RGG Direct 2025: Yakuza Kiwami 3 Remake, Dark Ties Spinoff, and Every Surprise Announcement

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio (RGG Studio) returned this week with one of its most stacked livestreams to date. The RGG Direct 2025 , hosted by studio director Masayoshi Yokoyama, was filled with major news for fans of the Yakuza / Like a Dragon franchise. From a long-awaited remake of Yakuza 3 to a brand-new spinoff called Dark Ties , plus a live-action adaptation and more, the studio made it clear: the series isn't slowing down anytime soon.

Here's a full breakdown of everything revealed during the show.

A Legend Reborn: Yakuza Kiwami 3

The biggest spotlight of the night was on Yakuza Kiwami 3 , a full-scale remake of the 2009 title Yakuza 3 . It's been over 15 years since the original PlayStation 3 hit, and the team is calling this the "definitive version" of the story.

Producer Ryosuke Horii explained that the project isn't just a graphical touch-up. The remake has been completely rebuilt from the ground up with modern technology. Expect new cutscenes, expanded character moments, re-recorded dialogue, and fresh gameplay systems.

"We didn't want to just preserve the past—we wanted to surpass it," Horii said. "This is not a safe remake. This is a reimagining that stands as a brand-new title."

Expanded Storytelling

Fans of Kazuma Kiryu's journey will notice added layers of depth. Characters like Rikiya Shimabukuro, Mine, Kanda, and Hamazaki get more nuanced scenes, giving players a closer look at their motivations. Some cutscenes have even been changed entirely with new outcomes , which means veterans of the original will still find surprises waiting.

New Combat Styles

Combat has also evolved. Players will be able to fight using two distinct battle systems :

Dragon of Dojima: Kiwami – a polished version of the classic style.
Ryukyu Style – a brand-new system inspired by Okinawan martial arts traditions.

Between the visual overhaul, reworked animations, and deeper mechanics, Yakuza Kiwami 3 is shaping up to be much more than nostalgia fuel.

Dark Ties: A Spinoff With a Familiar Face

Alongside the remake, RGG revealed a completely new game called Dark Ties . Unlike Kiwami 3, this spinoff doesn't retell an old story. Instead, it explores the events leading directly into Yakuza 3 , giving longtime fans context they've never seen before.

The surprising twist? This time, the protagonist is not Kiryu. Yoshitaka Mine , chairman of the Hakuho Clan and one of the franchise's most complex characters, takes center stage.

According to producer Hiroyuki Sakamoto, Dark Ties dives deep into "the bonds of loyalty and betrayal within the underworld." The combat here leans into a stylish, boxing-inspired system, reflecting Mine's cold yet refined personality.

This marks the first time a mainline antagonist has become the playable hero in the series—a bold move that could redefine how fans see Mine's role in the saga.

Release Date and Platforms

Both Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties will launch together on February 12, 2026 . Pre-orders are already open, and fans can expect a simultaneous worldwide release.

This dual package essentially delivers two full games in one drop , making it one of the most ambitious launches in RGG's history.

Yakuza Kiwami 1 & 2 Hit Nintendo Switch 2

In addition to the big new titles, RGG confirmed that Yakuza Kiwami 1 and Yakuza Kiwami 2 are getting fresh life on Nintendo Switch 2 .

Release date on Switch 2: November 13, 2025
Release on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S: December 8, 2025

Both physical and digital versions will be available, ensuring accessibility no matter how you prefer to play. This marks the first time the modernized Kiwami games will be playable on a handheld/console hybrid device.

Yakuza 0: Director's Cut Expands

RGG also shared updates on Yakuza 0: Director's Cut . Originally released as a launch title for Switch 2, the upgraded edition is now set to expand across more platforms.

PC (Steam), PS5, and Xbox Series X|S release: December 8, 2025
Available both digitally and physically

For fans who missed out on Yakuza 0 back in 2015, this version brings upgraded visuals and quality-of-life improvements, making it the most complete way to experience the series' chronologically earliest entry.

Live-Action Yakuza 3 Project

One of the more surprising reveals was a live-action adaptation of Yakuza 3 . While details are still thin, we do know the show will feature Kazuma Kiryu and is being developed by the team behind Nihon Touitsu , one of Japan's most successful crime dramas.

Yokoyama emphasized that the project is designed to open the door for newcomers who may never have played the games. The drama will also feature multilingual localization , making it accessible to a global audience.

While video game adaptations can be hit or miss, the gritty, character-driven drama of Yakuza seems tailor-made for television.

Stranger Than Heaven: Behind the Curtain

To close out the showcase, RGG teased progress on Stranger Than Heaven , a completely new IP currently in development. While only a short behind-the-scenes video was shown, fans caught glimpses of mocap sessions, programming work, and concept art.

No release window has been announced yet, but the footage confirmed that development is actively underway. It's clear that RGG doesn't want to be boxed in by just Yakuza—they're also exploring fresh creative territory.

Virtua Fighter Teaser

In a brief but exciting aside, Yokoyama confirmed that a new Virtua Fighter project is on the horizon. No gameplay or details were shared, but even the mention was enough to spark excitement among longtime Sega fans.

With Virtua Fighter's legacy as one of the founding fathers of 3D fighting games, anticipation is already building for what form this comeback might take.

A Milestone Year for RGG Studio

It's worth remembering that this wave of announcements arrives as the Yakuza / Like a Dragon franchise celebrates its 20th anniversary on December 8, 2025 .

From humble beginnings on the PlayStation 2 to becoming a worldwide cult phenomenon, the series has continually evolved. This anniversary slate feels like both a tribute to its past and a bold statement about its future.

Between remakes, spinoffs, expansions to new platforms, live-action adaptations, and entirely new IP, RGG Studio is delivering one of its most ambitious lineups ever.

Final Thoughts

The RGG Direct 2025 was packed from start to finish. The return of Yakuza 3 in a reimagined Kiwami form will satisfy longtime fans, while Dark Ties opens bold new storytelling possibilities. Add in the expansion of earlier Kiwami titles, the Director's Cut of Yakuza 0 , a live-action drama, teases of new IP, and even Virtua Fighter's return—and you've got a showcase that fires on all cylinders.

For fans of crime sagas, emotional storytelling, and over-the-top brawling, 2025 and 2026 are shaping up to be unforgettable years. RGG Studio has set the bar high, and all eyes are now on February 2026 when Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties finally hit the streets.