RGG Studio Confirms Yakuza Kiwami 3 as Final Kiwami Game

Sega and RGG Studio have recently confirmed that Yakuza Kiwami 3 will be the final installment in the Kiwami series. This announcement is part of the ongoing efforts to modernize and revitalize older Yakuza / Like A Dragon games for today’s audience.

Details on Yakuza Kiwami 3

Set to release on February 12, Yakuza Kiwami 3 follows the remakes of its predecessors, Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2. During a recent Ryusta TV livestream, RGG Studio’s head, Masayoshi Yokoyama, declared that the Kiwami series would conclude with this third game.

Transition to a New Series

Yokoyama emphasized that while the Kiwami line will end, the Yakuza franchise will evolve. He mentioned, “I don’t think it’ll continue as the ‘Kiwami’ series anymore.” Instead, RGG Studio plans to embark on a different narrative arc, possibly creating a new series with an original storyline.

• Yakuza Kiwami 3 is noted for some controversial narrative cuts.
• The decision to cease the Kiwami remakes may be justified after experiencing the new game.

Future Directions for Yakuza

The closure of the Kiwami series raises questions about the future of Yakuza games. It appears that titles such as Yakuza 4, Yakuza 5, and Yakuza 6 will not receive the remake treatment. Instead, RGG is reportedly working on a new intellectual property titled Stranger Than Heaven, marking a shift from their flagship series.

Reception of Yakuza Kiwami 3

Early reviews for Yakuza Kiwami 3 have been mixed. One outlet scored it a 6 out of 10, with critics noting pacing issues and a recasting controversy that overshadowed the game. This varying reception highlights the challenges within the Kiwami series as it comes to a close.

The Yakuza franchise remains a beloved staple for fans, and while the conclusion of the Kiwami series may bring disappointment, anticipation for future developments continues. What direction will RGG take next? Fans will be eagerly waiting to find out.