RGG Studio head Masayoshi Yokoyama has clarified the studio's approach to casting, particularly concerning high-profile celebrity inclusions like the digital resurrection of Tupac Shakur in the upcoming game Stranger Than Heaven. Yokoyama stated that the intention behind these casting choices is not for them to become the central focus, but rather to elevate the overall experience.
During the release date reveal for Stranger Than Heaven, the appearance of Tupac's likeness generated significant discussion, overshadowing other aspects of the trailer and the game's announcement. Yokoyama acknowledged this perception, noting that while it might appear RGG is seeking attention through celebrity hires, this is not the case. He emphasized that the goal is for players to concentrate on the gameplay and narrative, drawing a parallel to how actors' performances can enhance a game's quality.
As an example of successful celebrity casting, Yokoyama pointed to the actors who portrayed the Dojima lieutenants in Yakuza 0. He explained that the actors chosen for characters like Hiroki Awano, Keiji Shibusawa, and Daisaku Kuze were so well-suited that they became inseparable from the characters themselves, rather than being recognized primarily as famous personalities. This approach, Yokoyama suggested, allows the actor's performance to seamlessly integrate with the character and the game's world.
However, the article notes that in cases like Tupac in Stranger Than Heaven and Teruyuki Kagawa in Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, the casting choices have indeed become dominant talking points. The inclusion of Tupac has led to considerable debate, with many unable to look past the digital resurrection itself. Similarly, the casting of Kagawa in Yakuza Kiwami 3 became entangled in controversy due to allegations against the actor, which RGG had previously stated influenced their decision, as they sought someone who conveyed a "creep" persona.
Yokoyama's comments suggest a desire to avoid such situations where casting overshadows the game itself. He indicated that if RGG is not aiming for these controversies to detract from the player's focus on the game's core elements, a reconsideration of their casting strategy and the roles assigned to particular individuals might be warranted. The studio aims for its casting decisions to enhance, not define, its games.