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, everyday experiences.

Maintaining the "Middle-Aged Dude" Vibe

Despite a growing and diverse fanbase, the developers have affirmed their intention to stay true to the series' unique charm. Director Ryosuke Horii stated in an interview with AUTOMATON that, while welcoming new players, they won't alter the narrative to specifically cater to them. The series' authenticity stems from the relatable struggles and conversations of middle-aged men, a perspective shared by the development team itself. The focus on "middle-aged guy things," from Ichiban's Dragon Quest obsession to complaints about back pain, contributes to the game's originality and relatability.

This perspective echoes a 2016 Famitsu interview with series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi, who, while acknowledging the increase in female players (approximately 20% at the time), reiterated that the series' design prioritizes male players and will avoid significant alterations to cater solely to female audiences.

Criticism of Female Representation

However, the series' focus on a male perspective has drawn criticism regarding its portrayal of women. Many argue that female characters often fall into stereotypical roles, are underrepresented, or are subjected to objectification. Concerns have been raised about the prevalence of sexist tropes and the limited opportunities for meaningful female character development. The tendency for male characters to make inappropriate comments towards female characters further fuels this criticism. While some progress has been made, the issue remains a point of contention among fans.

Lead planner Hirotaka Chiba, in a lighthearted comment, acknowledged that even in recent games, female-centric conversations often get steered towards male-dominated topics, highlighting the ongoing challenge in balancing the series' core identity with more inclusive representation.

Despite these criticisms, the series continues to evolve, with newer entries showing improvements in various aspects. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, for example, received a positive review from Game8, highlighting its appeal to longtime fans while charting a promising course for the future of the franchise. The balance between preserving the series' core identity and addressing criticisms remains an ongoing discussion.