SEGA Launches Golden Week Sale, Bringing Like a Dragon: Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties to Global Gamers
SAN FRANCISCO — SEGA is kicking off its annual Golden Week sale, offering significant discounts on some of its most anticipated titles, including the newly released Like a Dragon: Kiwami 3 and its companion story, Like a Dragon 3: Dark Ties. The promotion, running across multiple gaming platforms, provides an opportunity for fans to dive into the latest entries in the long-running action-adventure series at reduced prices.
The sale highlights SEGA’s push to expand its global footprint in the competitive gaming market, where narrative-driven experiences continue to capture the attention of players worldwide. With remastered classics and original stories, the company is blending nostalgia with innovation to attract both longtime fans, and newcomers.
A Remastered Classic and a New Storyline
Like a Dragon: Kiwami 3 is a high-definition remake of the 2009 original, Yakuza 3, reimagined with the enhanced visuals and gameplay mechanics that define the “Kiwami” series. The game follows the journey of Kazuma Kiryu, the iconic protagonist, as he navigates the challenges of protecting those he loves whereas battling the complexities of the yakuza underworld. The remake introduces refined combat systems, expanded side quests, and revamped environments, including detailed recreations of Okinawa and Tokyo, to deliver a modernized experience.
Alongside the remake, SEGA is releasing Like a Dragon 3: Dark Ties, an entirely original story centered on Goro Majima, a fan-favorite character and former rival of Kiryu. The game explores Majima’s backstory, revealing how a once-promising entrepreneur became entangled in the criminal underworld. With a focus on dramatic storytelling and intense action sequences, Dark Ties offers a fresh perspective on the franchise’s rich lore.
Discounts and Availability
As part of the Golden Week sale, Like a Dragon: Kiwami 3 / Like a Dragon 3: Dark Ties is available at a 30% discount across the PlayStation Store, Nintendo eShop, and Steam. The promotion also includes other popular SEGA titles, such as Sonic Racing: Cross Worlds (40% off) and Ninja: Shadow of the Rising Sun (50% off), the latter of which has earned critical acclaim for its immersive ninja action gameplay.
Metaphor: ReFantazio, an award-winning RPG developed by ATLUS, is featured in the sale with a 50% discount. The game, which won multiple awards at The Game Awards 2024, including Best RPG, is part of ATLUS’s 35th-anniversary celebration and offers a deep, fantasy-driven narrative.
The sale is live now and will run until May 6 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2, with Steam promotions concluding on May 7. The Nintendo eShop discount for Like a Dragon: Kiwami 3 / Dark Ties will extend slightly longer, ending on May 11. Players interested in the full experience can opt for the Digital Deluxe Edition, which includes the base game along with all available downloadable content (DLC), such as additional character outfits, customization options, and exclusive in-game items.
Why This Matters for Gamers and the Industry
The release of Like a Dragon: Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties underscores SEGA’s commitment to preserving and expanding its most beloved franchises. By remastering older titles with modern technology, the company is not only catering to nostalgia but also introducing classic stories to a new generation of players. Meanwhile, the inclusion of original narratives like Dark Ties demonstrates SEGA’s ability to innovate within established universes, a strategy that has become increasingly important in an industry where storytelling and character development are key drivers of engagement.
The Golden Week sale also reflects broader trends in the gaming market, where seasonal promotions and digital storefronts play a crucial role in driving sales and accessibility. As more players turn to digital downloads, discounts like these provide an incentive for gamers to explore titles they might have otherwise overlooked, while also boosting visibility for smaller or mid-sized studios.
For fans of the Like a Dragon series, this sale is an ideal moment to experience the latest chapter in Kiryu’s saga or uncover the untold story of Majima. With enhanced gameplay, rich narratives, and a host of additional content, the games offer a compelling blend of action, drama, and exploration that has defined the franchise for nearly two decades.
