It looks like Yakuza Kiwami 3 might be on the verge of an official reveal — and the evidence is building fast.
The recent alleged leak from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s (RGG) official website has set social media ablaze, with fans across X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit (including posts like “rgg website accidentally leaked kiwami 3” from user byu/blubiboy98) capturing fleeting traces of a listing for Yakuza Kiwami 3. Though the page has since been removed, the digital breadcrumbs are strong — and they point to a long-anticipated remake of Yakuza 3, originally released in 2009 on PlayStation 3.
Why This Leak Matters:
- The Kiwami series has successfully remade the first two mainline Yakuza games (Yakuza Kiwami 1 and 2), offering modern graphics, updated gameplay, and enhanced storytelling.
- Yakuza 3 is considered one of the most emotionally complex entries in the series, featuring a deeper narrative, a major shift in tone, and iconic moments like the "Tree of Life" arc and the heartbreaking final chapter involving Kiryu’s mentor, Kazuma Kiryu.
- A full remake would not only bring this story into the modern era but also provide a more polished experience for new players — especially with RGG’s proven track record with the remasters.
The RGG Summit Is Just Around the Corner
The timing is too perfect to ignore. RGG Studio is set to host its annual RGG Summit on September 24, immediately followed by a RGG Direct — a major event that has historically served as a launchpad for new Like a Dragon franchise reveals.
Given that:
- Fans have been clamoring for Kiwami 3 for years,
- The studio has confirmed prior interest from director Masayoshi Yokoyama (“I’ll do it someday” — April 2024),
- And now, a potentially official listing surfaced and vanished in minutes…
…it’s almost certain that Yakuza Kiwami 3 will be announced at the RGG Summit or RGG Direct.
What We Can Expect (If It’s Real):
- Remastered visuals and gameplay, likely built on the same modern engine used in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth and Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii.
- Improved combat and traversal, with the potential for a new “Hearts” system (similar to the Like a Dragon series' new mechanics).
- New story content or side missions, possibly including expanded arcs or additional character intros.
- Japanese voice acting and full localization, continuing the trend of emotional depth and cultural authenticity.
In the Meantime:
While waiting for the official announcement, fans can:
- Revisit our 7.9/10 review of Yakuza Kiwami and 8/10 review of Yakuza Kiwami 2 to relive the evolution of the series.
- Check out Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, which launched in February 2024 and has been praised for its wild energy and humor.
- Keep an eye on Stranger Than Heaven, a new, mysterious project announced earlier this year that could signal RGG’s expansion into new genres.
Final Thought:
The leak may have been fleeting, but the excitement is real — and the Yakuza Kiwami 3 announcement might be just one week away. Mark your calendars: September 24, 2024. The Dragon is returning.
🔥 Stay tuned for the RGG Summit. The next chapter of Kiryu’s legend is about to begin.