TheYakuzaseries has been running for fifteen years now, originating way back on the PlayStation 2 in 2005. With the anniversary of the first game’s release rapidly approaching, the team has announced a15th anniversaryYakuzastreamthat will celebrate the series' path over the years, as well as announcing what’s coming next.
While nothing has been set in stone just yet, forYakuzafans who are desperate to know what might be revealed during the stream, here’s a look at the most likely possibilities.
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Yakuza Kiwami 3
For newcomers to the series, there may be some confusion as to what theYakuza Kiwamigames are. Simply put,Yakuza Kiwami 1and2are remakes of the first two games of the series, which were originally launched on the PS2. While theKiwamiversions take some creative liberties and expand upon the original plots somewhat, they’re ultimately faithful renditions of the titles with new sparkling graphics appropriate for thePS4 era of video games.
With that in mind,Yakuza Kiwami 3may very well be next on the list for theYakuzateam to announce. The originalYakuza3 released for the PS3, which means that it was two game console generations ago, just like the PS2 to PS4 remakes ofKiwami 1and2. While the PS3 offered up pretty impressive graphics for its time, there’s no denying that even theYakuza 3remaster has aged considerably, and could use a total overhaul in order to appeal to newcomers to the series.
Since the latest game,Yakuza: Like a Dragon, acts as a possible entry point to the franchise for newcomers, many players who discover a newfound interest in the series may choose to look back to its origins after finishing up the RPG. WhileYakuza 0,Kiwami, andKiwami 2will provide players with a fairly impressive visual experience and modernized gameplay, turning onYakuza 3could come as a bit of a shock, especially for those who may have already become accustomed to next-gen visuals and mechanics.
Previously, rumors of aYakuza Kiwami 3swirled around theTokyo Game Show of 2020, with hints from a host that the game would be announced there. However, ultimately nothing came to pass regarding the game or any otherYakuzaseries reveals, for that matter. If it is in development, it’s possible that the COVID-19 pandemic may have resulted in a delay for the title, or perhaps the development team decided it didn’t want to announce something new whileYakuza: Like a Dragonwas still due for release in English-speaking territories.
Yakuza Spin-Off
While some considerYakuza: Like a Dragonto be a spin-off due to its change to a new protagonist, RPG mechanics, and for having a subtitle rather than being a numbered entry, its original title in Japan isYakuza 7, meaning it’s technically amainYakuzaseries entry. With that in mind, the series is overdue for a new spin-off game.
Yakuzaas a whole is no stranger to spin-off titles. The series has seen the release of a zombie game in the form ofYakuza: Dead Soulsfor the PS3, as well as two Samurai spin-offs and a mobile game,Yakuza Online, though neither of which have yet to make their way to the west. However, it’s unlikely that any announcements about bringing the latter games to the west will be made, as the stream will be in Japanese and primarily intended for Japanese audiences.
While the wait for a new main game entry has stretched anywhere from a year to four between releases, the overall series rarely goes stagnant for long, often peppering the years in-between with side games and spin-offs. With the exception of the free retro-styled mini-gameStreetsof Kamurocho, the latest major spin-off to release wasJudgmentin 2018 (in Japan), a detective investigation game set in Kamurocho.
The idea of a new side-game releasing three years after the last one, in 2021, makes a lot of sense. However, if this turns out to be the case, it remains to be seen what the subject matter may be, as theYakuzaspin-off gamesoften surprise fans at how far off the beaten path they go from the main games.
Yakuza: Like an Ashura
Some fans may have heard thatYakuza: Like an Ashura, a prequel game looking at the origins of one of the Omi clan’s leaders, is being teased by theYakuzaseries' producer. However, these claims have now proven to be false. The rumor originally started due to what was claimed to be a screenshot of a tweet from series producer Masa Yokoyama, who allegedly shared a render of a young man and the title ‘Yakuza: Like an Ashura’ alongside the mysterious text “Very well. Continue to the next chapter.”
Since the ‘screenshot’ initially made waves, however, the series producer has openly addressed the rumor on his actual Twitter account, expressing that he never made the tweet, theYakuza: Like an Ashurarumoris completely false, and that if he were to be involved in such a thing, he never would have named the gameYakuza: Like an Ashura.
For now, gamers will have to wait with bated breath to see what’s in store for theYakuzaseries next. However, they don’t have too long to wait. The 15th anniversaryYakuzastream will be held on December 8 at 3 am PT, 6 am ET. Fans can tune in then to find out exactly what the long-running franchise will be releasing next.
Yakuza: Like a Dragonis available now for PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, with a PS5 version set to release June 14, 2025.
