Back
Entertainment

Video Game "Stranger Than Heaven" to Feature Digital Portrayal of Tupac Shakur; Release Set for January 2027

Generated on: Last updated: 3 sources
View source

"The inclusion of Tupac Shakur was revealed during a new trailer shown at Summer Game Fest 2026."

Legendary Rapper Tupac Shakur to Appear in Like a Dragon Prequel

RGG Studio and Sega have announced that the late rapper Tupac Shakur will be featured as a character in the upcoming video game Stranger Than Heaven. The title is scheduled for release on January 15, 2027, for Windows PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.

Announcement Details

The reveal was made on stage at Summer Game Fest 2026 by rapper Snoop Dogg and producer Hiroyuki Sakamoto. Snoop Dogg confirmed that he, his son, and the Tupac Shakur estate collaborated on the character's inclusion. The game was first announced at The Game Awards 2024 under the working title "Project Century" and was officially renamed Stranger Than Heaven at Summer Game Fest 2025.

Character and Portrayal

Tupac Shakur will portray a character named Amaru—the birth name given to him by his mother, Afeni Shakur. Sega confirmed that the portrayal was made with full permission from Tupac's estate, Amaru Entertainment.

In the trailer, the character is shown wearing an open-chest kimono and paisley bandana. The design was reportedly based on archival footage and photographs. Sega explicitly stated that the depiction was created without the use of artificial intelligence (AI). Further details regarding the character's role are scheduled to be announced at a later date.

Game Content and Context

The trailer depicts protagonist Makoto Daito on a journey across late 20th-century Japan. Stranger Than Heaven is a prequel set within the Like a Dragon franchise and spans multiple time periods in the 20th century. The game also includes the digital likeness of deceased Japanese actor Bunta Sugawara.

Availability and Platform
  • Release Date: January 15, 2027
  • Platforms: Windows PC (via Steam), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
  • Availability: Xbox Game Pass
Previous Digital Portrayals

This is not the first instance of a digital recreation of Tupac Shakur. A holographic version of the rapper appeared at the Coachella music festival in 2012. Additionally, an AI voice mimic of Shakur was used by musician Drake in a 2024 release.