Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Gets a Nintendo Creator’s Voice Spotlight Ahead of Nintendo Switch 2 Launch
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| Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties featured in Nintendo’s Creator’s Voice series ahead of its Nintendo Switch 2 release. |
By Jon Scarr
Nintendo’s “Creator’s Voice” interview series is back, and its latest episode focuses on Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, the upcoming SEGA release from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio.
The new entry features Masayoshi Yokoyama, Studio Representative and Executive Producer at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, sharing a behind-the-scenes look at how the team approached rebuilding Yakuza 3 as a full remake while also expanding the setting with a separate story release.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties launches on February 12, with a free demo available now on Nintendo Switch 2.
A Rebuild that Goes Beyond Visuals
In the interview, Yokoyama describes Yakuza Kiwami 3 as more than a visual refresh. Rather than simply touching up assets, the team rebuilt the experience with modern design priorities in mind.
Combat has been reworked to feel more fluid and easier to read, while new scenes have been added to give more weight to the story. The goal is to keep what made the original memorable while updating it in ways that match how the series plays today.
Yokoyama also talks about accessibility as a long-running priority for the franchise. Even as gameplay get more detailed, the studio aims to make sure you can pick up a controller and feel capable right away, with depth opening up as you spend more time with it.
Dark Ties Adds a Separate Story Path
Alongside Yakuza Kiwami 3, the release includes Dark Ties, a separate story centred on Yoshitaka Mine, a key character from the original game.
Rather than feeling like a small extra, Dark Ties is positioned as its own narrative experience. It explores different themes and character motivations while expanding the broader world of the series.
A Natural Fit for the Series on Nintendo Switch 2
Yokoyama also discusses why bringing the series to Nintendo Switch 2 mattered to the team. Portability was a big part of that thinking.
He describes the platform as one that removes barriers, letting you play large-scale games in more places and on your own terms. With stronger performance than the original Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2 also makes it easier to deliver the full experience in a way that feels right for this kind of remake.
The City-first Identity of Yakuza
One of the more interesting parts of the episode is how Yokoyama frames the series’ identity. He talks about the city as the real main character, with stories built around the people living there and the everyday drama that surrounds them.
That idea still sits at the centre here. Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties revisits familiar locations, but the intent is to make the overall experience feel more complete, easier to get into, and better aligned with what you expect from the series now.
Watch the Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Creator’s Voice episode
You can watch the full Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Creator’s Voice episode below.
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