While expanding its appeal to younger and female audiences, the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series remains committed to its core theme: middle-aged men navigating life's quirks through distinctly midlife experiences.
Like a Dragon Developers Stay True to Their Roots: Stories About Midlife Men
Authentic Portrayals of Middle-Aged Life
The rebranded Like a Dragon franchise continues its global success with protagonist Ichiban Kasuga - a former yakuza with endearing clumsiness. Though attracting diverse demographics, developers confirm they won't compromise the series' authentic tone.
"We're thrilled about our growing female fanbase," series director Ryosuke Horii told AUTOMATON. "But intentionally altering dialogue to appeal to new players would mean losing our signature discussions about adult male concerns like uric acid levels."
Both Horii and lead planner Hirotaka Chiba stressed that the game's authenticity stems from their middle-aged perspectives. From Ichiban's Dragon Quest obsession to complaints about aging bodies, they believe these relatable human elements make the series unique.
"Our characters feel real because they share common struggles with our players," Horii explained. "That raw humanity creates immersive, conversation-driven storytelling."
Series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi expressed surprise in a 2016 Famitsu interview about female players comprising 20% of the audience. While appreciating this growth, he maintained Yakuza's male-oriented design philosophy: "We'll stay true to our creative vision without over-accommodating female perspectives."
Debates Surrounding Female Representation in Like a Dragon
Despite its charm, the series faces criticism for its treatment of female characters. Fans note persistent issues with female characters being sidelined, sexualized, or reduced to support roles.
ResetEra users highlighted ongoing concerns: "While improved, Yakuza 7 still features just one permanent female party member, with problematic dialogue patterns when women appear." Many female characters follow tired damsel-in-distress narratives across multiple installments.
Chiba humorously acknowledged this trend persists, citing Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth instances where male characters hijack female party members' conversations.
Though making progressive strides, the series occasionally reverts to outdated tropes. Game8's 92/100 review praises Infinite Wealth as both a franchise tribute and bold step forward. For detailed analysis, explore our full review!
