The Yakuza games will remain turn-based RPGs for the foreseeable future.
In an interview with IGN discussing the announcement of its upcoming Judgement sequel, Lost Judgement, Ryu ga Gotoku Studios acknowledged that it has no plans to return to the action-style gaming of the original Yakuza series titles. Since 2020's Yakuza: Like a Dragon, the first game in the franchise to attempt traditional, JRPG-style turn-based combat, was a critical and financial success, Ryu ga Gotoku Studios will continue to make turn-based Yakuza games. Fans who miss the style of the original Yakuza games can experience similar action-style gameplay in the new Lost Judgement instead, Ryu ga Gotoku assured.
Yakuza creator Toshihiro Nagoshi and producer Kazuki Hosokawa confirmed that the action-mystery Judgement series will continue the classic Yakuza style of gameplay, stating, "Over the years, Ryu ga Gotoku Studio has accumulated resources and know-how of making flashy and exhilarating action games that are effortless to enjoy. We decided that we should let our signature action gameplay live on through Lost Judgment.”
Most of the mainline Yakuza titles have been 3D action brawlers starring protagonist Kazuma Kiryu as he works his way up from being the low-rank muscle of the Dojima crime family. Kiryu's story was completed in Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, and he has since been replaced by Yakuza: Like a Dragon protagonist Ichiban Kasuga, an ex-convict attempting to become a hero. While the last few Yakuza games often struggled to appeal to a global market, Yakuza: Like a Dragon revitalized the franchise and boosted its worldwide popularity.
Source: IGN