In a major announcement that has the Yakuza and Like a Dragon community buzzing, Sega has officially confirmed that Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on December 8, 2025. This news, which was part of a special RGG Direct showcase, follows the game’s initial launch as a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive in June. The new version of the acclaimed 2015 prequel promises to be the definitive edition, bringing new content and enhancements to modern platforms for both new players and seasoned veterans of the series.

The highly anticipated re-release is set to include a variety of new features that distinguish it from the original. According to Sega, the Director’s Cut will feature “new cutscenes that offer closure to certain incidents and characters.” While the exact details of these scenes have been a subject of debate within the community, they are a key selling point for a re-release of a game that is already beloved by millions. The game will also include a new English dub for the first time, a welcome addition for players who prefer to experience the story without subtitles. The announcement of this release on December 8 is particularly significant, as it marks the 20th anniversary of the Like a Dragon and Yakuza series, making it a perfect tribute to the franchise’s enduring legacy.

New Features: What Makes the Director’s Cut Different?

While the core gameplay remains the same, the Director’s Cut introduces several key changes and additions that aim to enhance the experience. Here’s a breakdown of the new features that have been confirmed:

• New Cutscenes: The game will feature approximately 30 minutes of new cutscenes. These scenes are meant to add context and further flesh out the backstories of key characters. While some fans have criticized these additions for not being integral to the main plot, they provide new content for fans who have played the original game multiple times.
• English Dub: For the first time, Yakuza 0 will have a full English voice-over. While the series is known for its excellent Japanese voice acting, this is a huge win for a broader, Western audience that may have been hesitant to play a subtitle-heavy game.
• Online Multiplayer Mode: The most surprising new feature is the “Red Light Raid,” an online co-op mode for up to four players. In this mode, players can choose from over 60 playable characters and team up to battle waves of enemies. This is the first-ever online multiplayer mode in the franchise and offers a new way for players to experience the game’s signature combat with friends. It is important to note that this feature will not be available at launch and will be added in a post-release update.

It’s important to note that this new release is a separate purchase. There will be no upgrade path for existing owners of the original Yakuza 0 on any platform, and save data cannot be carried over. This means that players who want to experience the new content will have to buy the game again. While this has drawn some criticism from the community, many believe the new features and the definitive nature of the release make it a worthwhile purchase.

The Broader Context: A New Era for Yakuza on Modern Platforms

The release of Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut is part of a larger strategy by Sega to bring the entire franchise to modern consoles. The RGG Direct event also announced that Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2 will also be coming to PS5 and Xbox Series X/S on the same day, December 8. These releases, which have been available on previous-gen consoles, are now receiving the current-gen treatment they deserve. This means that by the end of 2025, a significant portion of the main series will be fully playable on the latest consoles. This is a huge win for the PC gaming and console communities, providing a perfect entry point for newcomers and a chance for veterans to replay the series with enhanced performance.

The simultaneous release of these three titles highlights Sega’s commitment to making the Yakuza franchise more accessible than ever before. This move is a powerful business strategy that generates significant buzz and is a major source of high-CPC keywords for the gaming market. By providing a comprehensive collection of titles on the latest hardware, Sega is ensuring that the series’ legacy continues to grow. The announcement has cemented Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut as one of the most anticipated re-releases of the year, a perfect blend of a beloved classic with just enough new content to make it feel fresh and exciting for a new generation of players.