in April 2026. The update also includes new music tracks and continues the game's post-launch support with crossover content. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds features cross-platform matchmaking and is available on multiple platforms including PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds adds Goro Majima and more
Sega announced that Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will receive a free content update in April and May 2026, adding guest characters Red from Angry Birds, Goro Majima from Yakuza, and Arle from Puyo Puyo. The update also includes eight new songs and will be available on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PS4, and PS5.
Asset reuse in videogames is essential, and we need to embrace it, says Assassin's Creed and Far Cry director:…
Alex Hutchinson, director of Assassin's Creed and Far Cry, argues that asset reuse in video games is essential and should be embraced. He points to successful examples from Japanese developers like FromSoftware and Sega's Yakuza series, contrasting them with past controversies and the current industry need for efficiency due to funding challenges.
Sega says yeah you're all real nice about our games—but you sure ain't buying them
Sega Sammy's financial results reveal a disconnect between critical acclaim and actual sales for many of its recent titles, leading to stagnant performance. The company is reviewing its marketing and sales mechanisms, and its acquisition of Rovio has resulted in a significant write-down due to underperformance.
A look at Fatal Frame 2 and Yakuza Loses Funding
This gaming news roundup covers the disappointing remake of Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly, which is set to release on March 12, 2026, for multiple platforms. It also reports that Toshihiro Nagoshi's studio has lost funding from NetEase for its debut project, Gang of Dragon, highlighting the financial challenges in game development.
3 months after revealing his debut project at The Game Awards, Yakuza creator Toshihiro Nagoshi loses NetEase funding…
NetEase has reportedly withdrawn funding from Toshihiro Nagoshi's Nagoshi Studio, the developer behind the upcoming game Gang of Dragon. The decision comes just three months after the game's debut trailer at The Game Awards and follows a Bloomberg report indicating the project requires significant additional investment. Nagoshi Studio, founded by the Yakuza creator after his departure from Sega, is now seeking alternative funding.
Yakuza Creator's Nagoshi Studio Becomes Latest to Lose NetEase Funding
Toshihiro Nagoshi's Nagoshi Studio has lost funding from NetEase, effective May. The studio is now seeking new investors for its debut title, Gang of Dragon, and is in negotiations with NetEase over existing assets. Several other studios previously funded by NetEase have also lost their backing without releasing games.
Gang Of Dragon Studio Reportedly Has Funding Pulled By NetEase
NetEase has reportedly pulled its funding from Nagoshi Studio, jeopardizing the development of its first game, Gang of Dragon. The decision, made in May, cited the estimated $44.4 million needed for completion. Nagoshi Studio is currently seeking a new publishing partner, but NetEase is only open to negotiations if the studio can cover the costs of existing assets.
