"Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Reuses Game Assets for Dondoko Island Furniture"

The lead designer of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Michiko Hatoyama, shed light on the creative process behind the expansion of the Dondoko Island minigame. This insight offers a fascinating look into how and why the game mode evolved into a significant part of the gameplay experience.

The Art of Editing and Reusing Past Assets

In an interview with Automaton on July 30, Hatoyama revealed that Dondoko Island's scope expanded beyond initial plans during development. She explained, "At first, Dondoko Island was a little smaller, but it kind of grew larger before we knew it." RGG Studio elevated their vision by significantly increasing the number of furniture recipes available in this minigame.

To achieve this, the team at RGG Studio cleverly edited and reused assets from past Yakuza games. Hatoyama noted that individual pieces of furniture were created "in a matter of minutes," a stark contrast to the days or even months typically required for new asset creation. This approach allowed them to quickly build a vast array of furniture options for Dondoko Island, drawing from the extensive library of assets accumulated over the Yakuza series.

The expansion of Dondoko Island, including more furniture and increased space, was driven by the desire to offer players fresh and engaging ways to enjoy the game. The larger island and extensive furniture recipes provide players with the freedom to transform a once-neglected garbage dump into a luxurious five-star island resort, enhancing both the creativity and enjoyment of the gameplay.

Released on January 25, 2024, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth has been well-received by both fans and newcomers. As the ninth mainline entry in the Yakuza series, it benefits from a rich history of assets that can be reused and repurposed. For a minigame, Dondoko Island stands out with its massive scale, offering players countless hours of fun in crafting their ideal island resort, thanks to RGG Studio's innovative approach to asset management.