Yakuza Kiwami 3 Announced for Early 2026 Release
In a surprise announcement that has sent shockwaves through its global fanbase, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has officially confirmed that Yakuza Kiwami 3 is in development. The long-awaited remake of the 2009 PlayStation 3 classic is slated for an early 2026 release. But the developer didn't stop there; in an unprecedented move, RGG Studio also revealed a brand new prequel spin-off title set within the sprawling crime saga, which will launch on the very same day as Kiwami 3.
This dual announcement marks a massive commitment from the acclaimed studio, promising a landmark start to 2026 for fans of the series. While details remain scarce, the confirmation alone ends years of speculation and sets the stage for the return of Kazuma Kiryu's journey to Okinawa, rebuilt from the ground up for modern hardware. The addition of an entirely new prequel adds a layer of mystery and excitement, promising to expand the rich lore of the beloved franchise in unexpected ways.
The Dragon of Okinawa Returns in Kiwami 3
The confirmation of Yakuza Kiwami 3 finally brings the third chapter of Kazuma Kiryu's saga into the modern era, following the successful remakes of the first two titles. The original Yakuza 3 was a pivotal game for the series, marking its debut on the PlayStation 3 and introducing a significant new location: the serene, sun-soaked beaches of Okinawa. The story saw a retired Kiryu attempting to leave his violent past behind to run the Morning Glory Orphanage, only to be inevitably pulled back into the brutal politics of the Tojo Clan and the world of Japanese organized crime.
Based on the precedent set by Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2, fans can expect a complete visual and mechanical overhaul. We anticipate the game will be rebuilt in the studio's powerful Dragon Engine, the same technology behind recent titles like Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth and the Judgment series. This would mean vastly improved graphics, more fluid combat animations, and a seamless world free of the loading screens that characterized the PS3 original. Key expectations for this remake include:
- Modernized Combat: A complete rework of the original's combat system to align it with the more refined brawler mechanics of later Kiryu-led games.
- Expanded Content: The Kiwami sub-series is known for adding new story scenes to flesh out characters and plot points, as well as introducing new mini-games and substories.
- Re-recorded Audio: A full re-recording of the original Japanese voice lines to ensure consistent quality across the modern entries.
The original Yakuza 3 release in the West was notable for its cut content, including several substories and mini-games. A Kiwami remake offers the perfect opportunity for RGG Studio to restore this content, presenting a definitive version of the game for a global audience for the first time.
A Mysterious New Prequel Arrives
While Kiwami 3 was a long-held hope for fans, the announcement of a simultaneous prequel spin-off was a genuine surprise. RGG Studio has provided no details on the game's title, protagonist, or setting, leaving the door wide open for speculation. The term "prequel" itself is tantalizingly vague. It could refer to a story set before the original 1988-set Yakuza 0, or perhaps a more focused prequel detailing the backstory of a specific character, similar to how The Man Who Erased His Name filled in the gaps for Kiryu between Yakuza 6 and 7.
The success of Yakuza 0, which explored the early careers of both Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima, proved that the prequel format is incredibly effective for the series. It allowed the studio to tell a compelling, high-stakes story without being constrained by established events. This new title could potentially explore the origins of other fan-favorite characters like Taiga Saejima or Daigo Dojima, or it could introduce an entirely new cast to the criminal underworld of the late 20th century. The mystery surrounding this title makes it just as anticipated as the remake it will launch alongside.
An Unprecedented Double Launch Strategy
The decision to launch two major titles on the same day is a bold and highly unusual strategy for any developer, let alone one as prolific as RGG Studio. This move suggests a deep thematic or narrative connection between Yakuza Kiwami 3 and the new prequel. It's possible that playing the prequel will provide crucial context that enriches the experience of Kiwami 3, or vice-versa. This could be a way for the studio to create a singular, massive event for the franchise, drawing in both longtime fans eager for the remake and new players intrigued by a fresh story.
This aggressive release schedule also underscores the studio's incredible development pipeline. In recent years, RGG Studio has consistently delivered high-quality titles at a rapid pace, expanding the universe with both mainline RPGs and action-adventure spin-offs. A dual launch in early 2026 would further solidify its reputation as one of the most efficient and consistent developers in the industry. For now, we await further details on which platforms these titles will target, though a release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC seems highly likely given the studio's current multi-platform strategy.
What This Means for the Future of Like a Dragon
With the mainline series now firmly established in the turn-based RPG genre with Ichiban Kasuga as its protagonist, these two new titles confirm RGG Studio's commitment to preserving the series' action-brawler legacy. The Kiwami remakes serve as a vital bridge, allowing a new generation of fans who joined with Yakuza: Like a Dragon to experience the foundational story of Kazuma Kiryu with modern gameplay and presentation.
This dual announcement ensures that the world of Like a Dragon will continue to expand in multiple directions at once. While Ichiban's story moves forward, the studio is simultaneously filling in the gaps of its rich history. It's a strategy that caters to all segments of its diverse fanbase. As we look toward early 2026, it's clear that the streets of Kamurocho and the shores of Okinawa have many more stories left to tell, and RGG Studio is just getting started.