In a special interview as part of the PC Gaming Show Tokyo Direct, Masayoshi Yokoyama from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio discussed how the support from PC gamers for Yakuza 0 has propelled the series to global recognition after previously limited success outside Japan.

“To us, PC gamers hold a special significance. If my memory serves me right, it was around 11 years ago that we first entered the PC market with Yakuza 0,” Yokoyama recounted. “Until then, we had only released our games on PlayStation, exclusively in Japanese and designated for the local market.”

He further stated that the Yakuza series was initially intended for a Japanese audience, making the global acceptance of the game a pleasant surprise once they localized it effectively for non-Japanese players. This engagement with the PC community has fostered studio growth and enhanced globalization.

Yokoyama also spoke about the upcoming title, Yakuza Kiwami 3, highlighting its improved graphics and new gameplay elements, asserting that the previous Yakuza titles should be accessible to new entrants into the series.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for newcomers to dive into the Yakuza storyline,” he emphasized.