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, everyday experiences.

Maintaining the "Middle-Aged Dude" Vibe

Despite a surge in female and younger fans, series director Ryosuke Horii affirmed in an interview with AUTOMATON that the franchise won't fundamentally alter its narrative to cater to this broader audience. The charm, Horii and lead planner Hirotaka Chiba argue, lies in the authentic portrayal of middle-aged men's lives – their anxieties, their hobbies (like Ichiban's Dragon Quest obsession), and even their physical ailments. This relatability, they believe, is the series' unique selling point.

This perspective echoes a 2016 Famitsu interview with series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi, who, while acknowledging the increasing female fanbase (approximately 20% at the time, according to Siliconera), reiterated the game's original design focus on male players. He emphasized a cautious approach to avoid compromising the series' core identity in pursuit of broader appeal.

Criticism of Female Representation

However, the series' commitment to its core demographic has drawn criticism regarding its portrayal of women. Many fans express concern over the prevalence of sexist tropes, often relegating female characters to supporting roles or objectifying them. The limited number of playable female characters and the frequent use of suggestive or sexual remarks by male characters towards female characters are frequently cited as examples. The recurring "damsel in distress" archetype also receives considerable criticism. While Chiba jokingly acknowledges the continued dominance of male perspectives in character interactions (referencing a scene in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth), the issue remains a point of contention.

A Balancing Act: Progress and Setbacks

Despite these criticisms, the series shows signs of evolution. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, praised by Game8 (scoring 92), is seen as a step forward, successfully balancing fan service with a vision for the future. While the series continues to navigate the complexities of representation, its commitment to its core identity remains a defining characteristic.