SEGA files a trademark for potentially a mysterious new Yakuza/Like a Dragon project

What could the trademark name ‘Yakuza Wars’ mean, and is it indeed a new entry for the Yakuza/Like a Dragon franchise?

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What you need to know

What you need to know

Recently, the legendary publisher SEGA announced (via @Wario64 on X) that it has filed a new trademark for an upcoming project labeled ‘Yakuza Wars’.According to a report by Noisy PIxel, the trademark was officially filed on July 26, 2024, and it was publicly revealed on August 5, 2024.

Aside from the name, SEGA has not disclosed any information about what the project entails at this time.

Yakuza Wars trademark filed by SEGA https://t.co/2r8S3lSKNE pic.twitter.com/0VD4pVh4RyAugust 5, 2024

Judging by the name, it is highly likely ‘Yakuza Wars’ could be a new project related SEGA’s popularLike a Dragonfranchise (formerly known as Yakuza in the West). Like a Dragon is a series of action-adventure games and turn-based JRPGs that follow the complicated, crazy, and tragic lives of various former members of the yakuza crime family like the stoic Kiryu Kazuma or the exuberant Ichiban Kasuga.

Fans on Reddit speculate that ‘Yakuza Wars’ could be a mobile gamesimilar to Pokémon GO or Monster Hunter NOW, where you walk to collect SEGA merchandise referencing classic SEGA games and beat up yakuza, crooks, and other bad guys along the way.

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Of course, trademarks don’t always represent what the final product’s title is going to be, so it is possible that ‘Yakuza Wars’ may not be a new Like a Dragon game and end up something entirely different. For example, Noisy Pixel speculates that ‘Yakuza Wars’ could be a new entry in SEGA’s Sakura Wars franchise, a series of turn-based strategies games and actions where players wage wars in giant mechs and engage in romantic subplots.

Noisy Pixel even goes as far as to say that ‘Yakuza Wars’ might end up being a crossover between Sakura Wars and Like a Dragon. It’s certainly possible as both franchises are owned by SEGA and Like a Dragon has made spin-off crossover titles with other franchises before such as Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise. This game is based on the iconic Fist of the North Star anime/manga series and features the beat em' gameplay of most Like a Dragon titles and features the series' iconic protagonist, Kiryu Kazuma as a cosmetic skin.

Will ‘Yakuza Wars’ end up being a Like a Dragon game or an entirely new IP

Will ‘Yakuza Wars’ end up being a Like a Dragon game or an entirely new IP

SEGA’s Like a Dragon series has gained a huge surge in popularity over the past several years with critically acclaimed titles likeYakuza 0,Yakuza: Like a Dragon,Yakuza 6: Song of Life, andLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealthhelping the franchise achieve worldwide praise outside of Japan and selling over seven million copies.

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Some of these games like Yakuza: Like a Dragon and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth have even earned a spot among ourfavorite Xbox JRPGsandbest overall Xbox gameslists here at Windows Central.

In addition, SEGA in recent months announced plans on taking the Like a Dragon franchise to the silver screen as a new upcoming live-action TV show adaptation of the franchise titled ‘Yakuza: Like a Dragon’ is set to premiere on Amazon Prime on October 25, 2025.

As for what I think ‘Yakuza Wars’ could be. Honestly, your guess is as good as mine if it ends up being a new Like a Dragon game or a completely original title centered on the yakuza. At this point, only time will tell, and we’ll keep an eye to let you know what this mysterious trademark title will ultimately turn into once the final product is revealed.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon

Take up arms as the series' new protagonist Ichiban Kasuga as he fights through the crime-ridden streets of Yokohama to rebuild his life after being betrayed by his former yakuza clan and find out the truth as to why they did it.

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Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Bear witness to the final journey of Kiryu Kazuma and the insane adventures of Ichiban Kasuga as they fight through gangs of crooks and yakuza in over-the-top turn-based battles across Japan and Hawaii to uncover a sinister conspiracy in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.

Buy:Amazon (Xbox)|Best Buy (Xbox)|Walmart (Xbox)|GreenManGaming (Steam)|CDKeys (Steam)

Alexander Cope is a gaming veteran of 30-plus years, primarily covering PC and Xbox games here on Windows Central. Gaming since the 8-bit era, Alexander’s expertise revolves around gaming guides and news, with a particular focus on Japanese titles from the likes of Elden Ring to Final Fantasy. Alexander is always on deck to help our readers conquer the industry’s most difficult games — when he can pry himself away from Monster Hunter that is!