The prevalence of digital distribution has shaken up the traditional models in gaming. For fans of the beloved Yakuza series, this shift has hit close to home with Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name.
Tension mounts among these fervent followers as they grapple with the prospect of no physical copies of this hotly-tipped spin-off being available in the West.
Scheduled to be released on November 9, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name thrusts us back into the gritty underworld of the yakuza with the iconic protagonist, Kazuma Kiryu. A compelling narrative awaits fans in the game, unfurling in the gap between the previous and next mainline installments in the franchise. However, the fans eager for a tangible keepsake may have to brace for disappointment, as physical editions appear to be in question for regions outside of Asia.
The saga began with the game’s official website confirming a disc-based version exclusively for PlayStation consoles in Asia. But for Western fans and those hoping for a physical copy for the game’s PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S formats, the waters are decidedly murkier. The local versions of the official website for the UK and USA have omitted any mention of a physical release, pointing instead to digital storefronts for the game on all formats.
This digital-only edict has been confirmed by Yakuza fan channel KamurochoBros, which claims to have spoken to retailers who reached out to Sega.
Hi everyone. It seems like we were given the wrong information. We have spoken to retailers that have reached out to SEGA.
We can unfortunately confirm that there is NO physical ESRB version of Like A Dragon Gaiden. It will be a digital only title. pic.twitter.com/CWP4cgS6tv
— KamurochoBros ~ Like a Dragon Gaiden HYPETRAIN (@KamurochoBros) June 9, 2023
Unveiled during Summer Game Fest, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name follows Kiryu after he faked his own death to protect his family. Now forced out of hiding by a mysterious figure, he returns to the yakuza lifestyle under the alias Joryu. This spin-off takes players back to the classic action-brawler combat system, with Kiryu boasting a bevy of new moves.
Notably, developer Ryu Ga Gotoku is not only focusing on the narrative depth and combat system but also the multiplayer experience. According to a leak before SGF, it is suggested that an offline co-op multiplayer mode will be available for two players. Furthermore, those who purchase the PS4 version of the game can upgrade to the PS5 digital one for no extra cost. However, the upgrade caveat requires the PS4 disc to be inserted into the PS5 to download or play the PS5 digital copy, a condition that inadvertently excludes PS4 disc owners who own the PS5 disc-free digital edition.
Amidst these intricacies, fans have expressed discontent with the potential for a digital-only release. Physical editions offer an element of collectability and are often seen as keepsakes, a tangible connection to the digital realms they enjoy. The shift to digital releases, as has been seen with other titles like Alan Wake 2, not only limits purchasing options but also raises concerns about game availability when current-gen storefronts go offline.
Despite these concerns, there has been a rising trend towards digital releases, with several games like Stray and Sifu only getting a boxed launch further down the line.
As we navigate these changing waters, it remains to be seen if Sega will address these concerns publicly.
