For the Yakuza IP, the series faces a new direction since the release of Yakuza: Like a Dragon. Namely, the series’ introduction to RPG mechanics: the systems are said to proceed with new entries as time continues. It was in a later update from leadership at Ryu Ga Gotoku that the namely franchise is to utilize the new genre more as spin-off Judgment reinstates the brawler combat system.
More notably is the urgency from Sega to deliver more multiplatform releases for the series. Studio lead Daisuke Sato explained the decision came to fruition after the launch of Yakuza: Like a Dragon as it also pushed for a worldwide release as well. Much so that the same is also projected for Atlus titles now witnessing the results from RGG Studio.
This week, Sega in a new press release reveals a new restructuring for the team’s leadership. Now with Ryu Ga Gotoku turning ten years-old, studio head Daisuke Sato alongside Toshihiro Nagoshi are to depart from the Japanese game studio. You can read Sato’s & Nagoshi’s statements below:
As I depart from SEGA, I’m also leaving my position as the head of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio. Thank you to the fans who have supported us and the Yakuza series for many years. You have my sincerest and deepest gratitude. I persisted and am here now thanks to what I learned from many people around me. It’s credit to the colleagues who supported such that I could hone my mindset to continuously push boundaries.
As of today, a new Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is born where the series will live on. Though I don’t know for sure what they will create, I believe the new generation will further enhance the foundation we built over the years and deliver great games to the world. To achieve that, they too need to continue to learn, challenge themselves, and grow. I ask that you continue your support of the studio’s endeavors.
Once again, I would like to express my deepest appreciation to all of you. Thank you so much for your support. Stay tuned for the many new beginnings!
Toshihiro Nagoshi
Thank you very much for your continued support of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio. On a personal note, I would like to take this opportunity to inform you that I am leaving SEGA to take a different path. Going forward, Series Producer Yokoyama will succeed the Studio Lead position, and Producer Sakamoto and Director Horii will become core leaders within Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio.
I have been involved in Yakuza’s development from the beginning and served as head of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio for 9 years, so I feel a strong attachment towards it. It is sad to leave the place and colleagues who I shared many ups and downs with, but Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has grown to a strong organization after 10 years since its birth.
I believe that the studio has the power to not only continue the Yakuza series, but also to carry on that momentum even further beyond. The studio’s talented personnel are very capable of accomplishing this, which is why I can leave it in their care with confidence.
I am very grateful for being involved in the series that has lasted for 15 years, and I would like to extend my gratitude to all the fans who have supported us, the staff who have worked together to grow the Yakuza series, as well as everyone in the industry that touched the Yakuza series in some way.
I look forward to seeing new titles and will continue to support Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio – this time, as a fan. I hope the fans will continue to support the new Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio. Once again, thank you so much for your support over the years.
Daisuke Sato
In a separate remark from Masayoshi Yokoyama, RGG Studio director & executive producer, he shares that a sequel for Yakuza: Like a Dragon is already in development as he asks for the trust of the players with the new leadership at RGG Studio. “Ryu Ga Gotoku’s predecessors have passed down their beliefs and know-how to each and every staff member.
“You can witness it in the recently released Lost Judgment and will see it in the upcoming sequel to Yakuza: Like a Dragon which will continue Ichiban Kasuga’s story.” He continues, “This game is currently being developed by producer Sakamoto and directors Horii, Ito and Mitake. I myself along with Takeuchi and Furuta are working on the story.
Previously, a report from Bloomberg indicated the departure of both Sato & Nagoshi. In that, the pair were said to be planning their exit from Sega for Tencent as the Chinese firm makes a better grasp for the region. You can read the full report by heading here.
Are you interested in the future of Yakuza following the new announcement?
Source: Sega
