RGG Studio Addresses REMOVEKAGAWA(?), Yakuza 3 Remastered Now Only(?) Available Via $130 Bundle
The following is the full text of their statement, emphasis mine:
The release of “Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties” is now less than one month away. Everyone at the studio has poured their hearts into creating this title, and we are truly looking forward to the day everybody can finally play it. We would also like to express our deep gratitude for the warm support and respectful feedback we receive from communities around the world. While we may not be able to reply to every comment individually, please know that we hear all of your voices. We place great importance on staying faithful to our creative direction, and we hope you will enjoy the completely new experiences we have envisioned for “Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties.” Those who already own “Yakuza 3 Remastered” will still be able to continue playing it. For those new to the series who wish to experience the original version, it will be available with purchase of the “Yakuza Complete Series” bundle. We hope you look forward to our upcoming releases as well. Thank you again for your support and feedback. RGG Studio
Notice how they don't mention what warranted all the negative feedback. Notice how they don't say what the "creative decisions" they plan to stay faithful to are. Notice the refusal to stop what they're doing and change. The cowardice and lack of accountability of RGG Studio's statement mirrors Kagawa's own public apologies, which were broadly rejected for the exact same reasons. Except, if nothing else, Kagawa at the very least was able to admit fault.
Say what you did. Say you stood by Kagawa and censored women, survivors, and their supporters for calling you out on it. Don't chalk it up to "creative direction" when you know that wasn't the issue just so people who don't actually know what happened accept it without question. Like, could be wrong, but I don't see what else "respectful feedback" and "reply to every comment individually" could refer to when the casting, censorship, and general mishandling have inarguably been the #1 complaints for months on end. Mind you, this statement comes alongside new footage addressing several other complaints, and recent footage featuring updated animations for the Hamazaki scene shown in the trailers.
As for the Yakuza Complete Series bundle, it is indeed priced at $130 and contains Yakuza 0 Director's Cut (the bulk of the value), Yakuza Kiwami, Yakuza Kiwami 2, Yakuza 3 Remastereed, Yakuza 4 Remastered, Yakuza 5 Remastered, and Yakuza 6. This bundle seems to be the only way to obtain Yakuza 3 Remastered going forward, which is not necessarily contrary to but certainly not in the spirit of previous assurances the remaster wouldn't be delisted in favor of Yakuza Kiwami 3. On top of this, Steam users may face some difficulties purchasing the bundle if they own any of the games in it.
Disappointing all around.
I love impostor syndrome
