The Yakuza/Like a Dragon series, while expanding its appeal to younger and female players, will remain centered on the experiences of middle-aged men.
Like a Dragon Studio Prioritizes Core Identity Over Catering to New Demographics
Maintaining the "Middle-Aged Guy" Experience
The enduring popularity of the Yakuza (now Like a Dragon) series, spearheaded by the charming Ichiban Kasuga, has attracted a diverse fanbase. However, the developers have affirmed their commitment to the franchise's core identity.
In an interview with AUTOMATON, director Ryosuke Horii expressed gratitude for the influx of new, female fans, but stated, "We don’t plan to alter the core themes to cater to this audience. That would prevent us from exploring relatable topics like uric acid levels."
Horii and lead planner Hirotaka Chiba emphasized the series' unique appeal stems from its focus on the relatable experiences of middle-aged men, a perspective they share personally. From Ichiban's Dragon Quest obsession to his complaints about back pain, they believe this "humanity" inherent in their characters' age is key to the series' originality.
Horii further explained, "The characters are realistic, like our players, making their problems relatable. This fosters immersion, feeling like you're listening to ordinary people."
Series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi, in a 2016 Famitsu interview (reported by Siliconera), expressed surprise at the increase in female players (approximately 20%), while clarifying the series' primary target audience remains male. He stressed the importance of avoiding changes that would compromise the series' creative vision.
Scrutiny of Female Representation in the Yakuza Series
Despite its predominantly male target audience, the series has faced criticism regarding its portrayal of women. Some fans argue the series relies on sexist tropes, often relegating female characters to supporting roles or objectifying them.
ResetEra users highlighted the persistent shortcomings in female representation, citing sexist tropes and scenarios. One user pointed to the limited female party members in Yakuza 7 and the frequent use of suggestive remarks by male characters towards women.
The "damsel in distress" trope is evident in characters like Makoto (Yakuza 0), Yuri (Kiwami), and Lilly (Yakuza 4). This trend, unfortunately, may continue.
Chiba, in a lighthearted comment, noted how female character interactions are often interrupted by male characters, suggesting this dynamic might persist.
While the series shows progress in embracing more progressive themes, it still occasionally falls into outdated tropes. Nevertheless, newer installments represent a positive step forward.
Game8's 92/100 review of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth praised it as a successful blend of fan service and a promising direction for the future of the series. For a comprehensive analysis, refer to our full review.
