Tupac Shakur Joins Sega’s Action-RPG *Stranger Than Heaven*

At Summer Game Fest 2026, Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio announced that rapper Tupac Shakur will appear as a playable character named Amaru, with permission from his estate, Amaru Entertainment, and without using AI.

Tupac Shakur will appear as a character in Stranger Than Heaven

*Stranger Than Heaven* is a prequel to the Like a Dragon/Yakuza series, set from 1915 in Japan. It follows Makoto Daito, a biracial youth who moves from the United States to Japan after his parents die. The game launches on January 15, 2027 (some say January 17) for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and on Xbox Game Pass and Cloud.

TUPAC SHAKUR JOINS SEGA’S ‘STRANGER THAN HEAVEN’

The cast features Snoop Dogg, his son Cordell Broadus, Japanese actors Takashi Ukaji, Yasukaze Motomiya, Takaya Kuroda, Kohei Tsuji, singers Tori Kelly, Satoshi Fujihara, Ado, and late actor Bunta Sugawara. Masayoshi Yokoyama heads RGG Studio; Sega of America publishes.

Tupac Shakur will appear as a character in Stranger Than Heaven

Release: January 15, 2027 (some sources list January 17). Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Cloud. Pre-order: standard, deluxe, collector’s edition with vinyl and SteelBook.

TUPAC SHAKUR JOINS SEGA’S ‘STRANGER THAN HEAVEN’

Sega’s press release said Amaru’s design uses archival footage and photographs, noting “the permission and ongoing supervision of his estate, Amaru Entertainment.” RGG Studio affirmed the integration respects Shakur’s legacy and avoids AI. Masayoshi Yokoyama said the partnership fits the game’s theme of enduring spirit; Snoop Dogg highlighted his close work with the estate.

Tupac Shakur will appear as a character in Stranger Than Heaven

Public reaction is split. Supporters praise the homage and cast diversity; critics warn that reviving deceased celebrities raises consent and commercialization concerns, and caution against AI misuse. A lawsuit by Tupac’s sister over estate control adds legal controversy.

Tupac Shakur is ‘Alive’ in Stranger Than Heaven, But Not Everyone is Happy About It: ‘Let the Dead Rest’

Sources differ on the exact launch date (January 15 vs. January 17). No details have been released about Amaru’s role or gameplay function. The estate litigation remains unresolved, leaving future approvals uncertain.

Complex

• “We worked very closely together, so it just made sense to put him in this game because his life is in his spirit, and it still lives on, and I just felt like it was so connected to what we’re doing,” — Snoop Dogg, rapper and cast member

Vulture

• “RGG Studio is treating this integration with the utmost respect for his legacy, crafting every aspect in close collaboration and without the use of AI, including his character design based on archival footage and photographs.” — Sega press release

TUPAC SHAKUR JOINS SEGA’S ‘STRANGER THAN HEAVEN’

• “Let the dead rest.” — X commenter

Tupac Shakur is ‘Alive’ in Stranger Than Heaven, But Not Everyone is Happy About It: ‘Let the Dead Rest’

• “To add insult to the matter Pac’s sister is in deep litigation trying to get control over the estate since their mother failed to make her the next of kin in charge of the estate.” — X commenter

Tupac Shakur is ‘Alive’ in Stranger Than Heaven, But Not Everyone is Happy About It: ‘Let the Dead Rest’

*Stranger Than Heaven* ships on January 15, 2027, with pre-order bonuses already available. The developers have pledged further character reveals in upcoming livestreams, while the estate lawsuit proceeds, potentially shaping future posthumous collaborations.

TUPAC SHAKUR JOINS SEGA’S ‘STRANGER THAN HEAVEN’