Yakuza Kiwami 3 just became gaming’s worst-kept secret, and fans couldn’t be more excited. What started as an accidental website listing has turned into one of the biggest gaming leaks of 2025, confirming what many players have been hoping for years.
The Leak That Started It All
On September 17, 2025, eagle-eyed fans discovered something unusual on the official RGG Studio website. A simple search for “Yakuza Kiwami 3” in Japanese brought up an official listing that shouldn’t have existed yet. The listing was quickly removed, but not before screenshots spread across Reddit and Twitter like wildfire.
The timing couldn’t be more perfect – or suspicious. With RGG Summit scheduled for September 24, 2025, this “accidental” leak feels more like a calculated tease to build hype before the big announcement.
Why Yakuza Kiwami 3 Matters More Than Ever
Unlike the previous Kiwami remakes, Yakuza 3 desperately needs this treatment. While Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2 brought the first two games up to modern standards, Yakuza 3 remains stubbornly stuck in the past with its clunky combat system and dated mechanics.
Players consistently rank Yakuza 3 as having one of the series’ strongest stories but weakest gameplay. The original game’s blocking system is notoriously frustrating, making combat feel like you’re fighting the controls more than your enemies. A Kiwami treatment using the Dragon Engine could finally give this beloved story the gameplay it deserves.
What Fans Are Hoping to See
The Yakuza community has been vocal about what they want from Kiwami 3. Here’s what’s topping their wish list:
- Okinawa in the Dragon Engine – The tropical setting deserves modern visual treatment
- Updated combat system – No more frustrating blocking mechanics
- Enhanced cabaret gameplay – Possibly incorporating elements from Yakuza 0’s popular system
- New karaoke tracks – Including updated versions of fan favorites
- Improved side activities – Better integration of bowling, cho-han, and other mini-games
The Director’s Previous Comments
Series director Masayoshi Yokoyama wasn’t exactly keeping Kiwami 3 a secret. In April 2024, he told fans, “I’ll just say that I think I’ll do Kiwami 3 at some point. I’m sure I’ll do it someday.” That “someday” appears to be coming much sooner than expected.
This statement gave fans hope, but the recent leak suggests RGG Studio is finally ready to make it official. The timing aligns perfectly with their development cycle and the upcoming RGG Summit presentation.
Perfect Timing for the Series
The leak comes at an interesting time for the Yakuza franchise. With Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii recently launched and the series continuing to gain mainstream popularity, revisiting Yakuza 3 makes perfect business sense.
Many newer fans who started with the recent games have struggled to go back to Yakuza 3 because of its dated gameplay. A Kiwami remake would make the complete Kiryu saga accessible to modern audiences without the jarring transition from Kiwami 2’s polished experience to Yakuza 3’s rough edges.
What This Means for Future Remakes
If Yakuza Kiwami 3 gets officially announced, it opens the door for remakes of Yakuza 4 and 5. While those games have aged better than Yakuza 3, they could still benefit from the Dragon Engine treatment. However, most fans agree that Yakuza 3 needs the remake treatment more urgently.
The success of previous Kiwami games proves there’s strong demand for these remakes. They’re not just cash grabs – they genuinely improve the experience for both new and returning players.
The Community Response
Reddit and social media exploded with excitement after the leak. Comments ranged from pure joy to detailed wishlists of what fans want to see improved. The enthusiasm shows just how much the community wants this remake to happen.
Some fans expressed concern about waiting for yet another remake instead of new content, but most seem thrilled at the prospect of experiencing Yakuza 3’s story with modern gameplay.
FAQs About Yakuza Kiwami 3
When will Yakuza Kiwami 3 be officially announced?
Based on the leak timing, an official announcement is likely at the RGG Summit on September 24, 2025. The accidental website listing suggests the announcement is imminent.
What platforms will Yakuza Kiwami 3 be available on?
While not confirmed, previous Kiwami games launched on multiple platforms including PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and later Nintendo Switch. Expect similar wide availability.
Will Yakuza Kiwami 3 use the Dragon Engine?
Almost certainly yes. The Dragon Engine has been RGG Studio’s standard for recent games and remakes, and fans specifically want Yakuza 3 updated with this modern technology.
How much will the story change in Yakuza Kiwami 3?
Previous Kiwami games kept the core story intact while adding new scenes and content. Expect the same approach – enhanced presentation without major plot changes.
Why does Yakuza 3 need a remake more than other games?
Yakuza 3’s combat system and overall gameplay feel significantly more dated than later entries. The blocking mechanics are particularly frustrating by modern standards.
Will Mine and other Yakuza 3 characters get updated designs?
Previous Kiwami games gave characters visual upgrades and enhanced facial expressions. Fan-favorite villain Mine will likely receive similar treatment in the Dragon Engine.
Could this lead to Yakuza 4 and 5 remakes?
Possibly, but Yakuza 3 needed the remake treatment most urgently. Future Kiwami projects will likely depend on how well Kiwami 3 performs.
Looking Ahead
The Yakuza Kiwami 3 leak has generated exactly the kind of buzz RGG Studio hopes for before major announcements. Whether intentional or accidental, it’s got fans talking and speculating about what’s coming next.
With the RGG Summit just days away, we won’t have to wait long for official confirmation. If the leak proves accurate, longtime fans will finally get the modernized version of Yakuza 3 they’ve been requesting for years. For a game that many consider crucial to Kiryu’s character development but difficult to recommend due to outdated gameplay, a Kiwami remake could be exactly what the series needs.