Discover the fascinating approach behind the development of Dondoko Island in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Learn how the game's lead designer, Michiko Hatoyama, leveraged the art of editing and reusing past assets to create a compelling minigame experience.
Dodonko Island Game Mode is a Massive Minigame
The Art of Editing and Reusing Past Assets
On July 30, Michiko Hatoyama, the lead designer of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, shared insights into the evolution of Dondoko Island. Initially intended to be a smaller feature, the minigame expanded significantly during development. In an interview with Automaton, Hatoyama revealed, "At first, Dondoko Island was a little smaller, but it kind of grew larger before we knew it." RGG Studio enhanced the game mode by incorporating a vast array of furniture recipes.
The secret to this expansion? RGG Studio's strategic use of editing and reusing assets from previous games in the Yakuza series. Hatoyama noted that individual pieces of furniture were crafted "in a matter of minutes," a stark contrast to the usual timeline of days or even months for creating new assets. This efficient approach allowed the team to swiftly populate Dondoko Island with a diverse selection of furniture.
The expansion of Dondoko Island and the introduction of numerous furniture options were driven by the desire to offer players fresh and engaging ways to enjoy the game. The expansive island and extensive furniture recipes empower players to transform a once-neglected garbage dump into a luxurious five-star island resort, providing endless hours of creative gameplay.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth launched on January 25, 2024, and has been warmly welcomed by both long-time fans and newcomers. As the ninth mainline entry in the Yakuza series, it boasts a rich library of assets that RGG Studio skillfully repurposed. Dondoko Island stands out as a testament to the studio's innovative asset management, offering players a massive and immersive minigame experience.
