Yakuza Kiwami 3 leak sparks hype for long-awaited remake

Ryu Ga Gotoku (RGG) Studio may have accidentally revealed that Yakuza Kiwami 3 is on the horizon, giving fans hope that the series’ most divisive entry will finally get the overhaul it needs.

The discovery came when eagle-eyed fans noticed a listing for Yakuza Kiwami 3 on RGG Studio’s official website, alongside the existing categories for Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2. The listing has since been removed, but not before screenshots circulated across social media. Adding fuel to the speculation, the RGG Summit is scheduled for September 24, followed by an RGG Direct—making it the perfect stage for an official announcement.

Could the Series’ Weakest Entry Shine Again?

The original Yakuza 3 launched in 2009 for the PlayStation 3 and was often criticized for its slow pacing, heavy focus on Kiryu’s orphanage, and defensive combat that earned it the nickname “Blockuza 3.” Even with later remasters, many fans felt it lagged behind other mainline entries. Still, the game’s heartfelt story and memorable characters stood out, and a modern remake could smooth over its shortcomings while preserving the drama.

Director Masayoshi Yokoyama previously hinted that a remake was not out of the question, saying in 2024: “I’ll just say that I think I’ll do Kiwami 3 at some point. I’m sure I’ll do it someday.” With this accidental leak and the timing of RGG’s upcoming showcase, it seems that “someday” may finally be here.

While fans wait for confirmation, it’s worth remembering that the Yakuza/Like a Dragon franchise continues to expand at a rapid pace. This year alone has already brought Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth and the upcoming spin-off Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, showing RGG’s commitment to keeping the series fresh and diverse. If you’re looking to jump in or catch up, make sure to use our price comparator tool to find the best deals on both Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth and Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii.