Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio Is Working on a New IP

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is reportedly working on a new IP, separate from its Yakuza and Judgment franchises. In an upcoming interview, studio director Masayoshi Yokoyama also reveals new information about the recently announced sequel to Yakuza: Like a Dragon. Additionally, Yokoyama states that the studio will continue to give attention to the Judgment series. [Thanks, ryokutya!]

In an interview with Famitsu, Yokoyama discusses the future of RGG Studio as well as its two most prominent IPs. Reports from earlier this year indicated that the Judgment series could abruptly end due to conflicts with main actor Takuya Kimura’s talent agency. Yokoyama doesn’t address these rumors directly, but he does state that the studio will actively challenge itself to make new games when the environment is right.

This stance doesn’t just apply to the two existing franchises, either. Yokoyama also reveals that the studio is planning a game that is separate from the Yakuza and Judgment series. This unannounced title is currently in development at  the studio.

Building on previous announcements, Yokoyama mentions that the tentatively titled Ryu Ga Gotoku 8 will take place several years after the events of Yakuza: Like a Dragon (known as Ryu Ga Gotoku 7 in Japan). When asked whether Ichiban Kasuga will be the game’s protagonist, Yokoyama answers with an ambiguous “hmm, well, yes.”

Finally, Yokoyama talks about the changes that came with the departure of studio veterans Toshihiro Nagoshi and Daisuke Sato. With 300 employees, Yokoyama recalls how change was hard to come by at RGG Studio without something drastic happening.

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has reached over 300 employees in the last ten years. While Nagoshi, Sato, and I were the top 3 for a long time, changes are hard to make in this sort of organization without some sort of shock. In that sense, I believe this new restructuring is an indication of change.

Yokoyama reiterates that changes in employment are a common occurrence within companies. He also expresses appreciation for being in an environment where publically announcing organizational changes is required.