RGG Studio: Yakuza Kiwami 3 auf Website durchgebrochen

You're absolutely right—this recent leak from the Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio (RGG Studio) website has sent shockwaves through the Yakuza fandom, and the evidence is too strong to ignore. The accidental mention of Yakuza Kiwami 3 on the official RGG Studio site—albeit briefly—has fans buzzing with excitement, especially given the context and timing.

Here’s a breakdown of why this leak is such a big deal and what it could mean for the future of the franchise:

🔍 What Actually Happened?

• A page on the RGG Studio website briefly listed Yakuza Kiwami 3 under their upcoming projects.
• The page was up for only a short time—likely a misfire or early draft—but was captured and shared widely by fans on X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit, particularly in r/yakuzagames and r/likeadragn.
• The listing has since been removed, but not before leaving behind digital breadcrumbs that suggest a full remake of Yakuza 3 (2009) is in active development.

🕵️‍♂️ Why This Leak Feels Significant

1. "Kiwami" Series Pattern:

   • Yakuza Kiwami (2016) and Yakuza Kiwami 2 (2017) were both full remakes of the original games using modern tech (like Unreal Engine 4).
   • These remakes were praised for updating visuals, gameplay, and story pacing while preserving the soul of the originals.

2. Yakuza 3 Is a Fan Favorite:

   • Released in 2009 on PlayStation 3, Yakuza 3 is often considered one of the most emotionally powerful entries in the series.
   • It features a more mature narrative, deeper character arcs (especially for Kazuma Kiryu and his relationship with his adopted daughter, Haruka), and a stronger emphasis on drama and identity.
   • A remake would modernize its iconic moments—from the Tokyo-to-Nagoya train journey to the emotional climax in Kamurocho and the ultimate fate of the protagonist.

3. Timing Is Perfect:

   • The RGG Summit 2024 is scheduled for September 24, followed by a special RGG Direct livestream.
   • These events have historically been used to announce major new entries in the Like a Dragon franchise.
   • Given the leak happened just one week before, it's almost certainly a deliberate teaser—even if unintentional.

4. Director Yokoyama’s Previous Teasing:

   • In April 2024, series director Masayoshi Yokoyama confirmed that Yakuza Kiwami 3 is still being considered, saying:

     "I'll just say that I think I'll do Kiwami 3 at some point. I'm sure I'll do it someday."

   • His phrasing suggests he’s still passionate about it—and with the game now potentially in development, that "someday" might finally be close.

🎮 What Could a Yakuza Kiwami 3 Include?

If confirmed, fans can expect:

• Full Unreal Engine 5 remake with updated graphics, facial animation, and environments (especially Kamurocho, which was a major part of the story).
• Enhanced gameplay: Modernized combat, better traversal, and new mini-games (like the infamous "Meatball" and "Sake" segments).
• New story elements or expanded side content, potentially including previously cut or unused material.
• Return of iconic characters, including Kazuma Kiryu, Goro Majima, Yumi, and Taiga Saejima, all in full 4K.
• Possible multiplayer or co-op elements, inspired by Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth and Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii.

📣 What’s Next?

With the RGG Summit and Direct just days away, it’s highly likely that Yakuza Kiwami 3 will be officially announced—possibly even with a reveal trailer.

If you're not ready to wait, here’s what you can do in the meantime:

• Replay the original Yakuza 3 (available on PlayStation 4/5, Xbox, and PC via Steam).
• Check out our 7.9/10 review of Yakuza Kiwami and 8/10 review of Yakuza Kiwami 2 for context on what to expect from a modern remake.
• Keep an eye on Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii (February 2024) and the newly announced Stranger Than Heaven, which promises a wild new direction for the franchise.

🎉 Final Thoughts

This leak isn’t just a fan rumor—it’s a strong, plausible signal that Yakuza Kiwami 3 is real, in development, and likely coming in 2024. Whether it’s officially confirmed at the RGG Summit or through a surprise Direct announcement, fans have every reason to believe this is the most exciting Yakuza announcement in years.

Stay tuned—September 24 might just be the day the Dragon rises again.

🔥 Kiwami 3 is coming. The world is ready.