RGG Studio Confirms Yakuza Kiwami 3, Set to Revamp a Fan-Favorite Classic

In a bombshell announcement that has sent the gaming community into a frenzy, Ryu Ga Gotoku (RGG) Studio has officially confirmed the development of Yakuza Kiwami 3. The reveal, which took place during the highly-anticipated RGG Summit 2025 ahead of Tokyo Game Show, puts an end to months of speculation and rumor, confirming that the fan-favorite 2009 title will receive a complete, ground-up remake. This news is a massive win for fans, as it not only modernizes one of the series’ most important story arcs but also re-introduces the game to a new generation of players who may have skipped the original PlayStation 3 release.

The announcement was preceded by a brief leak on the official RGG Studio website, which hinted at the game’s existence and sent social media into overdrive. Now, with an official trailer and developer commentary, the project is officially a reality. The Kiwami remakes, which previously gave new life to Yakuza and Yakuza 2, are known for their enhanced graphics, revamped combat systems, and new story content. Yakuza Kiwami 3 promises to continue this tradition, rebuilding the game on the powerful Dragon Engine, which was first used in Yakuza 6 and has been refined for recent titles like Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.

The Return of Kiryu’s Most Personal Story

Yakuza 3 holds a special place in the hearts of long-time fans for its deeply personal and emotional narrative. The story takes a major turn from the urban sprawl of Kamurocho, as protagonist Kazuma Kiryu leaves the criminal underworld behind to run a small orphanage in Okinawa. The serene setting is short-lived, however, as a land dispute involving the local Yakuza family pulls him back into a conflict that threatens the lives of the children he has sworn to protect. The themes of family, duty, and the struggle to escape one’s past are at the forefront of this tale, making it a critical chapter in Kiryu’s saga.

• Enhanced Story and New Content: The remake will not simply be a graphical facelift. RGG Studio has confirmed that Yakuza Kiwami 3 will feature additional story scenes and dialogue, further fleshing out the game’s pivotal moments. Most notably, the studio is including a brand new side story, Yakuza 3 Gaiden: Dark Ties, which allows players to step into the shoes of the antagonist, Yoshitaka Mine, offering a new perspective on the main conflict.
• Rebuilt from the Ground Up: The original Yakuza 3 was a product of its time, with a combat system that many found to be dated and clunky. The new version, built on the Dragon Engine, will bring the combat and exploration up to modern standards, offering a smoother, more fluid experience. This is a key selling point for new players who may have been put off by the original’s mechanics.
• English Dub and Accessibility: Following the success of the recent Like a Dragon titles, Yakuza Kiwami 3 will be a fully-voiced experience in both Japanese and English. This decision greatly expands the game’s accessibility to a global audience, which has grown exponentially since the release of titles like Yakuza 0 and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.

The announcement of Yakuza Kiwami 3 is a major development for the franchise. It confirms RGG Studio’s commitment to both its long-time fans and its new, expanding audience. By rebuilding these classic titles for modern hardware, the studio is not just preserving its history but actively making it a part of the future. While a release date has not yet been confirmed, fans can look forward to more details in the coming months, as the game’s development is expected to be a key focus for the studio moving forward.

Stay tuned for more updates from RGG Studio, as they continue to reveal more from the RGG Summit and Tokyo Game Show.