The RGG Summit 2025 & RGG Direct has wrapped up, and there were a number of updates and surprises. If you’re a fan of the studio, then this event didn’t disappoint, not only was the reveal of Yakuza Kiwami 3 announced, several ports of the Yakuza Kiwami series, and more.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Officially Announced
The biggest announcement from RGG Summit 2025 was the confirmation of Yakuza Kiwami 3, a full remake of the third entry in the franchise. The game is being rebuilt from the ground up using the Dragon Engine, promising overhauled visuals, modernized combat, and reworked cutscenes. Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties will launch on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam) on February 12, 2026.
Among the updates fans can expect:
- Ultimate Brawler Experience – Players can now swap between two powerful fighting styles: “Dragon of Dojima: Kiwami,” a brawling action style overflowing with power and an unmatched sense of dominance featuring the largest number of attack techniques in the series’ history; and the new “Ryukyu Style,” a thrilling and technical weapon-based action style inspired by traditional Okinawan weapon arts that allows players to unleash a wide variety of combo techniques using eight different types of weapons. Both battle styles combine for the ultimate brawler experience!
- “Legendary Baddie, Bad Boy Dragon”– a team battle mode where players aim to build the ultimate biker gang and fight alongside the Ryukyu Gal Gang, a group of lady bikers out to protect the streets of Okinawa.
While Dark Ties is a brand-new story that features Yoshitaka Mine, one of Kiryu’s formidable foes from Yakuza 3 as the protagonist. This story depicts the events leading up to Yakuza 3, shedding light on Mine’s origins, his search for unwavering bonds, and the path that led him, once the head of a venture company, to be immersed in the world of the yakuza. Highlights include:
- All-New Experience – for the first time ever, fans can play as Mine. Battle foes with a stylish yet refined combat system centered around boxing, explore the streets of Kamurocho, and see the usually cool-headed Mine cut loose and have fun.
- “Dark Awakening” mode – unleash Mine’s inner darkness in battle, triggering a rampage with ruthless, relentless combos, and finishing foes with a decisive strike infused with the power of darkness.
- “Hell’s Arena” – an underground fight club where players can enjoy fights under a variety of unique rules. In “Survival Hell” mode, players will fight their way through an underground dungeon, enduring relentless assaults from numerous hunters, to reach the goal and clear the challenge.
It’s amazing to see that the PlayStation 4 continues to get new games, despite the PlayStation 5 now being readily available, and supposed to be the replacement for one of Sony’s most popular consoles. Guess it goes to show that generations really don’t mean that much anymore.
Ports of Classic Yakuza Titles
In addition to the new remake, RGG Studio is bringing earlier games in the series to new platforms:
- Yakuza Kiwami, Yakuza Kiwami 2, and Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut will launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on December 8, 2025. (The PC versions of Yakuza Kiwami 1 and 2 are not new, but will receive language updates)
Sadly, regarding Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut, if you already own the game on PS4, Xbox One or PC, there will be no upgrade path for you, and you’ll have to purchase the new update. At least, that’s the play so far, but of course if fans voice their frustration, then SEGA could change its mind.
Save data Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut from the PS4, Xbox One, and PC versions will not be compatible with the new version of the game.
Live-Action Adaptation Is Happening
RGG Studio also revealed that a live-action Yakuza adaptation is in the works. The production, created with Nihon Touitsu, will cover events leading up to Yakuza 3 and revisit the original game’s storyline. The adaptation is currently slated to release on December 8, 2025. The casting includes the following:
- Kazuma Kiryu – Yasukaze Motomiya
- Goro Majima – Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi
- Akira Nishikiyama – Kazuhiro Nakaya
- Makoto Date – Kenji Matsuda
While Kiwami 3 stole the spotlight, RGG Direct also touched on other projects, including a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming detective-style survival title Stranger Than Heaven, formerly known as Project Century. I did want to see more of the title, but with TGS 2025 around the corner, perhaps the title will make a proper appearance there. It was also a bit disappointing that Virtua Fighter didn’t make an appearance, however, RGG did state it will discuss its plans the Virtua Fighter revival project at a late date.
Between Yakuza Kiwami 3, new ports, and a live-action adaptation, RGG Studio continues to expand its storytelling in multiple directions. With Stranger Than Heaven and the Virtua Fighter project also in development, the next few years are shaping up to be incredibly busy for the studio and its fans.
Here’s the RGG Summit 2025 RGG Direct so that you can watch it for yourself.
Source: SEGA / RGG Video
