Yakuza 8 Confirmed To Be In Development

The Yakuza series has become of the best gaming exports from Japan, and now the next game in the beloved series has been confirmed to be in development. 

How Do We Know Yakuza 8 Is Coming?

Click to enlarge

In an interview with Famitsu, Studio Head of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, confirmed that the next game was in development, stating: "I’m not able to talk about it. However, it will take place a few years after Yakuza 7 and can say that it will be a continuation of the story." He also confirmed that the protagonist will be Ichiban Kasuga once again.

This news comes after the reveal that Yakuza creator Toshihiro Nagoshi will be leaving the studio, along with frequent series director Daisuke Sato. This was revealed on the official Ryu Go Gotaku website, along with a photo that depicts the key members of the studio who will assure the quality of the franchise as it moves forward. 

Masayoshi Yokoyama, the Studio Head, also went on to say: "In the past ten years the Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has become an organization to the tune of 300 people, but Nagoshi, Sato, and myself as the set top three has continued for a long time. It’s hard to change without some sort of shock to the system." However, he also assured fans, stating: "Personnel changes are completely normal in corporate organisations."

When Will Yakuza 8 Come Out?

The last Yakuza title to release was 2020's Like a Dragon, which released to critical and commercial acclaim. As it was barely two years ago, we'd imagine there are still a few years before Yakuza 8 is full finished, but knowing it's in development will make the wait worth it. It's also worth noting its potential release could be a few years into the current generations' life cycle, meaning this might be the first next-gen Yakuza title.