TheYakuzagame series is known for its depiction of the Japanese criminal underworld, but according to director Masayoshi Yokoyama, the games are more about human emotions than crime. TheYakuzagame series has been around for a while and continues to beone of the best-selling and most popularfranchises of modern times. The series is known for its critically acclaimed storytelling, deep and complex characters, and unique blend of crime drama and comedy.
For those who don’t know,Yakuzais a Japanese organized crime syndicate with a long and storied history. The Yakuza first rose to prominence in the early 1700s, when they began to provide protection for merchants and others in the cities of Edo and Osaka. The Yakuza quickly became known for their ruthlessness and their willingness to use violence to get their way. Over the years, the Yakuza have been involved in everything from gambling and prostitution to drugs and human trafficking. Today, there are an estimated 24,000Yakuzamembers in Japan, with a presence in both the legal and illegal economies.
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In a recent interview with Edge magazine, theYakuzagame director explained that many may think that the games are centered around the JapaneseYakuza gangs, but it is not the case. According to Yokoyama, the game’s primary focus is to make players experience life-or-death situations to evoke human emotions. While it’s true that theYakuzagames' main titlestend to focus on human emotions and this aspect of the game is generally well-received, the same can’t necessarily be said about its spin-offs.
Yokoyama’s statement seems to be true asYakuzagames follow the stories of characterswho are caught up in the world of crime, and they deal with the challenges and choices that come with that lifestyle. While the games certainly don’t shy away from the violence and crime that is part of theYakuzaworld, they also focus on the human stories behind those events. They even deal with themes like loyalty, betrayal, and redemption, and all of this makes for a series that is about more than just crime.
The lastYakuzagame to use the title Yakuza outside of Japan wasYakuza: Like a Dragon.Thefranchise then adoptedLike a Dragonas the new series title in the West, and the reason for this change appears to be that the developers don’t want the game to be about depicting JapaneseYakuzalife. It is possible that the recent statement of theYakuzagame director is also to make people stop comparingYakuzagames with Japanese Yakuza gangs.
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