SEGA is once again at the center of a heated debate following the release of a new trailer for *Yakuza Kiwami 3*, the highly anticipated remake of the original PS3 title. The trailer has reignited a long-standing controversy surrounding the casting of an actor previously convicted of sexual harassment, prompting the resurgence of the #REMOVEKAGAWA campaign across social media platforms.
This isn’t a new development for the publisher, as an ongoing campaign against the actor’s inclusion has simmered since the project’s initial announcement. The community’s frustration stems from the continued presence of a public figure with such a serious conviction, raising profound questions about accountability and industry standards in talent selection.
The decision to prominently feature the actor in a new promotional asset suggests SEGA’s firm stance on the matter, a move that could significantly impact public perception and the game’s ultimate reception. As the gaming industry increasingly grapples with ethical considerations and calls for greater corporate responsibility, this situation highlights the complex balance between artistic choice and social conscience.
The renewed outcry places SEGA under intense scrutiny, underscoring the power of player communities to advocate for change and demand transparency from major developers. It remains to be seen how the publisher will address the escalating concerns as the game’s release approaches.
