Like many English speaking fans of the Ryū ga Gotoku series, known as Yakuza in the west, I’ve eagerly awaited a western release of their latest title Yakuza 7. With the SteamDB leaks that recently hit the news, the anticipation for a release date erupted to an all-time high. For perspective, Yakuza 7: Like a Dragon launched in Japan on January 16, 2020, for the PS4. Thankfully, we finally have an official window announced for a western launch for Yakuza 7: Holiday 2020. Yes, a Yakuza game will be a day one title for the Xbox Series X. The Xbox Series X title will support Microsoft’s new “Smart Delivery” model, otherwise meaning that if you purchased the title for Xbox One it will be available for you on the Xbox Series X for no additional cost.
To fans of the series, this may come as shocking news. With the launch of the brilliant Yakuza 0, Ryū ga Gotoku studios have created incredible momentum in bringing the series to a mainstream audience. Yet, it wasn’t long ago that Yakuza was suited as a niche title. Thanks to newfound dedication to fantastic localizations, particularly with the Yakuza Kiwami titles, we now live in a world where Judgement exists and Yakuza is a launch title for the new XBOX! I fully expect more news for Yakuza 7 to release over the next week. I have a hunch Sony will have a similar move up their sleeve for their launch-line up.
If you’d like to catch up on the series before diving into the seventh mainline title you can find Yakuza 0 and Kiwami on PC, PS4, and Xbox One. Yakuza Kiwami 2 (soon to be a Game-Pass title), 3, 4, and 5 are also available but as PS4 (or PS3 for the original 3, 4, and 5) exclusives.
