RGG Studio's 'Yakuza 8' Preview Teases 'Middle-Aged Shenanigans'

The Yakuza/Like a Dragon series, while expanding its appeal to younger and female players, remains committed to its core identity: middle-aged men experiencing middle-aged life.

Like a Dragon Studio Prioritizes its Core Demographic: Middle-Aged Men

Staying True to the "Middle-Aged Guy" Experience

The Yakuza series (now Like a Dragon) has garnered a diverse following, including many younger women. However, the developers have confirmed their intent to retain the franchise's focus on the experiences of middle-aged men.

Director Ryosuke Horii stated in an interview with AUTOMATON, "While we're thrilled by the increase in new fans, including women, we won't alter the core themes to cater to them. That would compromise the authenticity of conversations about things like uric acid levels!"

Horii and lead planner Hirotaka Chiba believe the series' unique charm stems from its relatable portrayal of "middle-aged guy things," reflecting their own experiences. From Ichiban's Dragon Quest obsession to the constant complaints about back pain, they see this realistic portrayal of aging as the game's originality. Horii added, "The characters are relatable because they're ordinary people dealing with ordinary problems."

Series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi, in a 2016 Famitsu interview (via Siliconera), expressed surprise at the increase in female players (around 20%), but reiterated the series' primary focus on male players. He emphasized a cautious approach to avoid straying from the core vision.

Concerns Regarding Female Character Representation

Despite the series' predominantly male target audience, criticism persists regarding its portrayal of women. Some fans argue that female characters often fall into stereotypical roles, lacking depth or agency, and are frequently subjected to objectification.

ResetEra discussions highlight this concern, pointing out that female representation remains limited and that sexist tropes persist. The limited presence of female party members and the frequent use of suggestive comments directed at female characters by male characters are cited as examples. The "damsel in distress" trope is also a recurring criticism, with characters like Makoto (Yakuza 0), Yuri (Kiwami), and Lilly (Yakuza 4) serving as examples.

Chiba, in a lighthearted comment, acknowledged the tendency for male characters to dominate even conversations intended for female characters, suggesting this dynamic might continue.

While the Like a Dragon series has shown progress in some areas, outdated sexist tropes still appear. However, newer installments represent a step forward, as evidenced by Game8's 92/100 review of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, praising it as a successful blend of fan service and future direction. For a comprehensive analysis, see our review.