Yakuza Studio Revives Tupac for Upcoming Game Release

WHO:

Games Press - Actors Takashi Ukaji, Yasukaze Motomiya, Takaya Kuroda, and Kohei Tsuji will also be joining the cast of STRANGER THAN HEAVEN.

Aftermath - Snoop Dogg mentioned that he and his son run a joint gaming company called Death Row Games.

Aftermath - Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg, Bunta Sugawara, Takashi Ukaji

Kotaku - Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, Snoop Dogg, Shakur estate

WHAT:

Games Press - RGG Studio's upcoming game, STRANGER THAN HEAVEN, is set to release worldwide on January 15, 2027.

Games Press - The game will feature a character named Amaru, based on Tupac Shakur, with the permission and ongoing supervision of his estate, Amaru Entertainment.

Games Press - The physical Collector’s Edition of STRANGER THAN HEAVEN will include an exclusive 12-inch vinyl record featuring the main theme “STRANGER THAN HEAVEN” along with other standout tracks from the game.

Aftermath - The game, Stranger Than Heaven, will feature a character based on Tupac Shakur wearing Japanese-style clothing and an iconic bandana.

Kotaku - Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio confirmed that they are treating Tupac's integration into the game with "the utmost respect for his legacy."

Aftermath - Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio announced that Tupac Shakur will appear in their upcoming game, Stranger Than Heaven.

Aftermath - Snoop Dogg stated that he and his son work closely with the Tupac estate for the game's inclusion.

Kotaku - The game will feature Tupac's character wearing Japanese-style clothing and an iconic bandana.

Kotaku - Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio confirmed that AI was not used to recreate Tupac's likeness.

WHERE:

Aftermath - The announcement was made during Summer Game Fest’s main showcase.

WHY:

Aftermath - Snoop Dogg stated, “His likeness and his spirit still lives on, and I just feel like it was so connected to what we're doing.”

Aftermath - Snoop Dogg explained that including Tupac made sense due to his ongoing legacy and connection to the project.

Kotaku - The inclusion of Tupac is viewed as a commercial decision, capitalizing on his likeness for the game's appeal.

HOW:

Kotaku - Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is crafting Tupac's character design based on archival footage and photographs, without the use of AI.

Kotaku - Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is collaborating closely with the Shakur estate to ensure respect for Tupac's legacy in the game's development.

(UPDATED June 6, 2026 17:18 UTC)

RGG Studio's highly anticipated game, STRANGER THAN HEAVEN, is set to release worldwide on January 15, 2027, featuring a character named Amaru, inspired by Tupac Shakur, with the approval and oversight of his estate, Amaru Entertainment. The game will also boast a physical Collector’s Edition that includes an exclusive 12-inch vinyl record featuring the main theme along with other standout tracks. Joining the cast are actors Takashi Ukaji, Yasukaze Motomiya, Takaya Kuroda, and Kohei Tsuji, adding to the excitement surrounding this release.

(UPDATED June 6, 2026 09:37 UTC)

Snoop Dogg recently revealed that he and his son are running a gaming company called Death Row Games, which is set to release a new title called Stranger Than Heaven. This game will feature a character inspired by Tupac Shakur, dressed in Japanese-style clothing and an iconic bandana, with Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio emphasizing their commitment to honoring Tupac's legacy through careful design based on archival footage and photographs. Snoop expressed that Tupac's likeness and spirit continue to resonate, making this project feel deeply connected to their mission.

(UPDATED June 6, 2026 07:52 UTC)

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has announced that Tupac Shakur will be featured in their upcoming game, Stranger Than Heaven, a decision made during Summer Game Fest’s main showcase. Snoop Dogg shared that he and his son are working closely with the Tupac estate to ensure the character is portrayed respectfully, complete with Japanese-style clothing and an iconic bandana, while confirming that AI was not used to recreate Tupac's likeness. This collaboration is seen as a way to honor Tupac's enduring legacy and enhance the game's appeal.