Yakuza's Creator Is Leaving SEGA, Like A Dragon Sequel In The Works

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the development studio behind the Yakuza and Judgment series', has announced it's undergoing a shakeup in which Yakuza creator Toshihiro Nagoshi and series producer Daisuke Sato are leaving SEGA.

As a result, Masayoshi Yokoyama is taking over as director of the studio and executive producer, while the Yakuza series will now have a chief director in Ryosuke Horii and chief producer in Hiroyuki Sakamoto.

In a departure note, Toshihiro Nagoshi thanked "the fans who have supported us for many years":

"As of today, a new Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is born where the series will live on. Though I don’t know for sure what they will create, I believe the new generation will further enhance the foundation we built over the years and deliver great games to the world. To achieve that, they too need to continue to learn, challenge themselves, and grow. I ask that you continue your support of the studio’s endeavors."

As part of the announcement, it was revealed that a sequel to last year's Yakuza: Like a Dragon is in development and will continue the story of Ichiban Kasuga - possibly set for release in the next six months to a year.

In his message to fans, Masayoshi Yokoyama suggested he must 'protect his sense of pride' in the studio.

"For fans who have supported the series and for actors and development staff, the games Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio creates must be something that all can be proud of. This is what is necessary for 'Ryu Ga Gotoku' to continue to be 'Ryu Ga Gotoku'."

"Whether it’s six months or one year from now, I hope to show you a new Ryu Ga Gotoku title by a new Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio that is different but still the same, and something that will spark a feeling of 'this is what we are waiting for' within you.

What are your thoughts on the shakeup and Like a Dragon's sequel? Let us know down below.

[source ryu-ga-gotoku.com]