Sega’s latest entry in the beloved Yakuza series, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, has achieved a significant milestone even before its official release. Physical pre-orders for the game have reportedly reached the highest figures in the franchise’s history, surpassing previous records set by titles like Yakuza 7: Like a Dragon and Yakuza Kiwami. It must be a great feeling when your game is a success before launch.
This news comes from Masayoshi Yokoyama, representative director of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and executive producer of the game, during a recent interview with 4Gamer. While acknowledging the rise of digital distribution, Yokoyama specifically highlighted the impressive performance of physical pre-orders, attributing it to several factors.
“Currently, there is a packaged version and a digital version, so it is not possible to compare the numbers with past works, but if you just look at the number of pre-orders for the packaged version, it is probably the “best” in the history of the series. I can say this now, but when we released “Ryu ga Gotoku 7,” there were extremely few orders for the packaged version.”
Masayoshi Yokoyama (Translated by Google Translate)
He pointed to the positive reception of the previous entry, Yakuza 7: Like a Dragon, which embraced an RPG format and introduced a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga. While the shift initially raised concerns among some fans, the game went on to achieve critical acclaim and commercial success, paving the way for continued interest in Infinite Wealth.
Secondly, Yokoyama noted the extensive promotional efforts undertaken by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio over the past two years. This included initiatives like “Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio TV,” a distribution program featuring developers and cast members, and active engagement with fans through events and online communities. These efforts helped maintain momentum and generate excitement for the upcoming release.
The specific reasons behind the pre-order surge may vary among individual players, but some potential contributing factors could include Continued positive reception for the RPG format introduced in Yakuza 7. There is also the return of popular characters like Goro Majima and Kazuma Kiryu alongside Ichiban Kasuga. Additionally, the new setting of Yokohama and the promise of a sprawling island to explore are huge pluses.
While pre-order numbers only offer a preliminary indication of potential success, they do suggest strong anticipation for Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Whether the game lives up to its hype and sets new sales records for the franchise remains to be seen, but Kiryu leaving the series has brought a huge popularity surge.
