Yakuza Stars Unlikely to Join Fighting Game Rosters, Producer Says
Despite growing popularity of crossover characters in games, Yakuza series producer Masayoshi Yokoyama has ruled out appearances by iconic figures like Kiryu Kazuma and Ichiban Kasuga in titles like Tekken or Mortal Kombat.
Yokoyama told Polygon that Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the developer behind the Yakuza franchise, believes branching out into other mediums like the upcoming "Like A Dragon: Yakuza" Prime Video series, premiering on 25 October 2024, is a more suitable path than guest appearances in other games.
"Going across mediums like we did with [the Prime Video series] is better, rather than just going to another game," Yokoyama explained. "We receive all kinds of invitations to appear in other games, but we never actually went over to their doorstep and said âlet us in.â I think going cross-medium is the better way to go about it."
The recent trend of crossover characters in games, particularly in fighting titles, has seen franchises like Final Fantasy, Metal Gear Solid, and Persona join the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate roster. Similarly, Geralt of Rivia from The Witcher 3 has made an appearance in Soulcalibur 6, and Homelander from "The Boys" has even graced the roster of Mortal Kombat 1.
Despite Yokoyama's stance on crossovers, speculation continues to swirl around a potential collaboration between the Yakuza and Sakura Wars franchises. Following the filing of a trademark for "Yakuza Wars", fans have been theorising about a crossover between the two Sega-owned IPs.
However, the mystery may soon be solved. Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio will unveil its next project at Tokyo Game Show between 26 and 29 September, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the reveal.
