ManyYakuzafans are likely still enjoyingYakuza: Like a Dragonfor the first time, but that doesn’t mean that the series isn’t already looking ahead to the future. However, one recent rumor that’s cropped up around the next major entry to the franchise has since been dismissed byYakuzaseries producer Masa Yokoyama.
Fans of the series are fairly excited right now, as the future of theYakuzaseries will soon be revealed during a livestream event. However, it seems that the rumoredYakuza: Like an Ashurahas been shot down.
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The rumor started swirling yesterday, when a supposed screenshot from theYakuzaseries producer’s Twitter account appeared with what looked like a render of a younger Masaru Watase appeared, followed by the cryptic text “Very well. Continue to the next chapter.” Fans quickly got excited, thinking that the RPGmechanics ofYakuza: Like a Dragonmight be carried over to a new game, this time being a prequel detailing the history of the Omi member.
However, Yokoyama has since taken to his actual Twitter account to dismiss these claims. According to the tweet, the image is a hoax, and was never sent out from his account. He was apparently amused by the claims, pointing out that he didn’t actually headlineYakuza: Like a Dragon, and therefore wouldn’t have much - if any - information regarding a possible sequel or direct spin-off of the title. He apparently also doesn’t care for the so-called title of ‘Like an Ashura.’
Unfortunately for fans, this means that whatever is next for theYakuzaseries is still largely a mystery. However, it won’t stay that way for long. TheYakuzaseries is holding a 15th anniversary streamsoon, which will be held to not only celebrate the anniversary but to provide a sneak peek of what’s ahead for the series as a whole. It makes sense for theYakuzateam to be staying tight-lipped about the series until then, so if any further so-called screenshots of tweets appear between now and the livestream, fans should take them with a grain of salt.
Fans are likely wondering if the series will return to its roots as a beat-‘em-up or stick with the newRPG formula thatYakuza: Like a Dragonhas introduced. However, given the storyline ofLike a Dragon, it’s highly likely that future games won’t follow the RPG formula unless they follow the new protagonist Ichiban Kasuga once again, as the RPG element is closely tied to his story.
Yakuza: Like a Dragonis available now for PC, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, with a PS5 version in development.
