Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii's New Game Plus Mode to be Free Post-Launch
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has announced that the highly anticipated New Game Plus mode for Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii will be available as a free post-launch update. This decision marks a departure from the controversial approach taken with Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, where New Game Plus was locked behind the purchase of the most expensive editions, sparking significant fan backlash.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, despite critical acclaim and award nominations, faced criticism for its exclusive New Game Plus offering. RGG Studio, however, has learned from this experience. The recent Like a Dragon Direct showcased gameplay footage of Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, culminating in the announcement of the free New Game Plus addition. While a specific release date for the update wasn't provided, the studio confirmed its inclusion in a future patch.
The practice of offering gameplay features exclusively in premium editions has drawn considerable criticism. By making New Game Plus freely available, RGG Studio demonstrates responsiveness to player feedback and avoids repeating the misstep of Infinite Wealth. While players will need to wait for the update, the extended playtime offered by these titles suggests the wait shouldn't be excessively long. Many players will likely still be engrossed in their initial playthroughs by the time the update arrives.
With the game's release date set for February 21st, RGG Studio is expected to unveil further details in the coming weeks. Fans are encouraged to follow the studio's social media channels for updates and further announcements leading up to the launch.
