Yakuza: Like a Dragon's Heartfelt Depiction of Maturity

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 activities.

Staying True to the "Middle-Aged Dude" Experience

The series, spearheaded by the charming Ichiban Kasuga, has cultivated a diverse fanbase. However, director Ryosuke Horii affirmed in an interview with AUTOMATON that the franchise won't compromise its essence to cater solely to new demographics. The focus, he stated, will remain on the experiences and perspectives of middle-aged men, a demographic reflected in the development team itself. The relatable struggles, from Ichiban's Dragon Quest obsession to complaints about back pain, are considered key to the series' unique charm and authenticity. Horii emphasizes the "humanity" inherent in these portrayals as a source of originality.

This commitment to a specific demographic echoes a 2016 Famitsu interview with series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi, who, while acknowledging the increasing number of female players (approximately 20% at the time), reiterated the game's primary design focus on male players and a cautious approach to altering the core narrative to avoid straying from the intended vision.

Addressing Concerns Regarding Female Representation

Despite the series' stated target audience, criticism persists regarding its portrayal of women. Many fans express concern over the prevalence of sexist tropes, with female characters often relegated to supporting roles or subjected to objectification. The limited number of female party members and the frequent use of suggestive or sexual comments by male characters towards female characters are frequently cited as examples. The recurring "damsel in distress" archetype further fuels this criticism. While lead planner Hirotaka Chiba acknowledges, albeit humorously, the persistence of situations where female characters' conversations are interrupted by male characters, the underlying concern remains.

A Balanced Perspective: Progress and Persistent Challenges

Although the series has made progress in incorporating more progressive themes, it occasionally falters, falling back on outdated tropes. However, recent installments like Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, which received a 92 score from Game8, are viewed as positive steps forward, praised for their balance of fan service and innovative direction. The ongoing debate highlights the complexities of balancing creative vision with evolving societal expectations and player feedback.