The Yakuza/Like a Dragon series, while expanding its appeal to younger and female players, remains committed to its core identity: middle-aged men experiencing middle-aged life.

A Focus on "Middle-Aged Dudes"

The series, led by the charming Ichiban Kasuga, enjoys a diverse fanbase. However, director Ryosuke Horii stated in an interview with AUTOMATON that the franchise won't fundamentally alter its narrative to cater to new demographics. This commitment stems from a belief that the series' unique appeal lies in its relatable portrayal of middle-aged male experiences, from Ichiban's Dragon Quest obsession to his complaints about back pain. Horii and lead planner Hirotaka Chiba see this realistic depiction of "humanity" as the source of the game's originality. The relatable struggles of the characters, they argue, foster strong player engagement.

Series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi, in a 2016 Famitsu interview (reported by Siliconera), expressed surprise at the increase in female players (around 20% at the time), but reaffirmed the game's initial target audience: men. He emphasized a cautious approach to avoid altering the core experience to accommodate female players.

Concerns Regarding Female Representation

Despite its predominantly male-oriented marketing, the series has faced criticism for its portrayal of women. Many fans point to the prevalence of sexist tropes, with female characters often relegated to supporting roles or objectified. The limited number of female party members and the persistent use of suggestive or sexual remarks by male characters towards female characters have drawn considerable negative attention. The recurring "damsel in distress" archetype for many female characters further fuels this criticism. Chiba, in a lighthearted but telling comment, acknowledged that even in recent titles, opportunities for meaningful female interaction are often sidelined in favor of male-dominated conversations.

While the series has shown progress in incorporating more progressive elements, occasional lapses into outdated sexist tropes remain. Nevertheless, newer installments are generally viewed as positive steps forward, as evidenced by Game8's 92/100 review score for Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, which lauded the game as both a tribute to longtime fans and a promising glimpse into the future of the franchise.