Yakuza
News, coverage and analysis tracking Yakuza across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Turns out, a lot of Sega's biggest fans don't play its videogames: 'In some cases, their engagement is…
Sega president Shuji Utsumi noted that a significant portion of fans for series like Yakuza engage with the IP through merchandise and media, rather than playing the games themselves. This highlights the growing importance of transmedia strategies in building brand interest and fan engagement, even among non-gamers.
Sega says it makes more money from people who don’t play their games
Sega president Shuji Utsumi stated that the company generates significant revenue from individuals who engage with its franchises through adaptations and livestreams rather than playing the games directly. This transmedia strategy, including movies and merchandise, is seen as a successful way to expand IP reach and engagement, sometimes even surpassing that of actual players.
Lanterns writer Damon Lindelof says adaptations shouldn't just copy the source material: "Shouldn’t we…
TV writer Damon Lindelof believes adaptations should evolve the source material rather than strictly adhering to it, stating that creative risk-taking is essential. He argues that the goal of an adaptation should be to create something authentically emotional and relatable, not just to please existing fans. Lindelof's own work, including The Leftovers and Watchmen, has often diverged significantly from its original novels and comics.
You Don’t Have To Like Golden Axe To Enjoy The New Animated Series’ Trailer
Sega has released the first trailer for a new animated series based on its classic Golden Axe beat 'em up franchise. The series, co-created by Mike McMahan and Joe Chandler, features voice acting from Lisa Gilroy, Liam McIntyre, and Matthew Rhys, and aims to bring the retro game back into the spotlight with a blend of action and meta-commentary.
Award-Winning 2021 PS5 Action Game Under $10 on PlayStation Store
The PlayStation 5 action-adventure game Judgment is currently available for under $10 on the PlayStation Store, marking a 75% discount. This limited-time offer, published by Sega, is part of a deal that concludes on August 27. The PS5 version includes all previously released DLC and enhanced graphics.
Building a Competitive Pokemon TCG Deck, Digital Third Spaces, and Musings on Yakuza
This article discusses strategies for building competitive decks in the Pokemon Trading Card Game, explores the concept of digital third spaces, and offers musings on the Yakuza series. It aims to provide insights into various aspects of gaming culture and strategy.
Somewhere between QWOP and Tekken, Stranger Than Heaven has one of the most interesting combat systems I've played in some time
Stranger Than Heaven features a unique and interesting combat system that maps left and right limbs to controller bumpers and triggers, allowing for complex offensive and defensive maneuvers. While initially difficult to grasp, the system rewards players who adapt to its rhythmic, timing-based dueling, offering a fresh take on the genre. The game is a distant prequel to the Like a Dragon series, developed by Ryu Ga Gokotu Studio.
Virtua Fighter Crossroads isn't just a fighting game revival, it's a "sandbox RPG" that channels Watchmen and Detroit: Become Human
Virtua Fighter Crossroads, developed by RGG Studio, is a narrative-driven sandbox RPG that moves away from traditional fighting game mechanics. Producer Riichiro Yamada stated that the game is inspired by Watchmen and Detroit: Become Human, emphasizing player choice and a grounded, believable world. While it incorporates Virtua Fighter's combat, the focus is on a robust story mode and side content, aiming for a different experience than the Yakuza series.
SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance sarà disponibile su Nintendo Switch 2 il 24 settembre
SEGA and Lizardcube announced that SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance will be released on Nintendo Switch 2 on September 24, 2026. The game will be available digitally and physically, with pre-orders now open. A free update will also be available for existing Nintendo Switch owners, enhancing the game's resolution and detail. The Deluxe Editions will include a DLC featuring SEGA villains like Dr. Eggman, Goro Majima, and Death Adder.
SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance Launches on Nintendo Switch 2 on Sept. 24
SEGA and Lizardcube announced that the 2D action platformer SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance will launch on Nintendo Switch 2 on September 24, 2026. The game follows Joe Musashi on a quest for vengeance and will feature multiple paths and satisfying gameplay. A Deluxe Edition will include the SEGA Villains Stage DLC, pitting Joe against Dr. Eggman, Goro Majima, and Death Adder.
SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance coming to Switch 2 on September 24
SEGA and Lizardcube announced that SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance will be released on Nintendo Switch 2 on September 24. The game, which previously launched on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series, Switch, and PC in August 2025, will also receive a physical Deluxe Edition for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2. This edition includes the base game, the "SEGA Villains Stage" DLC, character cards, an art book, in-game items, and more.
Stranger Than Heaven's Combat Will Challenge You Like A Souls Game | IGN Preview
Stranger Than Heaven features a slower, more calculated combat system that differentiates it from the Yakuza series. While currently a bit rough, the combat shows significant potential for challenging players in a Souls-like manner.
Japanese gamers vote on most influential game and series, favorite character, favorite developer, more
Famitsu magazine's 40th-anniversary survey of over 5,000 Japanese gamers revealed Nintendo as the favorite developer and Mario as the favorite character. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was highly recommended, while Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest series dominated influence and sequel requests. Masahiro Sakurai was named favorite creator.
Stranger than Heaven hands-on: Harder than Yakuza?
Stranger than Heaven, the latest title from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, features a completely new fighting system set in mid-twentieth century Japan. The article suggests the game may be more challenging than the Yakuza series.
I Was Not Expecting Stranger Than Heaven’s Brutal Combat
The author expresses surprise at the brutal combat system in Stranger Than Heaven, noting it is unlike the Yakuza series. This distinct combat approach is a positive aspect for the reviewer.
Stranger Than Heaven's regional price creep on Steam is one more reason I'm feeling wary
The article discusses the increasing regional price creep of games on Steam, using Stranger Than Heaven and Persona 4 Revival as examples of titles with higher UK prices compared to their US counterparts. It highlights Geoff Keighley's comments on the success of affordable indie games and contrasts these with the rising costs of new releases, also touching on the controversial inclusion of Tupac Shakur in Stranger Than Heaven.
Virtua Fighter: Crossroads Focuses On Its Reinvention, But The 1v1 Legacy Lives On
Sega's Virtua Fighter Crossroads, developed by RGG Studio, is a reinvention of the classic fighting game series, incorporating action-adventure elements and a story-driven presentation. Producer Riichiro Yamada stated that while the game aims to appeal to a broader audience and stand out in a niche genre, it will retain its core one-on-one Virtua Fighter mechanics and include rollback netcode for a better online experience.
Tupac Shakur, who has been dead since 1996, will appear in the next Yakuza game
Sega has announced that the likeness of the late rapper Tupac Shakur will appear in the upcoming Yakuza prequel, Stranger Than Heaven, set to release on January 15, 2027. The character, named Amaru, is being developed with permission from and in close collaboration with Tupac's estate, Amaru Entertainment, and RGG Studio, without the use of AI. Rapper Snoop Dogg, who also appears in the game, discussed the creative decision, stating it felt connected to the game's themes.
Yakuza Needs to Let Players Scrap with Women, Too
This opinion piece argues that the Yakuza series, despite attempts at portraying strong female characters, ultimately perpetuates misogynistic tropes by preventing players from fighting women. The article criticizes how female characters are often deified or treated as plot devices, highlighting instances in Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth as examples of this problematic trend. It calls for the series to take women seriously as opponents, allowing for true gender equality in its narrative and gameplay.
Sonic co-creator Yuji Naka is "the most miserable person I have ever worked with," says former Sega VP
Former Sega vice president Mike Fischer described Sonic co-creator Yuji Naka as "the most miserable person" he has ever worked with, citing instances of Naka's volatile reactions to game naming and marketing decisions. Fischer also contrasted Naka's difficult personality with the kindness of Sonic's other co-creator, Naoto Ōshima, and mentioned Naka's past insider trading conviction.
