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 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.
Among the updates fans can expect:
- Two combat styles, including Dragon of Dojima Kiwami and a new Ryukyu style
- Expanded story elements and newly recorded voice acting
- The “Life at Morning Glory” system, allowing deeper interaction with Kiryu’s orphanage
- More side content, reworked substories, and smoother gameplay mechanics
Yakuza Kiwami 3 is set to launch on February 12, 2026, for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2. The package will also include Dark Ties, a companion side story that follows Yoshitake Mine, one of Yakuza 3’s central figures.
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.
