Sega is reportedly developing a live-action adaptation from its Yakuza video game franchise (via Variety). The project also hails from 1212 Entertainment and Wild Sheep Content, who are seeking writers for the screenplay.
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The first Yakuza game follows the story of Kazuma Kiryu being released from a 10-year prison sentence after taking the fall for the murder of his family’s patriarch. After the entire Japanese underworld is pulled into the search for $100 million stolen from the vault of his former clan, Kiryu is forced back into the lawless world of the yakuza.
“Yakuza offers us a new playground in which to set compelling stories with complex characters in a unique environment that audiences have rarely seen before,” 1212 said. “The saga of Kazuma Kiryu has a built-in cinematic appeal – a mix of kinetic action with bursts of comedy, multiple converging storylines, and a gripping journey towards redemption.”
The game has been widely praised for its story and character-driven plot in the unique setting of the streets of Japan’s most notorious urban nightlife districts and its portrayal of the real-life yakuza, its history, code of ethics, criminal enterprises, and unique characteristics.
Yakuza is Sega’s bestselling video game franchise following Sonic The Hedgehog, with the first installment released on PlayStation 2 in 2005. The franchise grew with an additional seven main title sequels as well as eight spinoff titles on all major gaming platforms.
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Erik Barmack, Roberto Grande, and Joshua Long are set to produce.
