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 Established Identity Over Appeasing New Fans
Staying True to the "Middle-Aged Guy" Experience
The Yakuza series (now Like a Dragon) enjoys global popularity, thanks in part to its endearing protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga. This has attracted a diverse fanbase, including many young women. However, the developers have affirmed their dedication to the series' core concept.
In an interview with AUTOMATON, series director Ryosuke Horii stated, "We've seen a significant increase in new fans, including women, which we greatly appreciate. But we won't alter core elements to cater to them. That would prevent us from exploring topics like uric acid levels!"
Horii and lead planner Hirotaka Chiba emphasized the series' unique charm stems from its focus on relatable "middle-aged guy" experiences, reflecting their own lives. From Ichiban's Dragon Quest obsession to his back pain complaints, they believe this authentic portrayal of "humanity" is key to the game's originality.
Horii added, "The characters are realistic, like our players, so their problems resonate. This makes the game immersive, like eavesdropping on ordinary conversations."
In a 2016 Famitsu interview, series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi expressed surprise at the influx of female players (approximately 20%, according to Siliconera). While welcoming this growth, he clarified Yakuza's initial design targeted male players and that they would avoid straying from their creative vision to accommodate a broader demographic.
Scrutiny of Female Character Representation
Despite the series' traditionally male-focused marketing, criticism regarding female character portrayal persists. Some fans argue the series relies on sexist tropes, relegating women to supporting roles or objectifying them.
ResetEra users have highlighted the ongoing need for improved female representation, citing insufficient character development and the prevalence of sexist scenarios and dialogue. The limited number of female party members and frequent objectification in conversations were also noted. The damsel-in-distress trope, seen in characters like Makoto (Yakuza 0), Yuri (Kiwami), and Lilly (Yakuza 4), further fuels this criticism.
Chiba, in a lighthearted comment, acknowledged that even in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, female character interactions often get overshadowed by male-dominated conversations.
While the series shows progress in embracing more inclusive themes, occasional lapses into outdated sexism remain. However, newer entries represent a positive step forward, as evidenced by Game8's 92/100 review score for Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, praising it as both a fan-pleasing installment and a promising direction for the future of the franchise. For a detailed analysis, see our review below.
