RGG Studio explains the title of Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth

When Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth first teaser trailer debuted during the recent Xbox Games Showcase, some fans were confused as to the nature of Sega's new release. Was it a new spin-off starring Yakuza: Like A Dragon protagonist Kasuga Ichiban, or a teaser for the game fans knew as Ryu Ga Gotoku 8? Sega and developer RGG Studio stepped in to say that Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth was not a spin-off like the upcoming Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, but the name of the next mainline Like A Dragon (née Yakuza) series game.

Now a tweet from the official RGG Studio account went into further detail about the reason for the name change. Signed by RGG Studio Director and Executive Producer Masayoshi Yokoyama, the message explained the reason why RGG Studio and Sega chose the title they did, while still keeping the official Ryu Ga Gotoku 8 title for Japan. In short, the team wanted to accommodate overseas fans whose first exposure to the Like A Dragon series came from Yakuza: Like A Dragon, while still acknowledging Japanese fans longer-running relationship with the franchise.

Yokoyama's message also referred to the theme of "infinity", which is deeply tied to the events of Infinite Wealth.

Here's a transcription of the full quote from the message:

Regarding the title for Ryu Ga Gotoku 8...

We are pleased to announce that the official title of the next Western release of Like A Dragon will be Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth.

Meanwhile, in Japan, the official title will be Ryu Ga Gotoku 8.

The reason for this change is because we determined the messages and themes of this latest game could be perceived differently by fans in Japan and Asia versus those in the West who started the franchise from Yakuza: Like a Dragon.

Additionally, we felt one subtitle simply isn't enough for Ryu Ga Gotoku 8 in Japan. Which character and which point of view in this complex, intertwined storyline do you think you'll most closely relate to? Depending on which of the past titles you have played, your answer may change! It is our hope that, once you have finished the game, you might even be enticed to provide a subtitle of your own.

The Western version, on the other hand, is subtitle for fans who started their Like A Dragon experience with Kasuga Ichiban's story (Yakuza: Like A Dragon). The concept of infinity (∞) is deeply tied to the themes of the latest installment. We have had this subtitle in mind since last year's teaser trailer, in which the two main characters, Kasuga Ichiban and Kazuma Kiryu, were surrounded by the ∞ symbol.

What does Infinite Wealth mean? Is there really such a thing? We are all eagerly awaiting the day you'll be able to find out for yourself.

Masayoshi Yokoyama

Director of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio/Executive Producer

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth will release in early 2024 for PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. The Kiryu-focused spin-off The Man Who Erased His Name launches on November 9, 2023.