Gang of Dragon really feels like the Yakuza series turned into Grand Theft Auto

Yakuza is one of the most iconic and prolific game series, at least in the single-player space, and that's one of the reasons why the upcoming Dragon gang looks so promising.

Revealed at The Game Awards 2025, the game will be the debut release from Nagoshi Studio, a development house made up of Yakuza creator Toshihiro Nagoshi. His pedigree and talent, not to mention a rough movie trailer, paint a truly enticing picture.

Dragon gang follows Shin Ji-seong, a hulking beast of a man who holds a high position in a Korean crime syndicate operating in Tokyo. Set in Kabukicho, Shinjuku's real-life nightlife and entertainment district, Shin's adventures will include the politics of organized crime, colorful characters, and a host of other J-drama tropes that help characterize Yakuza and Like a Dragon series. But Dragon Gang it also promises to expand the mechanical repertoire of the Ryu Ga Gotaku sandbox franchise, ultimately creating an experience that's surprisingly similar to Grand Theft Auto and other western crime games.

How is Gang of Dragon similar to Yakuza?

It is true that some comparisons are between them Yakuza and Dragon Gang they're aesthetic as not much information has been revealed about them other than the aforementioned in-game price reveal trailer. That said, it's not too much of a leap for me to say Dragon gangThe cinematic narrative, small open world, and organized crime premise all have significant crossover Yakuza.

Dragon GangThe reveal trailer hints at a touch of grit and melodrama, showing viewers a “you've got the wrong guy” scene where the arrogant thugs attack Shin Ji-seong and immediately regret it. I can't help but think Yakuza watching this scene: its direction, dialogue, pacing and structure feel like many similar interactions with Kiryu, Majima or Ichiban. As Ji-seong emerges into the busy streets of Tokyo after the showdown, we get a glimpse of Kabukicho, where players will be spending most of their time in the game.

This brings us to another parallel between the two IPs: Nagoshi decided to set up Dragon Gang only in one city area, rather than trying to make the map as vast as possible. This small, dense world design is the foundation Yakuzaso it's no surprise that Nagoshi will continue to develop this approach in this new project. The smaller setting may also affect the story, which is about Ji-seong's conflicts and relationships with Tokyo factions as a Korean criminal agent. It is possible that the story will focus mainly on the smaller, more intimate relationships and elements of the micro-community, as well as his Yakuza predecessors.

Will Gang of Dragon really be like 'GTA in Japan'?

Yakuza can define Dragon Gang's development pedigree, but viewers were also quick to point out the game's apparent appearance Grand Theft Auto inspiration too. Just like Yakuza Comparatively, this observation will probably be more convincing once we see expanded gameplay, but it's already credible. Really, Dragon Gang has the makings of a multifaceted, gritty and violent crime sandbox experience that wouldn't feel out of place alongside Rockstar's action franchise.

Maybe Dragon GangThe most significant deviations from the RGG games are the inclusion of weapons and cars that do not usually appear in the Yakuza, Like a Dragonor Judgment titles. Of course they do they are at the center of each and everyone Grand Theft Auto game. It will be interesting to see how this approach differentiates the overall narrative and tone Dragon Gang from Yakuza games, as one would imagine the former to be far more deadly than the latter. You don't actually kill people Yakuzabut it probably won't be God.

Even Shin Ji-seong himself feels like a symbol of this more brutal and merciless fashion. He is played by the legendary Korean-American actor Ma Dong-seok, also known as Ga Dong-seok and Don Lee, who is easily recognizable by his massive, wall-like figure. He uses this intimidating persona to great effect in action films such as Train to Busan and Roundup; it looks like the players will be controlling it themselves Dragon Gang. This means that Shin Ji-seong can be more violent and punishing, with or without weapons, than his Yakuza counterparts.

WITH Dragon Gang being the first release from the new Nagoshi studio, it's a bit of a toss-up how much it will resemble its predecessors. On the one hand, Nagoshi may want to make the game significantly different from anything he's done before, since he likely has the creative control and experience to do so now. Alternatively, Nagoshi Studio could choose to play it safe with their first release, which they set out to create Dragon gang polished and well crafted but familiar.