The Enigmatic Vanisher: Unveiling an Epic Discovery

Highlights

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name may be released as a digital-only game, as hinted by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and Sega.

Kazuma Kiryu returns as the protagonist in the spin-off title, featuring the beloved action-brawler combat style. Although scheduled for a November release, there are indications suggesting that the game may solely be available for digital download, foregoing a physical release.

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and Sega are suggesting that Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name will be released only in digital format. This spin-off game aims to connect Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth to the previous mainline games in the series. Kazuma Kiryu will once again be the sole playable character, and the game will bring back the action-brawler combat style that the franchise excelled in before switching to a turn-based RPG. The game is scheduled for release in November, with indications that there may not be a physical release.

Earlier this year, there was a rumor that the English version of Like a Dragon Gaiden would only be available digitally. This rumor was supported by a YouTube channel called KamurochoBros, who contacted various retailers that confirmed Sega's decision. According to them, there would be no physical copy of Like a Dragon Gaiden due to several factors. Recent tweets from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's official Twitter account further strengthen this claim.

Recent tweets from RGG Studio's account have been generating excitement among fans for Like a Dragon Gaiden's upcoming release in November. However, fans have taken notice of the language used in these tweets. Instead of simply mentioning that the game will be available for purchase, the tweets specifically promote that the game will be available for download.

Although neither Sega nor RGG Studio have confirmed this officially, the pre-order pages on the game's official website direct users to various online storefronts rather than traditional retailers such as Amazon, GameStop, or Best Buy. As a result, fans who wish to obtain a physical copy of Like a Dragon Gaiden will need to import it from Japan, as the boxed version will only be available in that region.

The series may not necessarily be exclusively available in digital format. For example, Like a Dragon: Ishin was released in February with both boxed and digital versions, having undergone a complete remake of the original PS3 game. Considering that Like a Dragon Gaiden has a smaller scope, it might be more advantageous to release it digitally, catering to a more specific player base. Its director has confirmed that Gaiden will be approximately half the length of a mainline game.

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is scheduled to launch on November 9, 2023, for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.