• The next game in the Like a Dragon (Yakuza) series is expected to "surprise fans," according to Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the developer behind the franchise. The studio's director, Masayoshi Yokoyama, stated that the team is working on a new project that will take the series in an unexpected direction, though he did not provide any specific details about the game's content or release timeline.

• Yokoyama acknowledged that the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series has established a certain formula and style over the years, but he emphasized the studio's desire to continue evolving the franchise and keeping it fresh for players. He suggested that fans should expect the unexpected with the next installment, hinting at potential changes or innovations that may depart from the series' traditional approach.

• The Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has a history of taking creative risks and pushing the boundaries of the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series, such as the shift to a turn-based combat system in the most recent entry, Yakuza: Like a Dragon. This willingness to experiment and try new things has been a key part of the franchise's longevity and appeal, and the studio seems committed to continuing that trend with the next game in the series.