During the recent RGG Direct 2025 livestream, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio director and executive producer Masayoshi Yokoyama captivated fans with a series of major announcements. The presentation was primarily focused on the eagerly anticipated remake of Yakuza 3, a title that had been the subject of recent rumors. This definitive remake will launch hand-in-hand with an entirely new spin-off game, titled Dark Ties.
Originally released back in 2009, making it over fifteen years old, Yakuza 3 is set for a significant update. Yokoyama proudly declared that this remake, officially named Yakuza Kiwami 3, will be the ultimate version of the classic. Adding to the excitement, Dark Ties introduces a completely original storyline, effectively offering two distinct experiences within a single package.
The team also highlighted that the iconic Like a Dragon & Yakuza series will mark its 20th anniversary this December 8th, extending their sincere appreciation to the community for their unwavering support of RGG Studio.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties Unveiled
Yokoyama elaborated on the development of Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties, explaining their core concept: “a legend is reborn and a new legacy begins.” Chief producer Hiroyuki Sakamoto clarified that previous titles, Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2, directly connect to this new release. Producer/director Ryosuke Horii then shared further details, confirming the game’s release in February 2026.
Horii further explained that Kiwami 3 is a complete remake of the 2009 Yakuza 3. “We’ve rebuilt it from the ground up using the latest technology developed by our talented staff. The game has evolved enormously with loads of new cutscenes and newly added game elements. I can proudly say that we’re delivering a game worthy of the Kiwami title.”
While the original game was well-received, earning an 8.5/10 score back in 2010, the remake will delve deeper into the narrative with added cutscenes that developers felt they couldn’t fully realize before. Horii added, “Whether it’s Kiryu and his pal Rikiya Shimabukuro, or enemies like Mine, Kanda, and Hamazaki, we’ve further detailed their thoughts and actions to better depict the human condition and connection.”
New content extends beyond just scenes; players can look forward to completely re-recorded and brand-new voice lines, alongside thoroughly overhauled animations. Some scenes have even been “changed drastically with different developments and outcomes.”
Horii emphasized their ambitious approach: “In order to greatly outdo ourselves and make a game that everyone will love, we didn’t take the safe, defensive route by glorifying the past with a simple remake, but instead took a more aggressive approach to make Yakuza Kiwami 3.”
RGG Studio announced on Twitter: “A LEGEND IS REBORN AND A NEW LEGACY BEGINS! Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties releases Feb 12, 2026 on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Nintendo Switch™ 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam). Digital pre-orders now live! Physical to follow in coming days.”
The combat system has also received a significant overhaul, introducing two distinct fighting styles: the familiar Dragon of Dojima: Kiwami, and a brand new Ryukyu style, drawing inspiration from traditional Okinawan martial arts.
Horii concluded, “Beyond a mere remake, Yakuza Kiwami 3 is a brand new title, vastly evolved from the original.” Sakamoto then introduced the Dark Ties storyline, which casts Yoshitaka Mine—a popular character and chairman of the Hakuho Clan—as the protagonist for the first time. Players will join Mine as he strives to “pursue unwavering bonds” within this new narrative.
Dark Ties, essentially a spin-off, is an action-adventure game that explores the events leading up to Yakuza 3. It promises a narrative rooted in the “gritty reality of human relationships in the criminal underworld,” featuring a “refined but cool” combat style focused on boxing.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties are slated for release on February 12, 2026. Pre-orders are available now.
Yakuza Kiwami 1 and Yakuza Kiwami 2 on New Platforms
In related news, both Yakuza Kiwami 1 and Yakuza Kiwami 2 are making their way to Nintendo Switch 2. Both physical and digital editions will be available starting November 13, 2025.
These titles will also launch on PC (via Steam), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S platforms a little later, on December 8, 2025.
Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut Expands Availability
While Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut is already available on Nintendo Switch 2, it will soon expand its reach to PC (via Steam), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S on December 8, 2025. This version will also be offered in both digital and physical formats.
Upcoming Live-action Yakuza 3 Production
Although details are sparse, a live-action production featuring the legendary Kazuma Kiryu is officially in the works. The team behind this project previously worked on Japan’s highly acclaimed crime series, Nihon Touitsu.
Yokoyama explained, “Through the collaboration of the game and the live-action drama themed around the underworld, we’re creating a work to make Yakuza even more accessible to those unfamiliar with the series.” He further added that multilingual localization will be a key feature, aiming “to make this more accessible for those of you around the world.”
Stranger Than Heaven Development Tease
To conclude the livestream, fans were treated to a brief, intriguing behind-the-scenes glimpse of Stranger Than Heaven, another title currently in development. Though the video was only a couple of minutes long, it showcased the team’s promising progress through snippets of programming, motion capture work, and more.
A New Virtua Fighter Project is On the Horizon
Unfortunately, there are no additional specifics to share beyond Yokoyama’s confirmation that a “new Virtua Fighter project” is in development. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for future updates on this exciting fighting game announcement.