The lines between movies, TV shows, and video games are becoming increasingly blurred in the entertainment world.
Amazon is leading this phenomenon by adapting video games for Prime Video.
Following the massive success of their Fallout series, Amazon Prime is now bringing another popular video game to the small screen - Like a Dragon: Yakuza.
SEGA's Yakuza Game Becomes a Prime Video Series
Like a Dragon: Yakuza is based on SEGA's hit Yakuza game series. The show will follow the story of Kazuma Kiryu, a fierce but honorable member of the Yakuza (Japanese organized crime syndicate).
The show is set in two different periods - 1995 and 2005. 2005 is important because that's when the first Yakuza game was released.
The plot will cover Kiryu's life, his relationships with friends and allies, and the consequences of the choices he makes as a Yakuza warrior. Audiences can expect intense fights and dramatic storytelling, like in the games.
Bringing Passion to the Project
Acclaimed director Masaharu Take, known for Journey of the Sky Goddess, is leading this ambitious adaptation. He is deeply passionate about the project, saying “I have poured out my heart, soul, and the experience that I have garnered over 35 years into Like a Dragon: Yakuza.
“The unbridled passion, talent, and countless hours of efforts from the entire team have helped bring this spectacular story to life in the form of a riveting series that will be launched this year, the year of the dragon. Please look forward to Kazuma Kiryu, played by Ryoma Takeuchi.”
Amazon's decision to adapt Like a Dragon: Yakuza comes after the success of their Fallout series, another video game adaptation.
Fallout was so popular that Amazon immediately greenlit a second season. This success showed Amazon that viewers are hungry for well-made video game adaptations.
More Game Adaptations in the Works
Like a Dragon: Yakuza is the start of Amazon's push into the fastest prime video game adaptations.
They are also developing a God of War TV show based on the popular PlayStation game series. And rumors suggest even more game adaptations could be in the works at Amazon, catering to the growing demand for this type of content.
Fans of the Yakuza games and newcomers alike can catch Like a Dragon: Yakuza when it premieres on Prime Video on October 24th.
The series will star Takeuchi Ryoma as the iconic Kazuma Kiryu and will be set in the fictional Tokyo entertainment district of Kamurochō, modeled after the real-life Kabukichō in Shinjuku.
For an immersive experience, the show will be released in two batches of three episodes each, with subtitles and dubbing available in over 30 languages.
The Future of Video Game Adaptations
As video game adaptations become more mainstream, Amazon is leading the charge with high-quality productions like Fallout and the upcoming Like a Dragon: Yakuza.
With a talented creative team, a beloved source material, and Amazon's commitment to this space, Like a Dragon has all the ingredients to be one of the fastest and most successful Prime video game adaptations yet.
Video games are no longer games - they are rich, immersive worlds ripe for exploration on the big and small screens.
Amazon understands this, and their adaptation of SEGA's iconic Yakuza franchise is set to bring the gritty underworld of Japanese organized crime to life in a way viewers have never seen before.