Summer Game Fest 2026 kicked off yesterday with a massive shock. Ryu Ga Gotoku (RGG) Studio and Sega dropped a brand-new trailer for Stranger Than Heaven. The highly anticipated Yakuza prequel officially launches on January 15, 2027. However, the release date took a backseat to a completely unexpected reveal. The late rap legend Tupac Shakur is officially joining the game’s cast.
Tupac’s inclusion definitely turns heads. By the time the game launches, he will have been dead for over 30 years. Consequently, Sega addressed the unusual casting choice immediately. Developers recreated his likeness strictly using archival photos and footage. Therefore, they completely avoided using AI for the character model. Furthermore, RGG Studio achieved this by partnering directly with Amaru Entertainment. This organization officially manages the late rapper’s estate.
Smugglers & Boss Fights
Meanwhile, Snoop Dogg also stars in the upcoming crime epic. He plays a smuggler named Orpheus. Early in the story, Orpheus encounters the game’s protagonist, Makoto Daito. Makoto is attempting to reach Japan. As a result, Orpheus inadvertently helps set the main plot in motion.
Interestingly, Snoop’s involvement is not just a brief cameo. An earlier 30-minute gameplay showcase on April 30 actually teased a potential boss fight with his character. Additionally, Snoop Dogg’s son, Cordell Broadus, also holds a role in the cast.
The Coachella Connection & Fan Backlash Over Tupac
Unsurprisingly, the Tupac reveal quickly sparked an intense online debate. Many fans eagerly embraced the sheer absurdity of the cameo. On the other hand, several critics aggressively questioned the estate’s approval.
Eventually, this backlash dragged Snoop Dogg into the crossfire. Some netizens specifically connect him to the controversial 2012 Coachella set. That infamous event originally featured Snoop performing alongside a digital Tupac hologram. As a result, critics are now blaming him for dragging Tupac into this new project.
The Tupac Situation is even worse than you know
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u/Yolrey in
yakuzagames
Despite these heavy accusations, absolutely no definitive evidence shows Snoop Dogg actually influenced RGG’s decision to include the digital cameo.
