Yakuza 3 Goes West

Remember a few days ago, when we reported that a SEGA representative had declared a Western release of the PlayStation 3-exclusive Yakuza 3 was a “possibility?” Well, eliminate that thought from your minds, because now you can chalk it up as a more of a “certainty.”

Such is the story from 1UP.com, who report that “sources close to the project” have revealed that the game is indeed being localized for not only the North American market, but Europe’s as well. At the same time, however, they state that the confirmation is not “official,” but “it’s definitely reason to keep up hope.”

They note the possibility that SEGA may say something about it at this week’s Tokyo Game Show, which is where they revealed that the second game of the series would be sent to our shores. Meanwhile, the fourth game in the series is also expected to be revealed at the same show.

However, one question still remains: even if SEGA does do the work to localize it for Western audiences, will they be the ones to handle the publishing chores? Such is one hint that 1UP left behind in their story, and one which The Examiner has chosen to follow up on.

They report that Ignition Entertainment is a possibility, following a comment made by their Director of Business Development, Shane Bettenhausen, on the Interactive Distractions podcast:

“We’ll see. Never say never. I can’t promise anything but I’m a big fan of that series.”

In addition, he made the following statement regarding “exciting announcements” coming soon from Ignition:

“I’m going to be excited for Tokyo Game Show. We’re meeting with lots of developers and publishers there. Definitely keep an eye on Ignition just in the next few weeks and definitely in the next few months for the kind of games we’re going to be announcing. I think people would be surprised.”

His words seem to echo those comments made by 1UP, which is all the more interesting when you consider that Bettenhausen used to be a member of their staff.

Naturally, we’ll keep you posted on any further developments regarding the “coming to America (and Europe)” story of the eagerly-anticipated Yakuza 3.