Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth's lead designer shed light on the creative process behind Dondoko Island, highlighting the importance of editing and reusing past assets to enhance this expansive minigame. Dive into the details to understand the evolution and impact of this beloved feature.
Dondoko Island: A Vast Minigame Experience
On July 30, Michiko Hatoyama, the lead designer for Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, shared insights into the development of Dondoko Island in an interview with Automaton. Initially conceived on a smaller scale, the minigame unexpectedly expanded into a more ambitious project. Hatoyama noted, “At first, Dondoko Island was a little smaller, but it kind of grew larger before we knew it.” RGG Studio elevated their vision by incorporating an extensive range of furniture recipes into the game.
The Strategy of Asset Reutilization
RGG Studio's approach involved editing and reusing assets from previous titles in the Yakuza series. This strategy allowed them to swiftly craft new furniture items, with Hatoyama revealing that individual pieces could be created “in a matter of minutes,” a stark contrast to the usual timeline which might span days or even a month. The vast repository of assets from the Yakuza series facilitated the rapid expansion and enrichment of Dondoko Island's offerings.
The expansion of Dondoko Island and the addition of numerous furniture options were driven by the desire to offer players fresh and engaging ways to experience the game. The expansive island and diverse furniture recipes empower players to creatively transform a once-neglected 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 long-time fans and newcomers. As the ninth mainline installment in the Yakuza series, excluding spin-offs, it provides a rich pool of assets for future projects. Dondoko Island stands out as a testament to RGG Studio's ingenuity, offering players a massive and engaging minigame where they can invest countless hours in crafting their ideal island resort.
