Yakuza Like a Dragon Will Always Be \"Middle-Aged Guys Doing Middle-Aged Guy Things\"

The Yakuza/Like a Dragon series, while expanding its appeal to younger and female players, remains committed to its core identity: middle-aged men engaging in relatable middle-aged experiences.

Maintaining the "Middle-Aged Dude" Focus

The series, led by the charming Ichiban Kasuga, boasts a diverse fanbase. However, director Ryosuke Horii affirmed in an interview with AUTOMATON that the franchise will not fundamentally alter its narrative to cater solely to new demographics. This commitment stems from a belief that the series' unique appeal lies in its portrayal of "middle-aged guy things," a perspective shared by the predominantly middle-aged development team. The relatable struggles and conversations, from Ichiban's Dragon Quest obsession to complaints about back pain, are seen as integral to the series' originality. Horii highlights the realistic portrayal of human experiences as key to the game's immersive quality.

Series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi, in a 2016 Famitsu interview (reported by Siliconera), expressed surprise at the increase in female players (approximately 20% at the time), while reiterating the game's original design for a male audience and a cautious approach to avoid altering the core experience to cater exclusively to female players.

Criticisms of Female Representation

Despite the series' success, concerns remain regarding its portrayal of women. Many fans have voiced criticism of the recurring sexist tropes, often depicting female characters in stereotypical supporting roles or objectifying them. The limited number of significant female characters and the prevalence of suggestive comments from male characters toward female characters have been highlighted as problematic. The frequent use of the "damsel-in-distress" trope for female characters further fuels these criticisms. Lead planner Hirotaka Chiba, while jokingly, acknowledged the continuation of such dynamics in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.

Progress and Future Outlook

While acknowledging past shortcomings, the series has shown progress toward more inclusive representation. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, receiving a 92 score from Game8, is considered a positive step forward, balancing fan service with a promising direction for the franchise's future.