Sega Details 'Yakuza: Like a Dragon' Story, Characters

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.

Maintaining the "Middle-Aged Dude" Focus

The series, fronted by the endearingly clumsy ex-yakuza Ichiban Kasuga, boasts a diverse fanbase. However, director Ryosuke Horii stated in an interview with AUTOMATON that the franchise won't fundamentally alter its narrative to cater to this broader audience. The charm, according to Horii and lead planner Hirotaka Chiba, lies in its relatable portrayal of middle-aged men and their experiences, from Ichiban's Dragon Quest obsession to his complaints about back pain. This authenticity, they believe, is key to the series' originality.

Horii highlighted the relatability of the characters' struggles, emphasizing that their human flaws make the game engaging. This sentiment echoes a 2016 Famitsu interview with series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi, who, while acknowledging the increased female player base (approximately 20% at the time), affirmed the series' primary target audience remained male and that the developers would avoid straying from their creative vision to accommodate female players.

Criticism of Female Representation

Despite the series' stated focus on a male audience, concerns persist regarding its portrayal of women. Critics argue that female characters are often relegated to supporting roles or are subject to objectification and sexist tropes. The limited number of female party members and the frequent use of suggestive or sexual remarks by male characters towards female characters have drawn significant criticism. The recurrence of the "damsel in distress" archetype further fuels these concerns. Chiba, in a lighthearted yet telling comment, alluded to the persistence of this dynamic in future installments.

Progress and Future Outlook

While acknowledging past shortcomings, the series has demonstrably progressed in its approach to representation. Games like Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, which received a 92 score from Game8, are seen as positive steps forward, balancing fan service with a forward-looking approach. However, the ongoing debate highlights the complexities of balancing creative vision with evolving societal expectations and the need for continuous improvement in representation.