Spinning off from the main Yakuza series, but retaining the same penchant for compelling narrative and wacky mini-games, the Judgment games are set to debut an all-new investigatory follow-up in the form of Lost Judgment. Following another hard-boiled crime story with butt-kicking private eye Takayuki Yagami, the sequel looks like it may very well pack the same punch as the well-received previous entry. However, the action-packed adventure may also mark a premature end to the series according to a recent report.

This outcome was recently issued by Japanese publication Nikkan Taishu (via Kotaku), who suggested future Judgment games are currently in question due to a new licensing dispute. As per the report, SEGA has entered a stalemate with talent agency Johnny & Associates over the portrayal of Takuya Kimura, the famous face behind the game’s central protagonist Yagami. It’s said the firm’s main concerns stem from a plan to eventually release both Judgment titles on PC, and J&A simply aren’t fans of presenting their client on that particular platform.

Though Takuya Kimura is recognized for Judgment here in the States, the actor is considered a famous celebrity in Japan with multiple memorable music credits and blockbusters under his belt. As such, Johnny & Associates has been very selective regarding Kimura’s depiction and likely figure a PC release — with the platform’s affinity for game mods and various other tomfooleries — might give up too much control of the star’s likeness. Stalled talks were reportedly enough to cast doubt on the PC port as well as a potential Lost Judgment sequel.

It’s no secret SEGA has begun leaning on the success of PC releases as of late, with the entire Yakuza series arriving on the platform over the last year alone. Lost Judgment was also expected to join its main series brethren on Steam, but the publisher definitively nixed such hopes back in May, while not completely closing the door on the future. However, if J&A’s stance doesn’t change, a PC version may never be able to materialize, leaving little business incentive for SEGA to move forward with a sequel, at least one featuring Kimura.

Lost Judgment releases for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on September 24th.

What do you think? Are you bummed that Lost Judgment might be the last entry to the series, or do you have hope that both parties will see the light in the end? Are you more looking forward to the next Yakuza game instead? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to follow Don’t Feed the Gamers on Twitter and Facebook to be informed of the latest gaming and entertainment news 24 hours a day! For more PC-related headlines recently featured on DFTG, check out these next few news stories:

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