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[Bullet Club]

New Yakuza game starring Ichiban Kasuga announced for PS4

Sega holding actress auditions for the protagonist's partner.

Sega has confirmed that the next entry in the Yakuza series, which will star “New Yakuza Series” protagonist Ichiban Kasuga, will be released for PlayStation 4. It is currently without an official title and release date.

The company also launched a “Latest Yakuza Game for PlayStation 4 Supporting Actress Auditions” website, where it is accepting applications from actresses ages 20 and up to play the role of the protagonist’s partner. The chosen actress will perform in the game, as well as participate in various promotional activities and receive one million yen prize money.

While Sega has held open auditions for the Yakuza series in the past, this is the first time it is doing so for the role of a main character. Audition applications are open until April 21 at 23:59 JST.

Read more about the auditions process at the “Latest Yakuza Game for PlayStation 4 Supporting Actress Auditions” website.

Source: Gematsu

 

[Abriael_GN]

The game has not really been "announced." It was announced a long time ago as Shin Yakuza.

On top of that, this article assumes that the audition is for one character, but it could be multiple. The Japanese language doesn't make a distinction between plural and singular, and the wording of the announcement doesn't mention that.

The one thing that's really interesting and is also missed here is that the announcement of the results will come in an event in July, which matches with previous releases, and means that a release for the game (in Japan) in the usual December window this year is very possible.

I expect a full reveal of the game then, or in August at the latest.

 

[Kazza]

Essential question to ask at the audition:

"Do you like to do coke?"

 

[mejin]

excellent.

 

[Shin]

Good that he underwent a lot of face surgery because his past looks weren't cutting it.
Still ugly as sin compared to Kiryu but at least he doesn't look like a complete drug addict.

 

[The Snake]

Aww, I didn't know about the auditions. I kinda liked the idea that that the blacked out girl was a reference to the dude's fleeting sexual whims. Kinda gave him a fun asshole-ish flavor.

 

[plushyp]

*Cries in Binary Domain 2*

 

[a multicultural team of v]

I love that these games have auditions, seems like such a simple thing but no other game really does it. Characters like Mr. Libido came directly from auditions. Given the rising Western popularity it would be cool to run one of these in the US or Europe to cast a side character, but since they would probably end up being a hostess the reeeeeing would ruin it.

 

[DeliciousDoc]

They pay 10k if you pass the audition. Don't know how much work it is besides having your face scanned and appearing on youtube and events but it seems pretty good to me.

There is a heroine already in the mobile game but I guess they won't keep her or she will play a different role.

 

[sublimit]

I love the Yakuza series but i don't like this character at all. I will probably skip this game.

 

[Kazza]

While I love Kiryu, I hope that we can actually do some proper Yakuza-ish things with this new character.

 

[Fbh]

More Yakuza is always welcome.
With that said, I hope new character also means new city, though I doubt it.

I love these games but after 3 console gens and 7 games spent running around Kamurocho I think it's about time to take the franchise somewhere new.
Though with Judge Eye also taking place in Kamurocho they seem set on recycling the same city forever.

While I love Kiryu, I hope that we can actually do some proper Yakuza-ish things with this new character.

Could be interesting but I doubt that's what they will do. If they are willing to put the release of a game on hold because one actor was accused of drug use I don't think they'll want to make a game that focuses on the player committing a bunch of crimes.
It will probably continue to be about about a reformed or "good" guy

 

[Kazza]

With that said, I hope new character also means new city, though I doubt it.

While I'm 100% certain that Kamurocho will feature, I'm pretty hopeful that we'll see a new city as well (unless they decide to add lots of new features and mechanics to the game, as in Judgment). They have spoken before about including a foreign Asian city (due to the game's popularity in the Asian market). It would be nice to get a Korean city, but I think a Japanese one is more likely.

It will probably continue to be about about a reformed or "good" guy

Yeah, you're probably right.

 

[Dunki]

They should cast Yuma Asami for the role. She does not do porn anymore so she should be totally be available. Otherwise TGS will be great

 

[CyRuZ]

Please don't re-use half of the assets from previous Yakuza titles!

My no. 1 reason I don't get hyped about Judgement. Tired of seeing the same faces and hearing the same old music/sounds.

And don't fuck over your physical buyers by giving digital only content for pre-ordering.
Still looking forward to see what they're doing.