"Dondoko Island Furniture in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Uses Recycled Game Assets"

Discover the fascinating world of Dondoko Island in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, where creativity meets efficiency through the art of reusing game assets. Lead designer Michiko Hatoyama sheds light on the development and expansion of this beloved minigame.

Dondoko Island: A Vast Minigame Experience

On July 30, Michiko Hatoyama, the lead designer of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, shared insights into the evolution of Dondoko Island during an interview with Automaton. Initially, the minigame was conceived on a smaller scale, but as development progressed, it blossomed into a much larger feature. Hatoyama remarked, "At first, Dondoko Island was a little smaller, but it kind of grew larger before we knew it." RGG Studio enhanced the minigame by incorporating an extensive range of furniture recipes.

Mastering the Art of Asset Reuse

RGG Studio's approach to expanding Dondoko Island involved editing and reusing past assets from the Yakuza series. Hatoyama highlighted the efficiency of this method, stating that individual pieces of furniture could be crafted "in a matter of minutes," a process that typically takes days or even months. By leveraging their rich library of game assets, the team was able to quickly add a diverse array of furniture to the island, enriching the gameplay experience.

The decision to expand Dondoko Island and increase the variety of furniture was driven by the desire to offer players innovative and engaging ways to enjoy the game. The expansive island and extensive furniture recipes allow players to transform a once-neglected garbage dump into a luxurious five-star resort, offering endless hours of creative fun.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, released on January 25, 2024, has been warmly embraced by both long-time fans and newcomers. As the ninth mainline entry in the Yakuza series, excluding spin-offs, it provides a wealth of assets for future projects. Dondoko Island stands out as a testament to RGG Studio's ability to create a vast and immersive minigame through smart asset management and creative reuse.