In a recent interview with Gameblog.fr, Yakuza series producer Daisuke Sato discussed several subjects, including the possibility of porting the series' games to Switch and Xbox One, and even the possibility of Yakuza 0-2, a sequel to Yakuza 0, and Binary Domain 2, a sequel to another game from the same studio.
Read the interview below.
Regarding a Yakuza 0-2...
Daisuke Sato: "We are still completely in the dark, since there is no particular [Yakuza 0-2] project [in development]. But if we were to do it, it would be about young Kiryu and Majima again."
Regarding a City Hunter spin-off in the style of Yakuza, or other spin-offs...
Daisuke Sato: "This is a question I am asked quite often. Technically, it would be possible. After all, the story of City Hunter takes place in Shinjuku. We have a point in common, and that would make it potentially possible. Now, whether or not we should do it is another question, because what matters is that the two universes fit together perfectly.
With Fist of the North Star, we certainly had relatively different worlds, with a real world on one side and a postapocalyptic world from a manga on the other, but it worked very well at the character level. When we look at the characters from Yakuza and those from Fist of the North Star, we find many things that overlap; we can find very similar personalities, ways of acting, and behaviors in both worlds.
That is why it worked so well and allowed us to bring something truly interesting as game creators. We really want to focus on those points."
Regarding the Yakuza series on non-PlayStation consoles...
Daisuke Sato: "To be realistic about what happened, Yakuza 1&2 HD for Wii U was a huge failure. But we are always looking to develop for as many platforms as possible, and we know that doing so reaches a broader audience and attracts more people. However, as far as Switch is concerned, I am convinced that it is not the ideal platform for developing games in the Yakuza series. Perhaps people do not expect that kind of game on Switch. Maybe they are used to different games. It may not be the ideal platform. As for Xbox One, we can consider it, knowing that Xbox One users may be more inclined to take an interest in a game like Yakuza. That could be an option."
Regarding a Binary Domain 2...
Daisuke Sato: "As far as I am concerned, I would love to make a sequel. It is purely a question of practicality and management. It is up to SEGA to decide whether or not they want to make it. (Laughs)"
On whether we will see Shun Akiyama again...
Daisuke Sato: "Hmm... why not...? (Laughs)”
(Potential spoilers ahead) On Yakuza 6: The Song of Life being the end of Kazuma Kiryu's story...
Daisuke Sato: "He is not dead, and that does not mean he will disappear completely. We may see him again someday."
