In some shake-ups to Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios' staff, two major names have announced their departures. Series creator Toshinoro Nagoshi and veteran developer Daisuke Soto, both who have worked for Sega since 1989 and 1995 respectively will be leaving following a statement on the studio's 10th anniversary. Soto was a lead producer on games as recent as Yakuza: Like A Dragon and Lost Judgement. Nagoshi will be heading to Chinese mobile and PC company NetEase. It's not currently known where Soto intends to go following his resignation.

"As I depart from SEGA, I’m also leaving my position as the head of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio." Nagoshi stated in his message. "Thank you to the fans who have supported us and the Yakuza series for many years. You have my sincerest and deepest gratitude.

I persisted and am here now thanks to what I learned from many people around me. It’s credit to the colleagues who supported such that I could hone my mindset to continuously push boundaries."

From Daisuke Soto:

I am very grateful for being involved in the series that has lasted for 15 years, and I would like to extend my gratitude to all the fans who have supported us, the staff who have worked together to grow the Yakuza series, as well as everyone in the industry that touched the Yakuza series in some way.

I look forward to seeing new titles and will continue to support Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio – this time, as a fan.

Masayoki Yokoyama will be the lead producer of the series in Nagoshi's stead. Yakuza: Like A Dragon served as a departure from the series, opting for a turn-based RPG style of combat. It was announced it will receive a sequel, but Yokoyama did not reveal details on which direction the next game will follow.