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 experiences.

Maintaining the "Middle-Aged Dude" Focus

The series' director, Ryosuke Horii, acknowledges the influx of new female fans, expressing gratitude for their support. However, he clarifies that the team won't fundamentally alter the game's narrative to cater exclusively to this demographic. The series' charm, according to Horii and lead planner Hirotaka Chiba, lies in its authentic portrayal of middle-aged men's lives, reflecting their own experiences. This relatability, from Ichiban's Dragon Quest obsession to his complaints about back pain, is considered a key element of the game's originality.

Horii emphasizes the realistic depiction of human experiences, making the game's characters and their problems relatable to the players. This approach fosters a sense of immersion, creating a feeling of listening to everyday conversations.

Past comments from series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi corroborate this approach. While acknowledging the increased female player base (approximately 20% in 2016), he reiterated the game's original design focus on male players, emphasizing a cautious approach to avoid straying from their creative vision.

Criticism of Female Representation

Despite the series' success, concerns remain regarding the portrayal of female characters. Critics point to the prevalence of sexist tropes, where women often occupy supporting roles or are objectified. The limited number of female playable characters and the frequent use of suggestive or sexual remarks by male characters towards female characters are cited as examples. The recurring "damsel-in-distress" archetype further fuels this criticism.

While Chiba acknowledges, somewhat humorously, that situations where female characters' conversations are interrupted by male characters will likely persist, the series' evolution towards more progressive ideals is undeniable.

The recent positive reception of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (scoring 92 on Game8) suggests a balance between honoring the series' core identity and making strides towards more inclusive representation. The game is praised as a successful blend of fan service and a promising vision for the future of the Like a Dragon franchise.