Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio have officially confirmed that Tupac Shakur will appear as a character in their upcoming title Stranger Than Heaven. The Tupac estate has approved the use of his likeness for the project, with the announcement taking place during Summer Game Fest 2026. Snoop Dogg revealed the news live on stage.
In the game, Tupac’s character is named Amaru, a nod to his middle name. That name itself originates from 18th-century Peruvian revolutionary Tupac Amaru II. During the reveal, Snoop Dogg spoke about the decision, saying, "His likeness and his spirit still lives on," and added, "I just felt like it was so connected to what we're doing."
Snoop Dogg is also part of the game’s cast, joined by his son Cordell Broadus. Other confirmed actors and performers include Yu Shirota, Dean Fujioka, Moeka Hoshi, as well as singers Tori Kelly and Ado, among others.
Stranger Than Heaven is described as a sprawling action-adventure story set across fifty years, spanning five different cities and eras in modern Japan, beginning in 1915. The project is being developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the team behind the Like a Dragon and Yakuza franchises.
The game is set for release on January 15th, 2027 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with availability on Xbox Game Pass at launch. The inclusion of Tupac Shakur makes this one of the most high profile posthumous uses of his likeness in gaming history.
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is known for blending real world culture with its storytelling. Both Like a Dragon and Yakuza have long incorporated elements of Japanese music, nightlife, and street culture into their worlds.
With Stranger Than Heaven, the studio appears to be expanding that approach by featuring real life public figures as playable or story driven characters. Tupac’s inclusion as Amaru directly ties back to his full name, Tupac Amaru Shakur, which itself references the historical South American figure Tupac Amaru II.
Snoop Dogg’s role as both an in game character and a presenter adds another layer of authenticity to the project’s hip hop connection. His son Cordell Broadus appearing alongside him further highlights how personal this collaboration is for him and his family.
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