Yakuza differs from GTA with new approach to gaming violence

Yakuza’s executive producer Masayoshi Yokoyama distinguishes the series from GTA, emphasizing narrative depth and a strict no-violence-against-women rule in the upcoming “Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth”

As the gaming world eagerly anticipates the release of the latest installment, “Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth,” the executive producer of the “Yakuza” series Masayoshi Yokoyama has set his game apart from the often-compared “Grand Theft Auto” (GTA).

Unlike GTA’s open-world design that allows players to engage in random acts of violence, Yokoyama said that the “Yakuza” series adopts a more narrative-driven approach. “We decided not to have a game where you can hit people yourself,” Yokoyama explained. This choice seems to reflect a deeper commitment to responsible storytelling, especially in the handling of violent themes.

A key element of this approach is the series’ steadfast rule against violence toward women. “The hero never hits women, that’s an absolute rule,” Yokoyama stated. This principle contributes to the series’ focus on emotional depth and character development, diverging significantly from GTA’s often unrestrained aggression.

The “Yakuza” series, which began in 2005, has evolved from a niche market in the West to achieve global success, with 70% of its 21 million sales now outside Japan. This growth is partly due to its authentic depiction of Japanese culture, particularly in its fictionalized Tokyo setting. The latest installment is expected to break new ground by moving the action to Hawaii, a setting familiar to its Japanese audience.

Yokoyama also reflected on the broader societal impact of video game violence, acknowledging the immersive nature of gaming and its potential influence on players. This awareness seems to have informed the series’ narrative direction, steering away from pure yakuza-themed plots towards broader social issues.

Source: AFP