Do you need to have played first one?

[Lawsie]

I mean i did. A large part of it but never finished it. So no clue how it ended etc. Is this linked?

[Hit]

I believe you would have a significantly better experience if you have completed the story of 7 and Gaiden before playing 8/Infinite Wealth.
However, Yakuza games do have recap sections if you need context (or you could do some googling if you're confused about information presented to you)

[mimizukari]

the first one? so like a dragon 0 or like a dragon 1? not really... i think you'd benefit more from like a dragon 7 and like a dragon gaiden more.

[Milkie]

I think considering every character from Like A Dragon is going to be in Infinite Wealth, I feel like you might miss out on a lot of backstories and the like if you don't play the first one.

[archonsod]

It's linked, though you'll have the usual recap of the previous game. You can also just watch the ending (or indeed all of the cutscenes) on YouTube.

[Valk]

You'll basically require Yakuza Like a Dragon, and Like a Dragon Gaiden, but honestly, just play them in order really. If you're not someone who is super stuck for time and has to pick one or the other, then it is VERY worth it.

[Moon Rabbit]

It would certainly help to play both Yakuza: Like a Dragon and Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name.

I would play them simply because they're both fantastic games. Especially Yakuza:LAD. However, Infinite Wealth is a direct sequel to the previous games and sets up the main characters, who all return. Of course, I'm sure someone has a 'movie' version on Youtube. Look for a collection of cutscenes if you want to skip the first game.

But you'll be missing out on really great games in the process.

[rupsch]

Some parts of the game will be confusing either way. You do not NEED to know or play the other titles, but I would highly reccomend that you do (at least some titles) or that you watch some Let's Plays. RGG put a lot of self-references in their newer titles, and I think that you might not understand many of the references, cameos or jokes without having played the other titles. It's just a wholly different experience playing with the background knowledge.
Not spoiling this one (because I do not know whether this will be in IW), but if Kiryu found a way to reconnect with Haruka or all the people from Morning Glory, that would be just beautiful, yet not really that impactful if you did not know about Kiryu's origin (Sunflower), his dedication to his own orphanage and his personal relationship to Haruka.

[Lawsie]

OK not played the man who erased his name at all. I think I'm going to load up my recent ish save on like a dragon though