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.
Maintaining the "Middle-Aged Dude" Vibe
Despite a significant increase in female and younger fans, director Ryosuke Horii confirmed in an interview with AUTOMATON that the series won't drastically alter its narrative to cater to this broader audience. The focus will remain on the experiences and perspectives of middle-aged men, a demographic reflected in the development team itself. Horii and lead planner Hirotaka Chiba believe the series' unique charm stems from this authentic portrayal of "middle-aged guy things," from Ichiban's Dragon Quest obsession to the common complaints about aching backs. This relatable "humanity," they argue, is the game's originality. Horii adds that the characters' realistic struggles make the game immersive and engaging.
Series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi, in a 2016 Famitsu interview (reported by Siliconera), expressed surprise at the growing female player base (approximately 20% at the time). While welcoming this development, he emphasized that the Yakuza series was fundamentally designed for a male audience and that they would avoid altering the core experience to overly accommodate female players.
Criticism of Female Representation
Despite its target audience, the series has faced criticism regarding its portrayal of women. Many fans point to the prevalence of sexist tropes, with female characters often relegated to supporting roles or subjected to objectification. Online discussions highlight the limited number of female party members and the frequent use of suggestive or sexual remarks by male characters towards female characters. The "damsel in distress" trope is also frequently cited as a recurring issue. Chiba, in a lighthearted comment, acknowledges the tendency for female character interactions to be overtaken by male-dominated conversations, suggesting this pattern may continue.
Progress and Future Direction
While acknowledging past shortcomings, the series shows signs of progress in incorporating more progressive elements. Reviews like Game8's 92/100 score for Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth praise the game for appealing to long-time fans while charting a promising future for the franchise. The series' evolution is a complex balancing act between staying true to its core identity and addressing valid criticisms about its representation of female characters.
