Middle-Aged Yakuza Protagonists Bring Authenticity to Yakuza Game

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

Like a Dragon Studio Prioritizes its Established Identity over Catering to New Fans

Staying True to the "Middle-Aged Guy" Experience

The Yakuza (now Like a Dragon) franchise continues to resonate globally, attracting a diverse following thanks to the relatable charm of Ichiban Kasuga. However, the developers have reaffirmed their dedication to the series' original concept.

Director Ryosuke Horii, in an interview with AUTOMATON, stated, "We're thrilled to see so many new fans, including women. But we won't alter the core themes to appeal to them. That would mean abandoning discussions about, say, uric acid levels."

Horii and lead planner Hirotaka Chiba believe the series’ unique appeal stems from its realistic portrayal of middle-aged men, a demographic they identify with. From Ichiban's Dragon Quest obsession to his complaints about back pain, these relatable experiences create authenticity. Horii added, "The characters are ordinary people, making their struggles relatable and drawing players in."

In a 2016 Famitsu interview (reported by Siliconera), series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi expressed surprise at the influx of female players, noting approximately 20% of the fanbase was female. While welcoming this growth, he clarified that the Yakuza games were fundamentally designed for a male audience and would avoid drastic changes to deviate from their creative vision.

Addressing Concerns about Female Representation

Despite the series' focus on a male demographic, criticism regarding female character portrayal persists. Some fans argue the series relies on sexist tropes, often relegating women to supporting roles or objectifying them. Online discussions highlight concerns about limited female representation and the frequent use of inappropriate comments towards female characters by male counterparts, even in recent titles. The recurring "damsel in distress" archetype for female characters is another point of contention.

Chiba, in a lighthearted comment, acknowledged that even in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, female character interactions are sometimes overshadowed by the male characters' conversations.

While the series has progressed in certain aspects, it still occasionally falls back on outdated tropes. However, games like Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (reviewed by Game8 with a 92 score), are seen as positive steps forward, balancing fan service with a clear vision for the future. For a more in-depth look at Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, see our review.