RGG Studio Celebrates 20 Years of Ryu Ga Gotoku With Special Message Videos

 

December 8, 2025 marks 20 YEARS since the release of the original “Ryu Ga Gotoku” in Japan for the PlayStation 2. Better known as “Yakuza” in the west and later its literal translation of “Like A Dragon”, the SEGA action adventure series has seen a phenomenal rise and many sequels, remakes, and spin-offs since the release of the original game - and now RGG Studio and the rest of the cast and crew are delivering some special messages for the fans to see below to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the series!

RGG Summit 2025: Yakuza Kiwami 3 Announced, New Mine Side Story "Dark Ties", Ryu Ga Gotoku x Nihontouitsi Film , and More

 

Tokyo Game Show week has officially begun in Japan, and coinciding with the annual video game event comes RGG Studio's annual "RGG Summit" - where the latest announcements for their upcoming projects are made. As the Ryu Ga Gotoku/ Like A Dragon franchise celebrates its 20th anniversary this December, a new game has officially been announced to commemorate that occasion and it's Yakuza Kiwami 3!

That's right, the long awaited remake to 2009's Yakuza 3/ Ryu Ga Gotoku 3 has been officially revealed, and it will feature everything remade from the ground up - including using the Dragon Engine, having new game modes such as Kiryu managing his orphanage and forming a biker gang, and new gameplay that'll introduce some new combat styles as well! Additionally, a new side story adventure focusing on the sequel's main antagonist, Yoshitaka Mine, will be included called "Dark Ties"! You can view the trailer below!

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties - Announcement Trailer (Coming February 12, 2026)

Also, RGG Studio will be release the new versions of Yakuza Kiwami, Yakuza Kiwami 2, and Yakuza 0: Director's Cut for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC this December 8! A new Ryu Ga Gotoku film has also been announced and will be in collaboration with Nihontouitsu! Find out more by watching the RGG Summit 2025 and RGG Direct replays!

 Yakuza Kiwami 3 will be released for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC on February 12, 2026!

ICYMI: RGG Studio Reveals New Virtua Fighter and Project Century Trailer at The Game Awards

 

This year’s The Game Awards celebration has come and gone, and there were definitely a LOT of world premiere trailers that showcased some of the best and brightest things that are coming out in the next year or so for the world of video games. 

Chief among those showing their upcoming new titles were SEGA and RGG Studio, who weren’t shy to reveal their new trailers for two very anticipated titles - a brand new Virtua Fighter and the new game that’s part of RGG Studio’s 20th Anniversary celebration in “Project Century”.

You can check out the reveal trailers below, and as a fan of VF and the Like A Dragon/ Ryu Ga Gotoku franchise, I’m excited!

Happy 19th Anniversary, Ryu Ga Gotoku/ Like A Dragon!

 

On this 19 years ago, SEGA and the developers of what would become RGG Studio made a little game called “Ryu Ga Gotoku” - introducing the world to Kazuma Kiryu, the Tojo Clan, Gotoku Majima, Kamurocho, and the beginning of a saga that would stretch out through many games and even spin-offs that would introduce new concepts and ways of expanding the universe that has become so beloved by many worldwide.

As RGG Studio and director of RGG Studio Masayoshi Yokoyama have addressed in an open letter to fans, things are just beginning for the studio and franchise - and next year will be the big 20th anniversary too! Happy 19th Anniversary, Ryu Ga Gotoku/ Like A Dragon!

Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza In Hawaii Gets New Naval Trailer and Release Date

 

Officially revealed last month at the RGG Summit 2024 as a brand new standalone expansion game to this year's "Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth", SEGA and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio have released a brand new trailer and update for "Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii" - the new spin-off RGG Studio game that stars fan favorite character Goro Majima as he loses his memory and ends up becoming a pirate captain going off in his own adventure in Hawaii!

Here's the new Naval Trailer released by SEGA, showing off gameplay as well as some new story details AND a surprise return that Like A Dragon fans will enjoy!

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii | Naval Combat Reveal Trailer

Additionally, RGG Studio head Masayoshi Yokoyama released an update video telling fans that the game's release date has been moved up from February 28 to February 21 next year!

  Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii | Release Date Update

Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii now comes out on February 21, 2025 for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC!

Like A Dragon: Yakuza Announced, New Series Coming to Prime Video This October

The world of Like A Dragon/ Ryu Ga Gotoku expands anew to the world of live-action, as Amazon MGM Studios, Prime Video, SEGA, and RGG Studios have officially announced “Like A Dragon: Yakuza” - a brand new series that features Kamen Rider Drive actor Ryoma Takeuchi in the lead as he takes on the lead role of fan favorite character and longtime series lead Kazuma Kiryu - aka the Dragon of Dojima!🐉

You can check out more news and details via the official press release from the Prime and Amazon MGM Studios website here.

Like A Dragon: Yakuza, directed by Masaharu Take, will officially stream on Prime Video this October!

Sonic The Hedgehog 3: Keanu Reeves is Voicing Shadow The Hedgehog

 

Looks like the way past cool Sonic Movie franchise is adding another big action star to its impressive cast of voice talents, as The Hollywood Reporter has announced that Keanu Reeves - star of The Matrix and John Wick films, has been cast to voice Shadow The Hedgehog in the upcoming “Sonic The Hedgehog 3”!

Following the success of the first two animated Sonic films and Idris Elba’s addition to the roster in Sonic The Hedgehog 2 as Knuckles The Echidna, having Keanu as Sonic’s new nemesis would be a solid boost - and it wouldn’t be Keanu’s first time voicing big animated roles either as he was Batman in DC Super Pets and also lent his voice to Toy Story 4 too as Duke Caboom. 

Sonic The Hedgehog 3 will be released in theaters this December courtesy of Paramount Pictures!

Sega Spring Sale 2024 is Now Underway! Check Out Titles Up to 90% Off

 

Looking to dive into some video game backlog this Spring season and looking for good deals? You're in luck then, as SEGA and ATLUS have some pretty awesome titles on sale for the "SEGA Spring Sale 2024" - which you can check out the catalog right here and it's up to 90% off on selected titles!

Here's the press release below. Be sure to take advantage of the sale until April 24!

March 27, 2024 – SEGA is currently holding the SEGA SPRING SALE 2024 on the PlayStationTM Store, where select PlayStation® 4 and PlayStation® 5 titles will be available at bargain prices for a limited time.

 

Band together with a team of shipwrecked heroes and escape from an abandoned space station in ENDLESSTM Dungeon, which is on sale for the first time at 30% off! Other titles on sale include Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, which depicts Kazuma Kiryu's story after the events of Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, and Two Point Hospital: JUMBO Edition, a bundle jam-packed with new content for your favorite hospital-building simulator.

 

The PlayStation® 5 version of ATLUS's Persona 5 Royal is also on sale.

 

Check the exclusive website below to see what other titles are on sale! The SEGA SPRING SALE 2024 will last until April 24.

Unicorn Overlord Demo Now Available for Various Platforms

 

Get your first taste at the upcoming new JRPG title by ATLUS and VANILLAWARE, as Unicorn Overlord comes to PC and consoles this March - and we're getting a demo covering the first five hours of the game right now to boot!

Here's the press release from SEGA!

SEGA is proud to announce that players can download the Unicorn Overlord demo version on various platforms starting this week! The Nintendo SwitchTM version of the demo will be available on February 22, 2024. The PlayStation® 4, PlayStation® 5, and Xbox Series X|S demo versions will be available from February 23, 2024! 

The demo version of Unicorn Overlord offers players the chance to experience the first five hours of gameplay! Additionally, demo version save data can be carried over to the full version. Take charge and get a taste of what Unicorn Overlord has to offer! 

The game will be released on March 8, 2024, on PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5, Nintendo SwitchTM, and Xbox Series X|S.

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance Comes to PC and Consoles on June 21st

 

Prepare to embark on a complete package adventure, as Atlus and SEGA have officially announced "Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance" - which will be released for the PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S. Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC this coming June 21!

Here's the official press release and trailer from Atlus themselves!

『Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance』PV01（Short Ver.）

 

The Definitive Version of Shin Megami Tensei V – Revenge Awaits! 

With its release in 2021, ATLUS' Shin Megami Tensei V sold over 1 million copies and achieved global acclaim. This beloved title is now coming to multiple platforms: offering a new story, improved gameplay, and polished features!

 

The story starts with two different story paths. The first, Canon of Creation, follows the original story told in Shin Megami Tensei V. The second, Canon of Vengeance, features a new story – a dramatic tale of revenge by the fallen.

 

Canon of Vengeance will diverge from Canon of Creation midway, resulting in a completely different ending. Each story route provides approximately 80 hours of content – for a total of 160 hours of action! Plus, there are numerous new features to immerse yourself in, such as improvements to the battle system, Demon Fusion, and field exploration.

 

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance offers a full-fledged RPG experience that will satisfy both newcomers to the series and players who've already completed the original version of Shin Megami Tensei V.

Sonic Spin-Off Series “Knuckles” Gets First Trailer and Poster!

 

You’ve seen him introduced in Sonic The Hedgehog 2 and he’s coming back for the sequel at the end of this year - but before all that, SEGA and Paramount Pictures want to hit fans with something big with the long awaited spin-off series for “Knuckles”!

Check out the trailer below!

Idris Elba returns to voice Knuckles, and it will begin streaming on Paramount + starting this April 26!

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth Sold 1 Million Units On The First Week of Release!

 

It's a good time to be a Like A Dragon/ Ryu Ga Gotoku fan, as the series that was formerly known as "Yakuza" in the west just reached an epic milestone with the latest chapter in the franchise! Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, the eighth mainline entry in the RGG Studio produced series, has sold 1 million units on the first week of release - meaning that a lot of kyoudais and newbies were pretty excited to get this game that chronicles the latest adventure of Ichiban Kasuga and his allies, as well as the return of longtime series lead Kazuma Kiryu!

Here's the press release on the good news from SEGA Asia and RGG Studio SEA:

February 1, 2024 – SEGA® is thrilled to announce that Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, the latest title in Like a DragonTM series which was released on January 26th, 2024, achieved its global cumulative sales of one million units shipped and sold* within the first 7 days, making it the fastest- selling title in the series. 

To commemorate the record-breaking sales speed and thank players around the world for their support, a free in-game Celebratory T-Shirt Set** for Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth will be released at a later date. Please stay tuned to Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and SEGA social media channels for further updates regarding the special pack. 

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a larger-than-life RPG that depicts an explosive tale across the Pacific. Two beloved characters take the spotlight as dual protagonists in this adventure—Ichiban Kasuga, a man who rises from rock bottom once again, and Kazuma Kiryu, who faces one final battle as he enters his twilight years. 

In Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Ichiban and Kiryu travel from Japan to Hawaii, enabling players to experience its riveting story, captivating characters, fun mini-games, and strategic battles! 

As the latest title in the series, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth offers epic and emotional drama, as well as the new Live Command RPG Battle system which makes combat more strategic and dynamic than ever before. There’s never a dull moment with new jobs, enhanced customization and training elements and the largest-ever map in the series, Honolulu City. 

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth was released simultaneously worldwide on January 26, 2024, and is available in 11 languages*** including Chinese audio support for the first time in the series. The game has been highly acclaimed both domestically and internationally by media, including a current Metacritic score of 89, 5/5 score by ScreenRant, 5/5 score by TheGamer, 9/10 score by IGN, and 40/40 score on Weekly Famitsu. 

SEGA continues to drive high-quality entertainment content on a global scale and aims to inspire customers around the world with captivating experiences through the promotion of transmedia strategy in a variety of fields.

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth is NOW AVAILABLE for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC! 

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth Launches! RGG Studio SEA Holds Giveaway Campaign!

 

The day has finally arrived kyodais! Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth aka Ryu Ga Gotoku 8 is finally available for PC and consoles - and sets the stage for the biggest adventure in the series that sees the heroic Ichiban Kasuga team up with allies new and old as well as the former Dragon of Dojima himself, Kazuma Kiryu!

To celebrate the occasion, RGG Studio SEA and SEGA Asia have launched a giveaway campaign wherein participants can join in and get a chance to win exclusive prizes - namely 1 PS5 Slim to one lucky winner! Plus upon reaching 500 shares, they are also giving away 2 T-Shirts as well!

To join in, simply check and follow the details provided by SEGA below.

Campaign period: Jan 26 - Feb 9, 2024 

Announcement of winners: Feb 24, 2024 

How to participate: 

1) Follow the RGG Studio SEA Facebook page. 

2) Tag 2 friends in the comments of the giveaway campaign post.

If you don't have an idea about the Like A Dragon series and this is your first time experiencing the franchise, check out the trailers below and visit the official website for details and how to get the game!

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth | CM - Ichiban Kasuga
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth | CM - Kazuma Kiryu
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth | CM - Koichi Adachi
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth is NOW AVAILABLE for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam.

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Learn More About the Miss Match Mini-Game!

 

A new chapter for Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu is on the horizon with the highly anticipated launch of "Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth", and with it comes more adventure, exploration, and of course a ton on mini-games you can play in addition to the main story! 

One of these is the "Miss Match" mini-game that allows players to improve their personality while getting to date some of the most gorgeous women in celebrity fandom and social media! Fine out more details below via SEGA!

SEGA has shared more information about the minigames in the upcoming Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, Steam) releasing on January 26, 2024. The Miss Match mini-game allows you to improve your personality through dates with women. Learn more about the following people who will appear in the minigame: influencer Sophie, celebrity personality Naomi Majima, and cheerleader Lin Xiang. 

Your goal in this new minigame is to meet women on the Miss Match app and go on dates with them. Skillfully navigate the app to score another date and improve Kasuga's personality. 

Cast Members 

・Sophie 

An Irish influencer and cosplayer. 

She's amassed more than 1.4 million followers on social media and has over 350,000 Instagram followers. 

Her makeup, cosplay, and game-streaming content have garnered her many fans across genders. 

While she boasts a large international following, she has been gaining popularity in Japan and even had her gravure debut recently in a popular magazine. 

 ・Naomi Majima 

 

Known for her tall 170cm figure, irresistible charm, and ability to stroke the male ego, she was given the title of "Reiwa's Mistress" on a radio program. 

She took to the spotlight in a variety show called The God Tongue as well as the drama series Gilgamesh Fight, with over 1.9 million followers on social media and counting. 

Her skills as a gifted singer, dancer, and DJ have earned her widespread acclaim as a multi-talented performer. 

・Lin Xiang 

Lin Xiang originally started her gravure modeling career at the age of 16. Her lookbooks (a form of fashion diary) propelled her into the limelight, and now she has over 2.5 million followers on social media. 

In addition to hosting multiple programs, she also works as a dancer and singer. 

Embodying a unique blend of innocence and sexiness, she is famous in Japan for her career in cheerleading.

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth will make its long awaited release this January 26 for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC! 

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth: SEGA Unveils New Details on Kazuma Kiryu’s “Bucket List” Side Story

 

One of the most highly anticipated releases coming at the start of this year is RGG Studio and SEGA’s new entry in the Like A Dragon/ Ryu Ga Gotoku series - “Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth”. Pairing together new protagonist Ichiban Kasuga together with longtime series lead Kazuma Kiryu, the game sees the two Dragons heading to Hawaii to find Ichiban’s mother, while Kiryu battles an enemy he cannot easily defeat in the form of cancer.

Thanks to SEGA, here’s more details on the side story the former Dragon of Dojima will undertake with his “Bucket List”. 

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth New Details on Kazuma Kiryu's Side Story Arc – the Bucket List! 

SEGA is pleased to reveal the "Ending Notes" of Kazuma Kiryu's side story arc, one of the main characters of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is slated for release on January 26, 2024. (Available on PlayStation® 4, PlayStation® 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Steam). 

What Is The Bucket List? 

 Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth features unique side stories for its dual protagonists, Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu. The Bucket List serves as Kiryu's exclusive side story. Ichiban Kasuga, who is no stranger to crawling up from rock bottom, will find himself turning Dondoko Island from a scrap heap to a five-star resort, whereas Kazuma Kiryu, a broken man facing his last days, will have to complete his own bucket list. 

Story 

Kiryu reveals to his companions that his days are numbered. His friends suggest that he create a bucket list to find closure and make the most of what time he has left. 

Content 

The Bucket List contains a list of Kiryu's lifelong wishes and loose ends he must tie up before his life comes to an end. These appear in the form of Life Links, a series of episodes that shed light on what Kiryu's former companions are up to now; Memoirs of a Dragon, a chance for Kiryu to reminisce by visiting places from his past; and Unfinished Business, a collection of loose ends that appear as missions which Kiryu must tend to. Kiryu's exclusive Soul, Tech, and Body parameters will increase as he checks off more items on his bucket list. Raising Kiryu's Awakening level will strengthen each aspect of his iconic Dragon of Doijima fighting style. Tying up Kiryu's loose ends will bring him closer to his peak physical condition. 

Life Links 

A series of episodes that provide a glimpse into the present lives of Kiryu's old friends, providing a chance for reflection. Kiryu's fateful reunion with Date serves as a catalyst for Life Links—some of which involve Date's scheming and conniving. Throughout his journey, Kiryu has crossed paths with numerous people and left a profound impact on their lives—just as they have played a significant role in shaping who he is today. What will Kiryu glean from the lives of his old acquaintances? Some characters can assist in combat as Poundmates after reaching a certain point in their story. 

Memoirs Of A Dragon 

An exploration mode where Kiryu can reconnect with his past by revisiting familiar locations in Kamurocho and Isezaki Ijincho. Memoirs of a Dragon gives Kiryu an opportunity to relive his memories as well as spur on his reawakening.  

Unfinished Business

A collection of loose ends that Kiryu must tend to. These can range from eating at a restaurant, singing karaoke, or laying the beatdown on some enemies. Completing them will increase Kiryu's Awakening. Unfinished Business plays a pivotal role in Kiryu's growth and making progress in Life Links, so be sure to devote some time to it. 

Like A Dragon Infinite Wealth will hit the shelves this Friday, January 26th! Pre-order the game now!

Sonic The Hedgehog 2 Pays Tribute to Batman With Blue Justice TV Spot

 

As The Batman descends in theaters worldwide, Paramount Pictures and Sega bring out some way past cool fun by paying tribute to The Dark Knight with a nice little "Blue Justice" TV Spot and poster that also promotes the coming of the highly anticipated sequel that is "Sonic The Hedgehog 2"!

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 - "Blue Justice" -

Sonic The Hedgehog 2 speeds into theaters this March 30!

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Official Trailer premieres at The Game Awards

 

As promised following the reveal of the first poster for the sequel - Paramount Pictures, Sega, and The Game Awards present the world premiere of the official trailer to Sonic the Hedgehog 2 - which sees Ben Schwartz returning as the voice of Sonic, Jim Carrey back as Dr. Eggman, and the introductions of Tails and Knuckles... With the latter character voiced by Idris Elba!

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022) - "Official Trailer"

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 will be released in theaters in the US on April 8, 2022.

Sonic The Hedgehog 2 poster Brings back Sonic and Robotnik and introduces Tails and his plane!

 

Prepare for the continuation of the way past cool adventures of Sega's blue mascot and his world, as Sonic The Hedgehog 2 unveils its first teaser poster in time for The Game Awards - with a trailer coming up soon during the ceremony proper on December 9!

Seen in the poster of course is our hero returning and riding on the plane of his well known sidekick and pal Miles "Tails" Prower - who makes his proper introduction in the sequel after a cameo appearance at the end the first film! Also returning is Dr. Robotnik - who now goes by the name "Dr. Eggman" and has a new parttner in Knuckles!

Sonic The Hedgehog 2 is slated for release in the US on April 8, 2022!

Shenmue The Animation finally gets its First Look Trailer

 

One of the most awaited anime adaptations of a saga beloved by many video game fans finally gets its first look trailer straight from New York Comic Con, as Shenmue: The Animation is coming next year and it looks absolutely beautiful in adapting the story of Ryo Hazuki and his journey to avenge his father's murder!

Here's a look at the series that will be an Adult Swim and Crunchyroll joint presentation! FIRST LOOK | Shenmue the Animation | adult swim

Shenmue: The Animation will be released some time in 2022!

Happy 21st Anniversary, Sega Dreamcast!

21 years ago today in North America, Sega launched their 128-bit console in the "Dreamcast" - a gaming system that was clearly ahead of its time trying to cut costs while maintaining a strong presentation and library of games. It was SEGA's final console in the video game console market, aiming to release and produce games instead as a third party developer instead of making hardware.

Sega Dreamcast Commercials (1999)
Despite facing big competition on the Sony Playstation 2, Microsoft Xbox, and Nintendo Gamecube, the Dreamcast was the machine to call home for a number of exclusives and games that became cult favorites. There's SEGA staples like Sonic Adventure 1 and 2 and Crazy Taxi to name a few, but it was also the system that gave us Resident Evil: Code Veronica, Soul Calibur, Phantasy Star Online, and Yu Suzuki's Shenmue. This really was a console that did big things and had big ideas, and the commercials from 1999 above showed that in full force.

Happy 21 years Sega Dreamcast in the US. Soon this November, you turn 22 in Japan!