Bloody Hell, RGG Studio Just Announced Yakuza Kiwami 3 AND a Whole New Spinoff – Do They Ever Sleep?
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
RGG Studio has unveiled *Yakuza Kiwami 3*, a full remake of *Yakuza 3* with extensive new content, alongside a surprising, brand-new prequel spinoff, *Dark Ties*, starring antagonist Yoshitaka Mine, showcasing the studio's incredible productivity and ambition ahead of a 2026 release.
Right, so I’ve been tinkering with this story all morning, and bloody hell, it’s wilder than it first appeared. You know that feeling when you cast a spell and it works a bit too well, leaving you with more than you bargained for? That’s pretty much RGG Studio’s entire development cycle, apparently, because they’ve just gone and announced *Yakuza Kiwami 3* and, get this, an entirely new spinoff game called *Dark Ties* to go with it. Fair dinkum, my head’s still spinning.
Seriously, is Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio secretly cloning developers in a hidden lab under Kamurocho? Because their output is nothing short of magical, bordering on chaotic. Just when you think you’ve got a handle on the *Like a Dragon* (or *Yakuza*, for the purists among us) universe, they drop a bombshell that expands it faster than a level 99 spell. This time, via their *RGG Direct* stream, they've pulled back the curtain on *Yakuza Kiwami 3*, which is set to tackle 2009's *Yakuza 3* with the full remake treatment. And that's not even the half of it, mate.
For those not in the know, the 'Kiwami' series isn't just a lick of paint on an old classic. It's a full-on rebuild, often bringing in modern combat systems, expanded storylines, and brand-new content that makes the original feel… well, a bit like a dusty old scroll compared to a vibrant, interactive digital tome. *Kiwami 3* looks like it’s going all out, taking us back to Okinawa with the Dragon of Dojima himself, Kazuma Kiryu, as he navigates the noble, yet perpetually problematic, life of running the Morning Glory orphanage. Remember those days? Good times, mostly.
But this isn't just Kiryu's tale revisited. Oh no. RGG Studio is clearly aiming for the 'ultimate dad' simulator, expanding Kiryu’s orphanage life with a whole host of new mini-games. We're talking cooking, fishing, bug-catching – basically, everything you need to become the most legendary foster parent in gaming history. And with new side-stories featuring the kids, I reckon we're in for some genuinely heartwarming, and probably tear-jerking, moments. Because if there's one thing RGG knows how to do, it's pull at your heartstrings right before you curb-stomp a gang leader. Plus, there's a new weapon-based combat style called Ryukyu Style, named after the region and inspired by Okinawan martial arts. Always nice to see Kiryu learn new tricks, even if he's already a walking arsenal.
And then there's the truly unexpected: new team battle modes where Kiryu leads *customizable motorbike gangs* in tactical battles. Bloody hell, motorbike gangs? This is the kind of gloriously absurd, yet utterly brilliant, feature that only RGG Studio could dream up and make work. Add in flip-phone customization (a delightful nod to the era, I imagine), and new karaoke songs, and you’ve got a Kiwami game that’s bursting at the seams with content. It's like they’re trying to pack a whole console generation's worth of fun into one release.
Now, as if that wasn't enough to make you spontaneously combust with excitement, we need to talk about *Dark Ties*. This isn't just a bonus side quest; it's an entirely new *game*. A prequel, no less, starring Yoshitaka Mine, the antagonist of *Yakuza 3*. For the first time ever, we get to play as Mine, and RGG Studio is billing it as a gritty, downbeat crime story, leaning into the character's amorality. This is fascinating, mate. Usually, we're with the 'good' guys (or at least the 'less bad' guys), but stepping into the shoes of an antagonist to explore their backstory in depth? That’s some clever narrative wizardry right there.
*Dark Ties* takes us back to the familiar, neon-drenched streets of Kamurocho, where Mine will be singing karaoke (because even villains need to let loose), brawling with a signature boxing combat style, and engaging in power struggles with other gangsters. And, in a move that feels uniquely RGG, there’s a mission-based mode called Kanda Damage Control, where Mine has to clean up the messes of his unruly partner-in-crime. Plus, an underground fight club with a survival mode? This sounds like a standalone experience that could easily hold its own. It's truly a testament to RGG's commitment to fleshing out their world and characters, even the ones we love to hate.
Both *Yakuza Kiwami 3* and *Dark Ties* are set to drop on February 12, 2026, for Nintendo Switch 2 (intriguing!), PlayStation 4 and 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X. This announcement forms a core part of Sega studio's 20th-anniversary celebrations for the *Yakuza/Like a Dragon* series, and what a way to celebrate. Are they trying to kill us with content? Perhaps. But if so, I'm ready to die a happy gamer.
And for those of you feeling the need to brush up on your Dragon of Dojima lore (or simply wanting to mainline some more Yakuza goodness), RGG Studio has got your back. *Yakuza Kiwami* and *Kiwami 2* are coming to Switch 2 on November 13th, and in a new double-pack for PS5, Xbox Series X, and Steam on December 8th. *Yakuza 0 Director's Cut* also sheds its Switch 2 exclusivity to hit those same platforms on the same date. They’re practically daring you not to get into the series at this point!
Seriously though, RGG Studio's productivity is almost frightening. Besides these behemoths, they're also reportedly working on a new *Virtua Fighter* game and *Stranger Than Heaven*, a period crime epic. The *RGG Direct* stream even teased some new footage of a jazz singer in *Stranger Than Heaven*, just to keep us on our toes. It’s like they’ve opened a portal to an alternate dimension where game development cycles are measured in weeks, not years. While my gentle skepticism wonders if this blistering pace is sustainable, my authentic enthusiasm is practically buzzing with excitement.
This isn't just news; it's a statement. A declaration that RGG Studio isn't slowing down, isn't resting on its laurels, and is still willing to experiment wildly within its established universe. It's a good reminder that genuine innovation often comes from developers who genuinely love their craft, rather than just chasing the next big trend. What a time to be a *Yakuza* fan, eh? Bring on 2026, I reckon!
_Original reporting by Oli Welsh for Polygon. Article found at polygon.com/yakuza-kiwami-3-dark-ties-rgg-direct-2025/._
Tags: Yakuza, RGG Studio, Gaming News, Remake, Spin-off
Original article: Polygon