The art of recycling and repurposing assets has long been a hallmark of creative development teams, and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is no exception. In a recent interview with Automaton, lead designer Michiko Hatoyama shed light on how the team transformed Dondoko Island—a seemingly minor minigame—into a sprawling and engaging experience through the strategic reuse of past assets.
Dondoko Island: A Minigame That Stands Tall
The Evolution of Dondoko Island
What began as a modest addition to Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth quickly evolved into a substantial part of the game. According to Hatoyama, the initial concept for Dondoko Island was relatively simple. However, as development progressed, the minigame grew organically, expanding far beyond its original scope. “At first, Dondoko Island was a little smaller,” Hatoyama noted, “but it kind of grew larger before we knew it.”
This expansion wasn’t arbitrary—it was driven by a desire to enrich player experiences. By incorporating additional furniture recipes, the team ensured that players had ample opportunities to customize and transform the island into something truly unique.
Leveraging the Power of Reuse
One of the standout features of Dondoko Island lies in its efficient use of pre-existing assets. RGG Studio harnessed the vast resource pool from the Yakuza series to rapidly populate the island with furniture. As Hatoyama revealed, creating individual pieces took mere minutes, compared to the days—or even months—it typically takes to develop new assets from scratch.
This approach allowed the team to maintain both speed and quality while significantly increasing the depth of gameplay. The ability to edit and repurpose existing assets meant that Dondoko Island could boast an extensive collection of furniture options, offering players endless possibilities for customization.
A Refreshing Take on Gameplay
The decision to expand Dondoko Island wasn’t just about adding content—it was about enhancing player engagement. By turning a humble garbage dump into a luxurious island resort, the team introduced a novel twist to the traditional minigame format. Players are given the freedom to experiment with different layouts, aesthetics, and themes, fostering creativity and prolonging their enjoyment.
Released on January 25, 2024, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth has garnered widespread praise from fans and newcomers alike. As the ninth installment in the mainline Yakuza series, the game benefits greatly from its rich heritage of assets, enabling RGG Studio to deliver polished and expansive experiences across various aspects of the title. Dondoko Island stands as a testament to this philosophy, proving that sometimes, less is more when it comes to innovation.
With countless hours dedicated to crafting their dream island resorts, players are sure to find endless amusement in this delightful side activity. Thanks to RGG Studio’s clever asset management, what started as a small feature blossomed into a beloved centerpiece of the game.
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