Last week, Jeff Gerstmann found it amusing when he learned that the iconic late rapper Tupac Shakur would be digitally featured in an upcoming video game. The veteran games journalist expressed his disbelief, calling it an absurd development that seemed ridiculous.
His reaction was shared by many gamers and influencers who tuned in to the Summer Game Fest, an event showcasing video game trailers and marketing campaigns. The inclusion of Tupac Shakur, a revered American rapper and political figure who passed away in 1996, left them shocked and puzzled.
The game in question, titled Stranger Than Heaven, is currently in progress at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, a Japan-based game developer owned by Sega. Acting as a prequel to the well-known Like a Dragon series, also known as Yakuza, the game is set during the early 1900s over a span of approximately 50 years.
This announcement is part of a series of bold choices made by the studio that have garnered skepticism from audiences, raising concerns about how Tupac Shakur’s estate is handling the legacy of the influential artist.
Additional details regarding Tupac Shakur’s role in the game have not been disclosed, except that his character, named Amaru, is an original creation inspired by his real middle name.
In a press release, the developers emphasized their respect for Tupac’s legacy, stating that they collaborated closely with his estate and family to ensure an authentic representation. The character design was based on archival materials, eschewing the use of artificial intelligence.
Snoop Dogg, who is also featured in the game alongside his son Cordell Broadus, mentioned that he is working closely with Tupac’s estate to bring the rapper’s likeness into the project.
“Including Tupac in this game felt like a natural decision, as his essence and influence continue to endure. It felt like a fitting choice for our project,” Snoop Dogg explained.
According to Masayoshi Yokoyama, the head of RGG Studio, approval was sought from both the estate and Tupac’s surviving relatives before proceeding with the inclusion of the iconic rapper.
Tupac’s Legacy and Controversy
Given Snoop Dogg’s involvement, Jeff Gerstmann found Tupac’s inclusion less surprising. He noted that Snoop Dogg has been highly visible in popular culture over the years, participating in various projects regardless of their nature.
While acknowledging Snoop Dogg’s influence, Gerstmann expressed concerns that frequent posthumous appearances of Tupac’s likeness could diminish the artist’s mystique, despite his legendary status.
Tupac’s estate is currently managed by music executive Tom Whalley, who collaborated with the rapper before his passing. Previously, Tupac’s mother, activist Afeni Shakur, oversaw the estate until her death in 2016.
In 2022, Tupac’s sister filed a lawsuit against Whalley, accusing him of various breaches of his executor duties, including financial misconduct and withholding valuable personal items, as reported by multiple sources.
The estate has been involved in controversial ventures utilizing Tupac’s likeness, such as selling a series of photos as NFTs in 2021.
Gerstmann expressed concerns about the management of Tupac’s legacy by the estate, doubting the reverence and care given to preserving the artist’s memory.
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