Sega Clarifies that Yakuza Will be Named “Like a Dragon” in the West For the Foreseeable Future
Following the recent game announcements by developer RGG Studio, a common question floating around has been why the localized naming convention for Yakuza has shifted to Like a Dragon.
The answer to this query was shared in a new article by Digital Trends, also confirming that the brand will be titled “Like a Dragon” in the West for the foreseeable future. The reasoning given for this change in direction is so the series can “more closely align with the Japanese name.” For those unaware, the series’ Japanese name, Ryu ga Gotoku, essentially translates to “Like a Dragon.”
However, when the first game arrived Westward in 2006, Sega decided to name it “Yakuza,” likely for marketing purposes. Now, since the franchise has drastically grown, relying on that mid-2000s decision doesn’t seem to be what Sega is pursuing anymore, instead electing for a more unified naming convention.
Humorously, the former head of the Yakuza localization team, Scott Strichart, posted a tweet of Yakuza: Like a Dragon’s Chapter 12 title, “The End of Yakuza,” which can be seen as foreshadowing of the games’ current reality.
Like a Dragon: Ishin! is releasing for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Windows and Steam in February 2023. This title was formerly Japan-only.
Like a Dragon 8 was recently announced for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. This turn-based entry will focus on protagonists Ichiban and Kiryu following Yakuza: Like a Dragon. A 2024 release is planned.
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name was recently announced for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Releasing in 2023, this action title will focus on the series’ former protagonist, Kazuma Kiryu, following the end of Yakuza 6: The Song of Life. It will also detail his journey up to his appearance in Like a Dragon 8.
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