Sega’s Yakuza games have been sold more than 14 million times

Japanese publisher Sega says in a report on the 2019 fiscal year that the Yakuza games have been sold a total of 14 million times. The games are especially popular in Japan, but sales in the West also contributed to the numbers.

In the Japanese report, Sega says that the Ryū ga Gotoku games, the name by which the Yakuza games are released in Japan, have sold a total of 14 million times and that the game series is increasingly popular. A year ago, the total sales of the Yakuza games were 12 million and in 2018 the total sales were still 11 million. In two years, sales have thus increased by about three million. The current report seems to cover the sales figures up to and including the end of March of this year, so that sales figures of the relatively new Yakuza: Like a Dragon game have probably not yet been included and the current total sales figure will exceed the mentioned 14 million copies sold.

PC Gamer writes that Sega states in the report that the Yakuza games are “highly rated by overseas users.” According to Sega, the resurgence in the last two years is partly due to the series’ appeal of its niche focus and commitment to portraying Japanese culture. By targeting a niche market, Sega believes it is important for growth to release the titles across multiple platforms and services to reach niche audiences around the world, rather than just a few countries. . The PC is specifically mentioned as an important factor.

The first Yakuza game came out in 2005. Previously, Yakuza games were only released in Japan and mainly for the PlayStation, but several titles have been released for the PC in recent years. Yakuza: Like a Dragon was released this month for the Xbox One, the PlayStation 4 and the PC, although the most recent title in the series was released in Japan for the PS4 in January.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon