The Yakuza series has a dedicated following in the United States and Europe, but it's never translated to the sales that's sustained the game's extensive translation. Sega tried to turn Yakuza into a major franchise during the first outing's debut outside of Japan and then scaled back the voice work on Yakuza 2, but the third game doesn't have much of a chance of showing up in any English form, reports Eurogamer and The Examiner.
An anonymous marketing executive at Sega reportedly told The Examiner there was little chance Yakuza 3 would leave Japan simply because of the poor sales of previous installments. The Examiner later backpedaled on their report, citing some personal hyperbole after the rest of the Internet started passing on their reporting. It's unclear what's actually true.
Eurogamer contacted Sega for an official statement. A spokesperson told the publication there are "no plans" to release Yakuza 3 in Europe at the moment.
You have the power to make it happen, of course. If enough gamers are vocal about their support for Yakuza 3, maybe Sega will give it a shot. This may be your last chance.
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dann140
I think they make it a multiplatform and/or make it DLC
gmhl10
Yakuza 3 demo was awesome! Why is it that Sega keeps gaming gold like this away from US gamers, but yet, keep piling on the Sonic crap. There hasn't been a "good" Sonic game in like forever and I doubt they sell well lately... but it keeps on coming.
MegaMark26
yakuza 2 had english subtitles and that was far better than the dubbed first game. i loathe dubbed games and anime because it takes so much liberties from the source material.
MegaMark26
WTF?!!!! come on. i want yakuza 3. damn you sega. i've always loved the series and yes. more than gta. i can understand the poor sales but i remember back in the day. there was zero ads and commercials for yakuza 1 and 2..so i wonder why it didn't sell so well. its a shame cause i played the japanese demo of yakuza 3 and loved it
Tmidiman
If they are not willing to make it multiplatform, especially so it can be on a system where people will actually play it, then yeah keep it in Japan.
BertSaxby
I agreee with jstuarts. Redubbed stuff is always terrible. Nothing wrong with subtitles IMHO.
jstuarts
my question is why don't they add a DLC that includes subtitles and let people import the game. I have no problem playing the game in its original language, in fact I prefer it.
westpark
Nooooo we need yakuza to come here!!!! it was such a great series, made up for shenmue dying...
Displaying 1–8 of 8