"Pirate Yakuza: Elevating Comedic Masculinity"

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii promises an exciting fusion of heartfelt storytelling and wild humor, according to developer RGG Studio. Here's everything we know about the game so far.

Featuring "Serious" Majima

But There’ll Still Be Goofing Off

As the latest entry in the beloved Like a Dragon series, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is set to deliver a bold mix of over-the-top action and emotional depth, as revealed by RGG Studio in a recent interview with Automaton Media.

While fans have come to expect a great deal of comedy from the series—especially with Goro Majima being one of its most eccentric and humorous characters—this installment will present a more serious side to him, particularly at the start of the story.

RGG Studio director Masayoshi Yokoyama explained that this version of Majima carries a “more serious” tone, reflecting his personal journey and motivations. Producer Ryosuke Horii added context, emphasizing that the game centers around a "manly drama"—showcasing Majima’s passion for achieving his goals and the deep bonds he forms along the way.

“The goofing off isn’t the main point—there’s a manly drama at the center of things,” Horii stated. “Of course, there are some crazy parts to take detours to, but overall, I think it’s a straightforward tale about a passionate man.”

Horii also highlighted what makes Majima stand out from long-time series protagonist Kazuma Kiryu. As translated by Automaton, “So, if we didn’t take proper advantage of that, there would be no point in having Majima as the main character. That’s why we blurred the lines of reality a little more than we would with Kiryu, hoping to offer players rich action that’s full of variety. … I wanted to strike a good balance between the pirate-ness, Majima-ness, and ‘Ryu ga Gotoku’-ness, so I think that was a difficult part.”

The development team aimed to blend realism with flamboyance, ensuring the experience never feels flat or predictable. Their goal was clear: create a gameplay experience that feels “wilder,” yet still grounded in a meaningful and compelling narrative.

Majima Maji Festival In Japan

To celebrate the upcoming release of Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, RGG Studio is hosting a special event across Japan called the Majima Maji Festival. The tour kicked off on December 1st, 2024 in Sapporo and has since made stops in multiple cities.

With only two locations remaining, now is your chance to catch the excitement. If you're in Nagoya on January 18th or Tokyo on January 25th, don't miss out on the festivities!

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii puts the spotlight on fan-favorite “Mad Dog of Shimano” Goro Majima like never before. With fast-paced combat, thrilling naval battles, a vibrant cast of characters, and a deeply engaging story, this title aims to redefine what it means to be a modern-day pirate.

Get ready for adventure when Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii launches on PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One on February 21, 2025.