RGG Studio Prepares for Major Like a Dragon Kenzan Announcement
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the acclaimed developers behind the popular Yakuza and Like a Dragon series, has announced a special livestream event for the evening of August 28th. The broadcast will delve into the history and creation of Like a Dragon Kenzan, a spin-off title that has remained a Japanese exclusive for 17 years. During the event, the studio has promised a "major announcement" that has fans buzzing with anticipation.
Speculation Points to a Kenzan Remake
This isn't the first time RGG Studio has used such a format to hint at future projects. In 2018, the developers held a similar stream to discuss the making of Yakuza 2, which was then followed by the official announcement of Yakuza: Kiwami 2, a full remake of the classic title. Given this precedent, many fans are now speculating that next week's stream will finally reveal a complete remake of Like a Dragon Kenzan for a global audience.
For those unfamiliar, Like a Dragon Kenzan was the very first spin-off in the series, released in 2008 for the PlayStation 3. It dramatically shifted the series' setting from the familiar modern streets of Kamurocho to the historical Edo period of feudal Japan. In this unique spin, beloved characters take on the roles of real historical figures; for example, the iconic Kazuma Kiryu portrays the legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi. Despite its unique premise and critical acclaim in Japan, the game has never officially been released outside of the country.
Adding fuel to the remake rumors is the recent success of another historical spin-off, Like a Dragon: Ishin!. After nearly a decade as a Japanese exclusive, a remake of Ishin! was released globally in 2023 to very positive reviews. This move demonstrated RGG Studio's willingness to bring their previously inaccessible historical adventures to a wider international audience.
What This Could Mean for Players
The upcoming stream will feature key figures from the studio, including head Masayoshi Yokoyama and lead producer Hiroyuki Sakamoto. While the exact nature of the "major announcement" remains under wraps until August 28th, the prospect of a Like a Dragon Kenzan remake is an exciting one for long-time fans and newcomers alike. It would not only allow Western players to finally experience a significant piece of Like a Dragon history but also further solidify RGG Studio's commitment to expanding the series' global reach and preserving its rich legacy.
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