Like a Dragon Developer Committed to Creating Games Featuring Middle-Aged Protagonists

In a recent interview, Ryosuke Horii, the director of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, revealed that the development team plans to maintain their unique focus on middle-aged characters and won’t be altering their approach to game creation. Despite the expanding audience for Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Horii emphasized that there are no plans to modify the game to attract new players.

The Like a Dragon series has garnered a dedicated fanbase over the years, thanks to its compelling narratives, thrilling combat, and rich exploration of Japanese culture. While the series originally revolved around Kazuma Kiryu and his life in the criminal underworld, it transitioned to new narrative depths with the introduction of Ichiban Kasuga. This shift, including the switch to turn-based combat in Yakuza: Like a Dragon (2020), marked a new chapter for the series. With Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, the franchise continues to evolve while staying true to its core elements, and its director remains committed to preserving the existing formula.

In an interview with AUTOMATON, Ryosuke Horii and lead planner Hirotaka Chiba discussed how their own experiences as middle-aged men influence their work. They revealed that despite the series' growing and increasingly diverse audience, they have no plans to alter its distinctive focus on "middle-aged guy issues." Horii and Chiba are enthusiastic about the influx of new players but are adamant about staying true to their creative vision. This means continuing to explore the everyday struggles of their characters, such as coping with back pain or discussing health concerns like uric acid levels.

The Unique Appeal of Older Protagonists in Like a Dragon

The emphasis on older protagonists is a defining feature of the Like a Dragon series, setting it apart from other popular RPGs. The developers liken the experience of playing the series to "hanging out with older guys at a bar," offering a refreshing contrast to the high-energy, youthful escapades typical of many other games. By portraying the realities of middle-aged life with a blend of humor and authenticity, the series creates a distinct identity.

In Infinite Wealth, Kasuga faces challenges such as unemployment, providing a deeply personal and relatable narrative. Horii and Chiba believe that this grounded storytelling, which addresses real-life concerns, helps players forge meaningful connections with the game’s world and characters.

Despite introducing new elements, the essence of Like a Dragon remains unchanged: it continues to focus on middle-aged men, their friendships, and the often-overlooked aspects of their lives. For fans who appreciate this unique perspective, there’s much more to look forward to in future installments of the series.