Like a Dragon: Recycled Assets Reincarnate as Furniture

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth's Dondoko Island: A Minigame's Unexpected Expansion

The surprisingly expansive Dondoko Island minigame in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a testament to efficient asset reuse. Lead designer Michiko Hatoyama revealed in a recent Automaton interview that the island's scope significantly expanded during development. Initially conceived as a smaller feature, the addition of numerous furniture recipes propelled its growth.

Reusing Assets for Rapid Furniture Creation

RGG Studio leveraged its extensive asset library from the Yakuza series to dramatically increase the number of craftable furniture items. By repurposing and modifying existing assets, the team created individual pieces of furniture in mere minutes, a stark contrast to the days or even months typically required for new asset creation. This efficient approach allowed for the rapid integration of a vast array of furniture, transforming the minigame's scale.

The expansion of Dondoko Island and its furniture selection reflects a commitment to providing players with engaging and diverse gameplay. The sheer size of the island and the extensive crafting options offer considerable freedom, allowing players to transform the initial garbage dump into a luxurious resort paradise.

Released on January 25, 2024, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (the ninth mainline Yakuza title) has been well-received. The success of Dondoko Island highlights RGG Studio's ability to leverage past work, creating a substantial and rewarding minigame experience that players can invest countless hours in.