PC players have been fundamental to the rise and globalization of the Yakuza series, which previously only enjoyed limited recognition outside of Japan. In a special interview during the PC Gaming Show Tokyo Direct, Masayoshi Yokoyama, director and executive producer of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, emphasized how the acceptance of the series by PC players has driven its development in the global market. “Until 11 years ago, we released our games exclusively on PlayStation and only for the Japanese audience,” Yokoyama explained. They owe everything to PC The Yakuza series was originally conceived as […]
PC players have been instrumental in the rise and globalization of the Yakuza series, which previously enjoyed limited recognition outside of Japan. In a special interview during the PC Gaming Show Tokyo Direct, Masayoshi Yokoyama, director and executive producer of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, emphasized how the acceptance of the series by PC players has driven its development in the global market. “Until 11 years ago, we released our games exclusively on PlayStation and only for the Japanese audience,” Yokoyama explained.
They owe everything to the PC
The Yakuza series was originally conceived as a product created “by Japanese people and for Japanese people.” However, the proper localization of content and the creation of an accessible environment for international players were key to changing this perception. Yakuza 0, which came to PC, is considered an excellent entry point for new players, offering a self-contained narrative and appealing elements for veteran fans of the series, such as the return of Majima as a playable protagonist.
With the upcoming release of Yakuza Kiwami 3, fans can expect even more innovations. This remake will offer enhanced graphics, as well as new weapons and moves inspired by the ancient Ryukyu kingdom, and promises to be equally accessible for those new to the saga. Yokoyama emphasized that “many PC players may not have had the chance to enjoy the previous installments, so this is a great opportunity to start their journey in the Yakuza series.”
With success in the PC market, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has seen significant growth and hopes to continue innovating. Yokoyama concluded his message with optimism, wishing to continue collaborating with the PC gaming community to provide fun and exciting experiences in the future.
Rockstar has just released the second trailer for GTA6. Although it is still purely cinematic, without showing us any gameplay, it already gives us a glimpse of some of its dynamics. Pure Vice City, very focused on its main couple and with what seems to be huge set pieces typical of a big Tom Cruise action movie. Which we think is great. But since they just delayed it until next year a few days ago, let’s not kid ourselves, we are left wanting more. But that’s what we’re here for. To recommend a series of games that you can buy and play now […]
Rockstar has just released the second trailer for GTA6. Although it remains purely cinematic, without showing us any gameplay, it already gives us a glimpse of some of its dynamics. Pure Vice City, very focused on its main couple and with what seems to be huge set pieces typical of a big Tom Cruise action movie. Which we think is great. But since they just delayed it until next year a few days ago, let’s not kid ourselves, we are left wanting more.
But that’s what we’re here for. To recommend a series of games that you can buy and play right now and enjoy while waiting for GTA6, which is set to release on May 26, 2026. Six games that won’t be GTA 6 but we can assure you are fantastic and will make that wait much shorter.
GTA 6 is the new installment of the action-adventure sandbox in an open world by Rockstar Games. Wrapped in expectation and mystery, the sixth Grand Theft Auto marks the return of this legendary franchise 10 years after GTA 5 was released. Although little has been confirmed about the gameplay or the release date of this new GTA, everything seems to indicate that we are facing what will be the most expensive game in history. Still, with each passing day, new rumors and juicy leaks are coming to delight the entire gaming community. Would you like to know more? This is everything we know about GTA VI to date.
Sleeping Dogs
The best GTA-style game. Better than many GTAs and, depending on who you ask, the best GTA ever made, even without being called GTA. Why? Because its combat is excellent, its driving is exceptional, its story is incredible, and the recreation of the city of Hong Kong is simply amazing. Sleeping Dogs is one of the best games of its generation, and no one has managed to replicate what it achieved. Not even GTA, in many ways. And that’s why it’s on this list and at the top: because Sleeping Dogs is the king, and no one can deny it.
The Simpsons: Hit & Run
It may not have the depth of GTA, but what does it matter when all the characters you control come from the best television series of all time? The Simpsons: Hit & Run is like a good season of The Simpsons turned into a video game, with all the craziness of a GTA and even the original voice acting from the series, so we can’t say there isn’t extraordinary care put into it. Could it look better? Obviously. It’s a game from the PlayStation 2 and GameCube generation. That’s why we always ask for a remaster. Because a The Simpsons: Hit & Run that looked just like the television series is a game we would never stop playing.
Saints Row 2
The craziest gang game in history managed to take the GTA formula and make it its own. How? By doing what GTA does, but even more outrageous. There are more explosions, more violence, more madness, and more sex. Hitting gang members with giant dildos? Attacking your enemies with rocket launchers while jumping from skyscrapers? Missions to blow up entire neighborhoods? Of course. If GTA has always been a satire of the USA, Saints Row is what happens when you turn the volume of the satire up to 12. Including breaking the speaker and making it sound pretty bad in later installments.
Mafia
Although it has never achieved the same relevance as the Rockstar franchise, Mafia is one of its most advanced disciples. With a more realistic approach set in the 1920s, it puts us in the shoes of a mobster who must climb the ranks within the dangerous world of Italian-American mafia. Frustrating due to the rigidity of its simulation, especially in traffic laws, but fascinating in terms of atmosphere and stories, Mafia remains a captivating game and franchise. A much more mature and cinematic approach than GTA.
Yakuza 0
Although we do not recommend starting the franchise with this installment, but rather with the first one, Yakuza 0 demonstrates that a Japanese version of GTA can be made. Because Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has been making games in the Yakuza franchise for over 20 years, showing that you don’t need giant cities or cutting-edge graphics to create incredible games that stay in the hearts and minds of players. You need memorable places and characters that you will never forget and always want to spend more time with. This is something that Yakuza and GTA have in common, and it is the reason why you should dive into this legendary franchise if you haven’t done so already.
Lego City Undercover
We have saved the most peculiar example for last, because it is likely to shock many people. What do you mean a LEGO game? And on top of that, you are a police officer? Well, yes, indeed. Because LEGO City: Undercover is an excellent action-adventure game in the style of GTA, made by LEGO, where you can find everything you would expect from a game of this kind. Driving, action scenes, missions, and collectibles are present in a game that is much more contained, both in violence and size, but serves as both an excellent first approach and a great reminder of what we love about the genre. In other words, perfect to make the wait for GTA6 a little shorter.
GTA 6 is the new installment of the action-adventure sandbox in an open world by Rockstar Games. Wrapped in expectation and mystery, the sixth Grand Theft Auto marks the return of this legendary franchise 10 years after GTA 5 was released. Although little has been confirmed about the gameplay or the release date of this new GTA, everything seems to indicate that we are facing what will be the most expensive game in history. Still, with each passing day, new rumors and juicy leaks are coming to delight the entire gaming community. Would you like to know more? This is everything we know about GTA VI to date.
Yakuza 0, one of the most acclaimed titles in the SEGA series, will be released in a Director’s Cut format for the new Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5 of this year. Unlike the original 2015 version, this expanded edition will offer additional content, including 26 minutes of new cinematic sequences that will enrich the game’s narrative. It couldn’t be any less: We will have an online mode called Red Light Raid. The new cinematics will explore key relationships between characters, such as Kiryu and Nishiki, as well as Kiryu and Kuze, and will provide more context about the enigmatic bond of […]
Yakuza 0, one of the most acclaimed titles in the SEGA series, will be released in a Director’s Cut format for the new Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5 of this year. Unlike the original 2015 version, this expanded edition will offer additional content, including 26 minutes of new cinematic sequences that will enrich the game’s narrative.
It couldn’t be any less: We will have an online mode called Red Light Raid
The new cutscenes will explore the key relationships between characters, such as Kiryu and Nishiki, as well as Kiryu and Kuze, and will provide more context about Majima’s enigmatic connection to a mysterious character. However, according to Makoto Suzuki, producer of RGG Studio, these sequences will not be essential for new players, but will serve to deepen the experience for fans of the saga.
In addition to the narrative content, Yakuza 0 will include a new online mode called Red Light Raid. This mode will allow you to team up with friends to engage in challenging battles against hordes of enemies, although it can also be played solo. This new approach aims to take advantage of the functionalities of the Nintendo Switch 2, such as chat and a special button, which will allow for a more interactive experience.
From a technical standpoint, Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut promises to deliver stunning graphics, as it will support 4K resolution in Dock mode and run at 60 FPS, which will surely highlight the graphical improvements of the console. However, the reference to first on Switch 2 suggests that the game could be available on other platforms in the future, although this has not yet been confirmed.
Finally, the title will feature subtitles and texts in Spanish, which will facilitate access to a broader audience. The arrival of Yakuza 0 on Nintendo Switch 2 represents an effort by SEGA to expand its player base, attracting both old fans and new interested parties in the series.
