Initially focused on exploring Japan’s prison underworld, the series remained committed to this theme for an extended period before gradually shifting its emphasis in recent years. The path will remain unchanged, preserving its original direction?
According to Ryosuke Horii, sequence director, and Hirotaka Chiba, lead planner, in an interview with Automaton, the newly identified sequence will focus on “middle-aged man issues,” as it continues to unfold its narrative.
Given their demographic, they’re likely targeting middle-aged men with this approach, possibly.
Horii elaborated on how this particular aspect of storytelling confers a unique identity to a novel’s sequence. “I firmly believe that a single driving force stands out from the rest.” In this offbeat comedy series, three middle-aged friends who’ve been out of work for some time embark on an adventure by saying “Let’s go to Howdy Work.” Unlike their younger counterparts, they bring a unique, laid-back attitude that sets them apart from typical heroes; instead of complaining about backaches and other woes, they face challenges with a dry wit and a sense of camaraderie. Despite the obvious physical limitations that come with age, it’s precisely this ‘humanity’ that imbues the sport with its unique essence.
In a telling exchange, Chiba highlighted a pivotal moment in the game where a character ponders the decision to consume beer, weighing the potential risks against his concerns about elevated uric acid levels.
“For example, Adachi struggles with the decision to drink beer due to concerns about its impact on his uric acid levels, revealing an inner conflict that highlights his character’s anxious nature.” “We’re embracing the wisdom and experience of middle-aged men as a symbol of identity, rather than idolizing youthful ideals.”
Horii clarified that despite a recent influx of new fans and demographics, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is committed to maintaining its traditional approach to game development.
“We’ve experienced a significant surge in new followers, including women, which we’re truly thrilled and grateful about,” he said. “Notwithstanding this, our intention is not to modify dialogue deliberately in order to appeal to newcomers.” That could potentially hinder our ability to discuss matters such as acceptable uric acid levels.
Although the Yakuza franchise has gained a significantly larger global following, RGG Studio remains committed to its artistic vision, unaffected by the increased popularity.
“Our content creation scope remains unchanged,” Horii explained. “We’re thankful for the international attention and appeal that has drawn in new, young players. Despite this surge in popularity, we remain committed to our core values and creative vision, refusing to compromise on the type of games we make.”
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is poised to unveil its next game at Tokyo Game Show later this month; stay informed for forthcoming developments on what’s in store.