The Like a Dragon franchise undergoes significantly more legal and ethical screening than most video games due to its subject matter and themes, according to RGG Studio director Masayoshi Yokoyama.

During a recent conversation with voice actor Hiroyuki Miyasako, Yokoyama explained that Like a Dragon titles go through “10 or 20 times more legal and ethical checks than the typical project.” The increased scrutiny stems from the series’ portrayal of Japan’s criminal underworld, despite the games’ mix of serious drama and lighthearted moments.

“Because of the subject matter, we have to be careful about all kinds of things,” Yokoyama said. The director noted that this careful approach extends beyond Japan as the franchise has expanded to international markets.

Yokoyama highlighted the challenges of meeting different cultural standards across regions. “Things that seem fine to Japanese sensibilities can be completely off-limits in another country, even if it’s just one word in the script or a specific street sign that resembles something taboo,” he explained. The team must address these concerns before releasing games globally.

The discussion came up while Miyasako, who is returning to voice villain Tsuyoshi Kanda in the upcoming Yakuza Kiwami 3, recalled his character’s controversial introduction scene from Yakuza 3. Yokoyama acknowledged that the team had used careful wording to describe certain content in that game.

Age ratings also play a major role in the series’ development. In Japan, RGG Studio aims for a CERO D rating (ages 17 and up) rather than CERO Z (ages 18 and up). A Z rating would require retailers to display the games separately, similar to adult magazines, which could hurt sales. Since each country has its own rating system, preparing games for worldwide release presents ongoing challenges for the studio.