Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio Teases Major Like a Dragon Announcement for 2024

The Rise of Like a Dragon in 2023

The executive producer of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, Masayoshi Yokoyama, has teased fans regarding a new Like a Dragon announcement in 2024. 2023 was a strong year for Sega's long-running franchise, with a remake of Like a Dragon Ishin that was released earlier in February followed up by the release of Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, a side story focused on Kazuma Kiryu that ties him into the narrative of Yakuza: Like a Dragon.

Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth Ichiban Kiryu

2024 is also looking to be a strong year for the Like a Dragon series with the release of its eighth mainline game, Infinite Wealth. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth has both Kazuma Kiryu and Ichiban Kasuga teaming up as the game's dual protagonists, with both of them being tied up into a criminal conspiracy in Honolulu, Hawaii. Like the previous entry, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, it builds upon the classic JRPG mechanics, featuring unlockable classes and party members. While Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is launching this January, it might not be the only Like a Dragon game that will be spotlighted in 2024.

In an article published by Famitsu, several Japanese game creators were asked about their ambitions for the upcoming year. Staff from Sega were among those who were asked about their 2024 plans, including Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's executive producer. Masayoshi Yokoyama expressed not only excitement for the upcoming Infinite Wealth, but also to hopefully make a 'big announcement' in 2024. 'This is my fourth year as the Year of the Dragon! I am very happy to be able to release my newest title 'Ryu ga Gotoku 8' in such a year. I am looking forward to the release of the game, and I hope to make another big announcement in 2024! Please look forward to the year 2024 from Ryu ga Gotoku Studio,' says Yokoyama.

Possible Announcements for 2024

With Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio teasing a big announcement, it could be for a few different things, outside a new mainline Like a Dragon entry. The franchise has dabbled in different spin-off titles over the years, such as Like a Dragon Kenzan, a period drama which takes place in the Edo period. Other spin-offs include the Judgment series, which features private detective Takayuki Yagami investigating the dark underbelly of Kamurocho. A remake of the older Like a Dragon spin-offs or a new entry in the Judgment series could be plausible announcements in 2024.

The aforementioned possibilities are purely speculation, though, so fans will have to wait for more Like a Dragon news in 2024 from either Sega or Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio. In the meantime, Infinite Wealth's January launch is less than a month away, and fans will get to not only reconnect with several older characters from the franchise, but also possibly witness the end of the series' longtime protagonist, Kazuma Kiryu.

The Exciting Future of Like a Dragon

The future of the Like a Dragon series is filled with anticipation and excitement. Fans can expect 2024 to be a year of major announcements and developments. Whether it's a new mainline entry, a spin-off title, or a completely new direction for the franchise, the possibilities are endless. Masayoshi Yokoyama's enthusiasm for the upcoming year is contagious, and fans are eagerly awaiting the big announcement that will shape the future of the Like a Dragon series.