You're absolutely right — the recent, brief appearance of "Yakuza Kiwami 3" on the official Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio (RGG) website has sent shockwaves through the Like a Dragon fan community, and it's almost certainly not a coincidence. While the mention was quickly scrubbed from the site, the fact that it appeared at all — especially so close to the highly anticipated RGG Summit on September 24, 2024, followed by the RGG Direct livestream — strongly suggests that a major announcement is on the way.
Here’s what we know, and what fans are likely to expect:
🔍 What Actually Happened?
- A placeholder or teaser page for Yakuza Kiwami 3 briefly appeared on the RGG Studio website.
- Screenshots were captured by fans before it was removed.
- The page didn’t contain gameplay, release dates, or detailed info — just the title.
- The timing aligns perfectly with RGG’s annual event cycle, where major franchise news often drops.
This kind of "leak" isn't entirely uncommon for RGG — they’ve used similar tactics in the past (e.g., teaser trailers, hidden links) to build hype before big reveals.
🎮 What Is Yakuza Kiwami 3?
- It would be a full remake of Yakuza 3, originally released in 2009 for the PlayStation 3.
- The original Yakuza 3 is widely considered one of the most emotionally powerful entries in the series, set in Kamurocho and featuring a deeper narrative arc, including a major shift in tone and character development for Kiryu.
- The remake would likely use the same modern engine and graphical overhaul as Kiwami and Kiwami 2, potentially including:
- Full 4K/60fps visuals
- Updated combat and gameplay mechanics
- New voice acting and localization
- Possibly new side content or quality-of-life improvements
📅 Why the Timing Makes Sense
- September 24, 2024: RGG Summit kicks off — previously used for announcements like Kiwami 2, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.
- The leak appeared just one week prior, which is classic teaser strategy.
- Series director Masayoshi Yokoyama previously hinted at Kiwami 3 in April 2024, saying:
"I'll just say that I think I'll do Kiwami 3 at some point. I'm sure I'll do it someday."
This wasn’t a firm confirmation, but it was a clear signal of intent.
🧩 What Might We See at RGG Summit 2024?
Given the context, the most likely announcement is:
- Official confirmation of Yakuza Kiwami 3, possibly with a trailer, release window, and platform details (likely PlayStation 5, with a possible PC release via Steam).
- A potential teaser for a new Like a Dragon game, possibly tied to Stranger Than Heaven — which was just announced and may be a standalone title in the series.
- Possible updates on Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii (which already launched), and future projects.
📌 Final Thoughts
While RGG Studio hasn’t officially confirmed it yet, the evidence — from the website leak, director comments, and event timing — strongly points to Yakuza Kiwami 3 being officially announced at the RGG Summit on September 24, 2024.
This would be a massive moment for fans who’ve waited over 15 years since the original Yakuza 3 and 10 years since Kiwami 2.
Whether you're here for the story, Kiryu’s journey, or the return of one of the franchise’s most beloved entries, this could finally be the long-awaited revival.
📌 Stay tuned — the official announcement could drop as early as September 24, and the internet will likely explode.
🎮 The Dragon is returning. And this time, he’s reborn in full HD.