Masayoshi Yokoyama
Reporting and statements that mention Masayoshi Yokoyama.
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Stranger Than Heaven’s Behind-the-Scenes Motion Capture Shown Off in Jazzy New Trailer
Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio have released a new trailer for Stranger Than Heaven, showcasing the game's development process, including motion capture and an in-game jazz performance. The trailer also briefly touches on the game's combat system, which allows for independent control of Makoto's limbs and features a parry mechanic. The game is set to release on January 15th for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, and will feature a story spanning fifty years with a star-studded cast including Snoop Dogg and Tupac Shakur.
'It May Seem Like We're Only Doing It for Attention': Stranger Than Heaven Dev Discusses Celebrity Castings, Including Tupac
RGG Studio director Masayoshi Yokoyama addressed criticisms regarding the use of celebrity likenesses, including Tupac Shakur, in the upcoming game Stranger Than Heaven. Yokoyama stated his intention is for players to focus on gameplay and narrative, not the casting choices, and that Tupac's inclusion was facilitated by Snoop Dogg and approved by Tupac's family.
Stranger Than Heaven studio don't intend their "casting choices [to] take the spotlight and overshadow everything else", despite that now having happened two games running
RGG Studio head Masayoshi Yokoyama stated that the inclusion of Tupac Shakur in Stranger Than Heaven and Teruyuki Kagawa in Yakuza Kiwami 3 was not intended to overshadow the games' gameplay and narrative. He clarified that the studio aims for celebrity casting to elevate the overall work, citing examples from Yakuza 0 where actors were perfectly suited for their roles. However, the article argues that these specific casting choices have indeed drawn significant attention and controversy, potentially detracting from the games themselves.
Stranger Than Heaven will explore Tupac's "potential future" if "he was still alive now", according to RGG studio head
RGG Studio head Masayoshi Yokoyama discussed the decision to include a digitally resurrected Tupac Shakur in the upcoming game Stranger Than Heaven. The inclusion was inspired by Snoop Dogg's role and the real-life relationship between the two artists, with the studio aiming to explore a potential future for Tupac rather than recreate his past. RGG Studio obtained approval from both Tupac's family and his estate for his likeness.
Stranger Than Heaven director says GTA 6 may force devs to use generative AI
Masayoshi Yokoyama, Executive Director at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, suggests that the immense scale of Grand Theft Auto 6 might compel developers to adopt generative AI for future game development to remain economically viable. While Stranger Than Heaven does not use AI, Yokoyama believes that if player expectations shift towards games of GTA 6's magnitude, generative AI could become a necessity for smaller teams to create comparable titles.
Stranger Than Heaven Interview: Director Says Tupac is a Good Idea and Confirms Yakuza Story Connections
RGG Studio head Masayoshi Yokoyama discussed Stranger Than Heaven, confirming its story connections to previous Yakuza games and the decision to use Tupac Shakur's likeness. The interview also touched upon the incorporation of Japanese history into the game's narrative.
Tupac Casting In Stranger Than Heaven Came Directly From Snoop Dogg, RGG Boss Says
RGG Studio head Masayoshi Yokoyama confirmed that Snoop Dogg suggested Tupac Shakur for a role in Stranger Than Heaven, with his estate's approval. The game, set to release on January 17, 2027, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series consoles, also features the likeness of deceased actor Sugawara Bunta. Yokoyama emphasized that no AI was used in the creation of these characters, and that voice actors with prior relationships to the deceased individuals were chosen out of respect.
Stranger Than Heaven preview: Immaculate vibes collide with a static combat system
Stranger Than Heaven, a new IP from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, aims to blend immaculate vibes with a unique combat system that allows for independent control of Makoto Daito's left and right sides. The game spans five distinct eras in Japan's history, offering players a chance to witness the country's evolution over 50 years. While the world-building and ambition are praised, the preview notes that the combat system needs refinement before its January 15, 2027 release.
Tupac Shakur joins Snoop Dogg in Stranger Than Heaven, which also has a release date once you've finished getting over the whole dead rapper cameo business
RGG Studio announced that Tupac Shakur will be digitally resurrected to appear in their upcoming game, Stranger Than Heaven, set to release on January 15, 2027. Snoop Dogg is also confirmed to be in the game, and Tupac's appearance is with permission from his estate. The game will also feature the likeness of the late actor Bunta Sugawara.
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.
STRANGER THAN HEAVEN release date set for January 2027
Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio have announced that STRANGER THAN HEAVEN will launch on January 15, 2027, for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5. The game features a cast including Tupac, Snoop Dogg, and others, with Snoop Dogg also contributing to the theme song. Tupac's character, Amaru, is being developed with his estate's supervision and without AI.
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.
Stranger Than Heaven Uses Unified Multilingual Voice Track
RGG Studio revealed that Stranger Than Heaven will feature a unified multilingual voice track instead of separate Japanese and English versions. Characters will naturally switch languages based on context to preserve authenticity, with multiple language subtitles available. The game follows Makoto Daito across five decades of Japanese history, featuring five real-world inspired locations and a unique combat system where players control each limb independently.
Everything you need to know about Stranger Than Heaven, the half-century-spanning Yakuza series prequel
Stranger Than Heaven is a new single-protagonist historical epic from RGG Studio, set to span the first half of the 1900s in Japan. The game follows Makoto and Yu as they rise through the ranks of show business and gangster life, serving as a prequel to the Yakuza series. It is scheduled for release this winter and features a new combat system and business management activities.
Snoop Dogg and his son join Stranger Than Heaven cast as Yakuza devs' new game gets a winter release window
RGG Studio's new action game, Stranger Than Heaven, will launch this winter for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5. The game features a celebrity cast including Snoop Dogg as an international smuggler and his son Cordell Broadus in an undisclosed role. The game is set across five cities and 50 years, featuring combat, music composition, and band management.
Stranger Than Heaven Launches This Winter, Star-Studded Cast Includes Snoop Dogg and Ado
RGG Studio's Stranger Than Heaven is set to launch this Winter on Xbox Series X/S, PC, and PlayStation 5, also available on day one with Game Pass. The game features a star-studded cast including Snoop Dogg, Ado, Tori Kelly, and Yu Shirota, and follows the story of Makoto Daito as he navigates crime and intrigue in 1915 Japan.
Xbox Presents: A Special Look at Stranger Than Heaven – Everything We Learned (Including Snoop Dogg’s Role!)
RGG Studio revealed new details about their upcoming game Stranger Than Heaven during an Xbox Presents showcase. The game follows protagonist Makoto Daito across five decades and five cities, featuring a unique combat system and a story that incorporates music composition and management elements. Notable voice actors include Snoop Dogg, Cordell Broadus, Tori Kelly, and Satoshi Fujihara. Stranger Than Heaven will be released this winter for Xbox Series X|S and PC, and will be available day one on Xbox Game Pass.
Stranger Than Heaven sure looks like a Yakuza series prequel in its first 30-minute deep dive, oh and Snoop Dogg is here
RGG Studio has revealed Stranger Than Heaven, an action game that appears to be a prequel to the Yakuza series. Executive director Masayoshi Yokoyama showcased the game, which spans five cities across five decades and features a more brutal combat system with a focus on weapons. The game is set to launch in Winter 2026.
Stranger Than Heaven Xbox Presents Confirms It's a Yakuza Prequel, Reveals Star-Studded Cast, Release
Stranger Than Heaven has been confirmed as a prequel to the Yakuza (Like a Dragon) series, detailing the rise of the Tojo Clan with new characters. Developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the game will launch in Winter 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC. The presentation revealed a star-studded cast including Yu Shirota, Snoop Dogg, and Cordell Broadus, and showcased gameplay mechanics focused on music composition and timing-based combat.
Yakuza writer "can't think of any role" for Jack Black, but wants to reach out anyway
Yakuza series writer Masayoshi Yokoyama has acknowledged actor Jack Black's interest in starring in a live-action adaptation of the game. While Yokoyama cannot currently envision a specific role for Black, he expressed a desire to connect with the actor.
