Despite Yakuza creator Toshihiro Nagoshi and producer Daisuke Sato leaving Sega, development on the series continues on. Ryu ga Gotoku Studio director Masayoshi Yokoyama recently spoke to Famitsu (transcription via ryokutya) and confirmed that the next Yakuza title would set several years after Yakuza: Like a Dragon. Ichiban Kasuga will be the protagonist once again.
However, the studio is also working on unannounced titles outside of the Yakuza and Judgment series. Further details weren’t provided but Yokoyama did state that, “We will continue to cherish the Judgement series.” A reported dispute between Sega and Johnny and Associates (the talent agency for actor Takuya Kimura, who plays Takayuki Yagami) pointed towards Lost Judgment perhaps being the last title in the series. It now seems that this may actually be the case, at least for the foreseeable future.
In the meantime, the next Yakuza title will likely be another turn-based role-playing game, based on comments from Ryu ga Gotoku Studio earlier this year. When it will launch remains to be seen so stay tuned for more details in the future.
