Like a Dragon fans slam RGG Studio for using xQc to promote Infinite Wealth

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth developers RGG Studio have gone all-out on the marketing campaign of their upcoming turn-based RPG, but many fans of the series and even former developers feel xQc is the “worst choice” to represent the game.

The Like a Dragon series, formerly known as the Yakuza series in the West, has gained meteoric levels of popularity over the years. Its over-the-top presentation, strong characters, heartfelt stories, and bizarre side activities have made it a unique franchise that’s maintained a huge audience.

After the success of Yakuza: Like a Dragon, the series’ 7th mainline entry, RGG Studio has put a lot of marketing dollars behind Infinite Wealth to try and capture an even bigger audience for their upcoming game Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.

However, the decision to work with xQc hasn’t gone over well with longtime fans of the series, with many blasting Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’s marketing decision to promote their game through the creator.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’s xQc crossover sparks controversy

xQc is one of the largest livestreamers in the world, commanding a massive following that was worth millions of dollars to Kick. Even before one of the largest streaming deals in history, xQc was a star.

So, it should come as no surprise that companies will sponsor his stream to put their game in front of a massive audience. This has become an increasingly popular practice in general for companies trying to promote their game, and it can be a great way to generate hype.

However, RGG’s choice to back xQc hasn’t gone over well with the community, with many claiming xQc has been critical of the franchise in the past and not being fans of what they believe he and his community represent.

I love yall, but XQC? Who doesn't play these types of games, and went on record before saying these games are trash? Come on now.
I guess a reach to a new type of audience.

— Mgs2master2 (@mgs2master2) January 20, 2024

This post also led a dev who worked with the studio in the past to speak out, going as far as saying that the streamer is the “worst choice” they could have made for someone to sponsor.

RGG are usually so on the ball with their community, it makes me wonder how they could make a call that has clearly upset the community so much.

— DBO (@DavidDebbido) January 20, 2024

What’s more, Gamespot’s Tamoor Hussain pointed out that xQc didn’t even know what kind of game he was playing.

During a turn-based battle, xQc was seen waffling about waiting for the enemy to attack him, seemingly not knowing that he was playing a turn-based game at all.

To be clear, it’s fine if he doesn’t know (not a particularly good use of marketing money on Sega’s part, perhaps), I just find the “ok then” after inviting his opponent to attack very funny.

— Tamoor Hussain (@tamoorh) January 20, 2024

Regardless, this decision doesn’t seem to have halted the hype for Infinite Wealth for fans of the series all that much, even if they don’t believe that xQc is the sort of person RGG should have worked with.