Yakuza Kiwami 3 soll nach Fans-Entdeckung eines vermeintlichen RGG-Website-Leaks auf dem Weg sein

The potential leak of Yakuza Kiwami 3 has sent shockwaves through the Like a Dragon fan community, reigniting long-standing speculation about a remake of Yakuza 3—the 2009 PlayStation 3 installment that remains one of the most beloved entries in the franchise.

What Exactly Was Leaked?

Fans noticed a brief, unexplained mention of Yakuza Kiwami 3 on the official Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio (RGG) website, likely as part of a teaser or placeholder for an upcoming announcement. The page was quickly taken down, but not before being captured in multiple screenshots across X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit (notably r/yakuzagames). The removal only added fuel to the fire, with many interpreting the brief appearance as a deliberate but premature hint.

Why Fans Are So Excited

The Kiwami series has been praised for modernizing the original Yakuza games with updated graphics, gameplay refinements, and new content—while staying faithful to the spirit of the originals. Yakuza Kiwami (2016) and Yakuza Kiwami 2 (2017) were both well-received, and their success paved the way for future remakes.

• Yakuza 3 (2009) was a landmark entry, introducing new gameplay mechanics like the "Fighting Spirit" combat system and a more mature narrative focusing on Kazuma Kiryu’s internal struggle and his rise as a father figure.
• Set in Osaka, it features iconic locations like Daidoji and the bustling streets of Shinjuku, and explores deeper themes like loyalty, identity, and redemption.
• Its emotional depth and memorable story—especially the infamous "Café Mina" arc and the revelation about the series’ mysterious "Black Dragon" — have made it a fan favorite.

Given that RGG has already remade Yakuza 1 and 2, a remake of Yakuza 3 feels like a natural progression—especially as the franchise continues to evolve under the new Like a Dragon branding.

RGG Summit & Direct: The Perfect Timing

The leak comes just one week before RGG Studio’s annual (September 24, 2024). This event has historically been used to unveil major new projects, including Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth and Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. With Stranger Than Heaven and Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name already in development, Kiwami 3 would fit perfectly into the studio’s roadmap.

If confirmed, it would mark a return to the roots of the series—reimagining one of its most emotionally powerful chapters for a new generation.

Director Yokoyama’s Hint: “I’ll Do It Someday”

In April 2024, director Masayoshi Yokoyama gave a cryptic but encouraging comment during a fan Q&A:

“I’ll just say that I think I’ll do Kiwami 3 at some point. I’m sure I’ll do it someday.”

This line, while vague, was interpreted by many as a soft confirmation that the team has not ruled out the project. With the leak now circulating, fans believe he may have been planting seeds for a full announcement.

What’s Next?

While no official confirmation has been made yet, the convergence of:

• A website leak,
• A director's vague but hopeful comment,
• And the timing of the RGG Summit and Direct,

…strongly suggests that Yakuza Kiwami 3 could be officially announced on September 24.

If it does launch, fans are hoping for:

• Full HD remaster with modernized visuals and mechanics,
• Updated localization and voice acting,
• New side content and possibly new story moments (like a "Kiryu’s Return" DLC-style expansion),
• And a return to the Yakuza roots—both emotionally and thematically.

Final Thoughts

Whether this leak was accidental or intentional, it's clear that RGG Studio is keeping the dream of a Kiwami 3 alive. The timing, context, and emotional weight of the original Yakuza 3 all point to a remake that could be one of the most anticipated entries in the franchise since Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.

For now, all eyes are on September 24—when the RGG Summit will likely reveal whether Kiryu’s journey through Osaka will be reborn in stunning new form.

🔔 Stay tuned: The official announcement may be just days away.
🎮 Yakuza Kiwami 3 — coming to a console near you?

For more on the series, check out our reviews of Yakuza Kiwami and Kiwami 2, and keep an eye on Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii and Stranger Than Heaven—both set to expand the world in bold new directions.