If you have ever played a Yakuza (now Like a Dragon) game, you know the name. You have likely spent hours staring at his GameFAQs guides, frantically searching for that last locker key or trying to figure out how to beat the Mahjong minigame. CyricZ (Patrick Griffiths) is more than just a guide writer; he is a pillar of the RGG community. Which is why his recent announcement has landed like a Tiger Drop to the gut: for the first time in nearly a decade, CyricZ will not be writing a guide for the next mainline entry, Yakuza Kiwami 3.
The decision isn’t due to burnout or lack of time. In a heartfelt statement released on social media, the “Guide God” explained that his refusal is a direct boycott of RGG Studio’s casting decisions for the upcoming remake and its companion story, Dark Ties.
The Controversy: Why CyricZ is Stepping Back
The core of the issue lies with the casting of Japanese actor Teruyuki Kagawa as the new face and voice of Goh Hamazaki. Kagawa, a renowned actor in Japan, was involved in a major scandal in 2019 where he admitted to sexually harassing a hostess at a club in Ginza. The details—which include groping and stripping the woman’s undergarments—were graphic enough to see him lose major sponsorships and roles at the time.
Despite this, RGG Studio has chosen him to replace the original actor for the character of Hamazaki in the Kiwami 3 remake. For CyricZ, this was a line in the sand. He pointed out the studio’s hypocrisy, noting how they famously scrubbed Pierre Taki from Judgment essentially overnight due to drug charges, yet seem willing to overlook admitted sexual assault for a major role.
“With the hiring of known sexual harasser Teruyuki Kagawa… I do not find myself inspired by the spirit of the series to contribute my time and effort to this entry,” CyricZ wrote.
What This Means for Players
To be clear, CyricZ is still covering Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, which launched earlier this year. His guide for that game is already up and as comprehensive as ever. The boycott specifically applies to the Kiwami 3 / Dark Ties package scheduled for February 2026.
For the community, this is a massive blow. CyricZ’s guides are legendary for their depth, covering everything from complex completion lists to the obscure mechanics of the Pocket Circuit minigames. His absence means that for the first time in a generation, players will have to navigate the mean streets of Okinawa without his helping hand on day one.
Community Reaction
The response from the fanbase has been overwhelmingly supportive. On Reddit and Twitter, thousands of fans have expressed solidarity with his decision, with many stating that if the “God of Guides” is sitting this one out, they might reconsider their purchase as well. It highlights a growing sentiment in the gaming world where fans are holding studios accountable for the talent they choose to employ.
Conclusion
CyricZ has dedicated thousands of hours to helping us become the Dragon of Dojima. Now, he is asking us to think about who we support with our wallets. Whether you agree with his stance or not, one thing is undeniable: Yakuza Kiwami 3 will feel a little emptier without his name in the credits of our browser tabs.
FAQs
Who is CyricZ?
CyricZ (Patrick Griffiths) is a prolific guide writer on GameFAQs, best known for his incredibly detailed and comprehensive guides for the entire Yakuza / Like a Dragon series.
Which game is he boycotting?
He is refusing to write a guide for Yakuza Kiwami 3 and its accompanying story Dark Ties.
Why is he boycotting the game?
He is protesting the casting of Teruyuki Kagawa as Goh Hamazaki, citing the actor’s admitted history of sexual misconduct and RGG Studio’s decision to hire him despite this.
Is he still writing for Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii?
Yes, he has written and published a guide for Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii.
Will he ever return to the series?
His statement implies this is a specific stance against this entry due to the casting. He has not ruled out guiding future games that do not involve controversial figures.