Yakuza's Middle-Aged Mischief Continues

While the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series has evolved to attract a broader audience, including younger and female gamers, the developers intend to keep the game centered on ‘middle-aged men’ doing ‘middle-aged men's activities.’

Like a Dragon Studio Resisting Catering to New Fans and Focusing on ‘Middle-Aged Dudes’‘Middle-Aged Men’ Doing ‘Middle-Aged Men's Activities’

The Yakuza (now Like a Dragon) series continues to enthrall audiences worldwide. Led by the endearingly goofy ex-yakuza turned hero Ichiban Kasuga, the series has attracted a diverse fanbase, including many young and female gamers. Despite this burgeoning popularity, the developers affirmed in a recent interview that the franchise will preserve its core identity.

"We have seen a significant rise in new fans, including women, which we’re truly delighted and thankful for," series director Ryosuke Horii stated in an interview with AUTOMATON. "However, we don’t intend to do anything like deliberately altering conversation subjects to accommodate new fans. That would prevent us from discussing topics such as uric acid levels."

Horii and lead planner Hirotaka Chiba underscored their conviction that the series’ unique appeal lies in its focus on "middle-aged men's concerns," as they themselves are "middle-aged men." From Ichiban’s fondness for Dragon Quest to the persistent complaints about back pain, the duo believes that "this ‘humanity’ stemming from their age is what provides the game its originality."

"The characters are relatable human beings much like our players, so their problems resonate," Horri added. "That’s why it’s easy to become engrossed in the game and feel as though you’re listening to conversations between ordinary individuals."

In a 2016 interview with Famitsu, series creator and director Toshihiro Nagoshi expressed surprise at the rising number of female players in the Yakuza series. "What was unexpected was the increase in female players. Currently, about 20% are women," he stated, according to Siliconera.

While Nagoshi acknowledged this positive trend, he also clarified that Yakuza was primarily designed for men. "Yakuza is made for male players," he continued. "So we will be cautious not to overemphasize female users and stray from our creative vision."

Players Question the Series’ Female Representation in the Yakuza Games

Despite the game’s marketing towards male audiences, many have voiced dissatisfaction with its depiction of female characters. Some fans contend that the series often employs sexist clichés, with female characters frequently relegated to supporting roles or sexualized by male characters.

One user on ResetEra observed that while the series has improved, "female representation remains inadequate and many of the tropes and scenarios in the games are sexist." Another remarked that "even in Yakuza 7, Saeko is the sole female party member (excluding Eri, who is optional). Moreover, whenever a female character appears, the male characters invariably make suggestive/sexual comments, as if that's their only mode of interaction with women."

Many female characters in the series conform to the damsel-in-distress archetype, exemplified by characters like Makoto in Yakuza 0, Yuri in Kiwami, and Lilly in Yakuza 4. Women in the series appear consistently marginalized, and unfortunately, this trend may continue.

Chiba remarks in the aforementioned interview, albeit humorously, that "There’s a Party Chat (in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth) where Seonhee and Saeko’s conversation is interrupted by Nanba and becomes a male-dominated discussion. I anticipate similar occurrences."

While the series has made Progress in adopting more forward-thinking ideals, it sometimes falls back on antiquated sexist clichés. Despite these shortcomings, the recent games signify a positive advancement.

Game8 acknowledged this improvement, giving Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth a score of 92. The review lauded the game as a "love letter to franchise fans while masterfully charting the course for Like a Dragon’s future." For a more thorough examination of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, see our review below!