Sega has once again stirred the gaming community by filing a trademark for “Yakuza Wars,” hinting at a possible new addition to the beloved Yakuza game series, developed by its acclaimed subsidiary, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio. This news comes on the heels of the studio’s latest release, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, in January of this year. Known for its prolific output, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has maintained a steady rhythm of releasing either new Yakuza games or remakes annually, making this revelation less surprising but no less exciting for fans of the franchise.

Expanding the Yakuza Universe

The Yakuza series, recently rebranded in some regions as Like a Dragon, continues to evolve, with Sega actively working to expand its reach beyond gaming. A notable venture in this direction is the upcoming Like a Dragon: Yakuza TV series, scheduled to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on October 25. This series will bring Kazuma Kiryu, the franchise’s iconic protagonist, back to the spotlight in an original narrative designed to resonate with the core themes of the Yakuza games while potentially attracting new fans to the franchise.

The Trademark and What It Suggests

Reported first by Gematsu, the “Yakuza Wars” trademark was officially registered on June 26 in Japan and made public recently, categorized specifically under video games. This timely registration aligns with Sega’s announcement that the next Yakuza game will be unveiled at this year’s Tokyo Game Show (TGS), adding to the anticipation surrounding the name “Yakuza Wars.”

A New Direction or Continuing Legacy?

While the specifics of “Yakuza Wars” remain under wraps, the nature of the trademark registration confirms its association with a video game, yet whether this will be a mainline entry or a spinoff is still up for debate. The Yakuza franchise is renowned for its diverse range of spinoffs, such as Judgment and Like a Dragon: Ishin, each maintaining core gameplay elements while exploring different characters and settings within the same universe.

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has a history of innovation, as seen with the shift in gameplay style in Yakuza: Like a Dragon (2020), which transitioned from the series’ traditional beat ’em up mechanics to a turn-based RPG format—a move that, despite mixed reactions, underscored the studio’s willingness to experiment and redefine its approach.

Conclusion

The trademark “Yakuza Wars” suggests exciting developments for the Yakuza series. Whether it marks a new chapter, a spinoff, or a complete genre transformation, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s track record promises that it will be a noteworthy addition to the franchise. As the gaming community looks forward to the official announcement at TGS, the anticipation builds not just for a game, but for the next bold step in the Yakuza saga.

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