Like a Dragon series: Middle-aged Men, Middle-aged Mayhem, and the Question of Female Representation
The Like a Dragon franchise, formerly known as Yakuza, continues to evolve, attracting a broader audience including younger players and women. However, the developers have reaffirmed their commitment to the series' core identity: middle-aged men engaging in relatable, middle-aged activities.
This focus, according to series director Ryosuke Horii, isn't about exclusion, but about authenticity. In an interview with AUTOMATON, Horii stated that while they appreciate the influx of new fans, they won't alter the core themes to pander to these demographics. The humor and storylines stemming from the experiences of middle-aged men – like conversations about uric acid levels – are considered integral to the series' unique charm. Lead planner Hirotaka Chiba echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the relatability of these everyday struggles.
This approach aligns with previous statements by series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi, who, in a 2016 Famitsu interview (reported by Siliconera), expressed surprise at the growing female fanbase while reiterating the game's original design focus on male players. He stressed the importance of maintaining the series' core identity.
However, this dedication to a male-centric narrative has drawn criticism. Many players express concern over the series' portrayal of women, often relegated to supporting roles or subjected to sexist tropes. Online discussions highlight the limited number of female party members and instances of objectification or suggestive comments from male characters towards women. The recurring "damsel in distress" archetype applied to several female characters further fuels these concerns.
Chiba's comment about female characters' conversations being "hijacked" by male characters in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, though presented humorously, reflects the ongoing debate.
Despite these criticisms, the series has demonstrably evolved, as evidenced by the positive reception of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, which scored a 92 on Game8, praised for its balance of fan service and forward momentum. While the franchise continues to grapple with the complexities of representation, its ongoing evolution suggests a potential for future improvement.
