UPDATE:
1up, citing “sources close to the project," is reporting that Yakuza 3 is now in the process of being localised for release in both North America and Europe. Tag this under rumor for now, though, until we hear an official confirmation from the boys at SEGA.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE:
SEGA has moved to quash reports suggesting that a U.S. conversion of PS3 brawler Yakuza 3 has been firmly ruled out, insisting there’s always a possibility the game may arrive on western shores.
Rumors cropped up earlier this year that a North American release of the title had been firmly ruled out by the company as a result of poor sales of the first two games outside of its native Japan. However, posting in the comments section on the U.S. PlayStation Blog, SEGA’s Aaron Webbster stated, "Yakuza 3 is not cancelled – and the possibility for localizing it does, in fact, still exist.”
“The original news story that went around about Yakuza 3 being declined for the US was false, and localizing the game still remains a big point of discussion for many people here at SEGA, and especially those of us on SEGA’s community team.I know it’s far from an announcement, but I just felt you should know that the chance does still exist.”
Yakuza 3 hit Japanese retailers earlier this year, with plans for a fourth installment already underway. Expect more news at the Tokyo Game Show next week.