Stranger Than Heaven, an upcoming Yakuza prologue game set in early 20th century Japan, will feature a digitally resurrected character based on rapper Tupac Shakur, who died 30 years ago in 1996 [1, 2, 3]. RGG Studio obtained approval from both Tupac's estate, managed by Tom Whalley, and Tupac's living family for the use of his likeness in the game [2, 3].
RGG Studio's head Masayoshi Yokoyama revealed the inclusion during the Summer Game Fest and media interviews on June 12, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. Yokoyama said the idea came after they cast Snoop Dogg as a character named Orpheus. "We thought, 'We have Snoop Dogg, he's such an incredible person who has all these really interesting relationships in the real world as well.' We wanted to bring on these people with relationships for a lot of different roles," Yokoyama explained [3]. Snoop Dogg himself proposed Tupac's inclusion.
Yokoyama addressed some backlash over digitally resurrecting Tupac, saying, "Criticism is a freedom that people are free to have. But this is something that we thought was a good idea." He added, "We think it's something that will add value to the game we're making" [2].
The digitally resurrected Tupac is not the only example of this practice in Japan, where using deceased celebrities for media projects is more common. The game also includes the likeness of the late actor Bunta Sugawara [2].
Stranger Than Heaven will present a more serious story with connections to previous Yakuza games. Its combat system will depart from prior RGG Studio titles, designed to suit the story and characters [1].
The game is scheduled for further announcements and release details to be shared as development continues.
