The Like a Dragon series, a spin-off of the Yakuza franchise, continues to garner a diverse fanbase, attracting younger and female players alongside its established audience. However, the developers remain steadfast in their commitment to the series' core identity: middle-aged men engaging in activities relatable to their age group.
Despite the influx of new players, the development team, as voiced by director Ryosuke Horii and lead planner Hirotaka Chiba, clarified their intention to avoid altering the narrative to cater specifically to this demographic. They believe the series' unique appeal stems from its portrayal of relatable "middle-aged guy things," from Ichiban Kasuga's fondness for Dragon Quest to the common complaints about physical ailments. This authenticity, they argue, is key to the game's originality and connection with players.
This focus on the experiences of middle-aged men is a deliberate creative choice, echoing sentiments expressed by series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi in a 2016 interview. While acknowledging the growing number of female players (approximately 20% at the time), Nagoshi emphasized the game's initial design target and the developers' caution against straying from their intended vision in response to demographic shifts.
However, this commitment to a specific demographic has drawn criticism. Many players have expressed concerns about the series' representation of women, citing instances of sexist tropes, underrepresentation in significant roles, and the frequent objectification of female characters by their male counterparts. The limited number of female party members and the pervasive use of suggestive remarks directed at women have been highlighted as particular points of contention. While some progress has been made, the persistence of these issues remains a point of debate among fans. The developers themselves acknowledge this, with Chiba humorously commenting on scenarios where female character interactions are often sidetracked by male characters.
Despite these criticisms, the series continues to evolve. Recent entries like Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth have received positive reviews, praised for their balance of appealing to existing fans while simultaneously charting a path forward for the franchise. The game's success suggests a possible path forward that balances the developers' creative vision with a more inclusive approach to character representation.
