Ryu Ga Gotoku announces restructuring and sequel to Yakuza: Like a Dragon

The end of an era for Ryu Ga Gotoku

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the Japanese developer behind the fantastic Yakuza series, is undergoing a major restructuring. Sega announced a staff reshuffle within the studio walls, while also confirming that work has started on the next title in the Knuckle-bustin ‘series – a sequel to the 2020s Yakuza: Like a dragon.

The biggest change at the studio is without a doubt the departure of series creator and game director Toshihiro Nagoshi. Nagoshi has been involved in the development of every title in the Yakuza franchise, working as a designer, producer and director for the series’ many episodes, while also holding court as the general manager of studio Ryu Ga Gotoku (also known as “Team Yakuza”). Nagoshi’s departure is a defining moment for the company, although his work and his legacy in manufacturing Yakuza a globally recognized franchise cannot be underestimated or forgotten.

In addition to Nagoshi, producer Daisuke Sato is also moving away from his role as a developer. A 25-year Sega veteran, Sato has worked to some extent on all of the titles in the Yakuza franchise, as well as other related Sega versions such as Dotemu’s Streets of Rage 4 and the recent Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz HD. Nagoshi and Sato both stated that they have full confidence in Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s ability to achieve the Yakuza franchise forward, delivering the fantastic action, wild adventure and tongue-in-cheek charisma that are the hallmarks of the series.

To that end, Sega also announced that work has started on the next chapter of the franchise, confirming that frizzy-haired superstar Ichiban Kasuga is set to return in a sequel to Yakuza: like a dragon. This will come as happy news for many Yakuza fans, who quickly took Ichiban to their hearts, despite his unenviable task of replacing legendary series protagonist Kazuma Kiryu. No other details regarding the new sequel have been revealed.

Going forward, Masayoshi Yokoyama will be the director and executive producer of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio. Having worked as a writer for many Yakuza titles, as well as serving as chief producer for the Kiwami remakes, Yokoyama is fully committed to Yakuzauniverse and its characters for many years, and is a good fit for the future of the franchise.