Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’s lead designer, Michiko Hatoyama, shed light on the innovative approach of editing and reusing past assets in the development of Dondoko Island. Dive deeper into how this strategy significantly enhanced the scope and appeal of this engaging minigame.
Dondoko Island: A Vast Minigame Experience
During an insightful interview with Automaton on July 30, Hatoyama revealed the unexpected evolution of Dondoko Island. Initially conceived on a smaller scale, the minigame expanded dramatically during its development. "At first, Dondoko Island was a little smaller, but it kind of grew larger before we knew it," Hatoyama remarked. RGG Studio escalated their vision by significantly increasing the variety of furniture recipes available in the game.
The Strategy of Asset Reuse and Editing
RGG Studio's approach to expanding Dondoko Island involved the clever reuse and editing of existing assets. Hatoyama highlighted the efficiency of this method, noting that individual pieces of furniture could be crafted "in a matter of minutes," a stark contrast to the days or even months typically required for new asset creation. The extensive library of assets from the Yakuza series played a crucial role, enabling the rapid integration of a diverse array of furniture into Dondoko Island.
The expansion of Dondoko Island, both in terms of space and the number of furniture recipes, was driven by a desire to offer players fresh and exciting ways to engage with the game. This expansive island and the comprehensive list of furniture options allow players to creatively transform what was once a garbage dump into a luxurious five-star island resort.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, released on January 25, 2024, has been warmly welcomed by both fans and newcomers. As the ninth mainline entry in the Yakuza series, excluding spin-offs, it benefits from a rich repository of assets that can be utilized in future projects. Dondoko Island stands out as a testament to RGG Studio's ingenuity, offering players an immersive and expansive minigame where they can invest countless hours in crafting the ultimate island resort.
