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 activities. This commitment was reaffirmed by series director Ryosuke Horii in a recent interview with AUTOMATON. Despite a significant increase in female fans, the developers explicitly stated their intention to avoid altering the series' narrative to cater to this demographic. Horii emphasized the authenticity derived from portraying the experiences and perspectives of middle-aged men, a demographic mirrored by the development team itself. The relatable struggles and humorous banter, from back pain to Ichiban's love for Dragon Quest, are seen as key to the series' unique charm.
This approach aligns with previous statements. In a 2016 Famitsu interview (reported by Siliconera), series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi acknowledged the increase in female players but reiterated the game's primary target audience as male players, emphasizing a desire to avoid compromising the series' core identity.
However, this focus on a male perspective has sparked criticism regarding the series' portrayal of female characters. Many fans have voiced concerns about stereotypical representations, often relegating female characters to supporting roles or employing sexist tropes. The limited number of significant female characters and the frequent objectification within the narrative have been highlighted as significant shortcomings. Even the recent Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth showcases instances where female characters' conversations are overtaken by male characters, perpetuating this dynamic.
While acknowledging the series' progress towards more inclusive ideals, the persistence of these issues indicates a need for continued evolution in the representation of female characters. Despite these criticisms, titles like Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (awarded a 92 by Game8) demonstrate a commitment to both honoring the franchise's legacy and charting a course towards a more inclusive future. The game is praised for its appeal to long-time fans while simultaneously laying the groundwork for future installments.
