Discover the fascinating journey behind the development of Dondoko Island in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, where the art of editing and reusing past assets has led to an expansive and engaging minigame.
Dodonko Island Game Mode: 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 development of the Dondoko Island game mode. In an interview with Automaton, Hatoyama revealed that the initial concept for Dondoko Island was much smaller, but it evolved significantly during the development process. "At first, Dondoko Island was a little smaller, but it kind of grew larger before we knew it," Hatoyama explained. RGG Studio enhanced the minigame by introducing a broader range of furniture recipes.
The key to this expansion was the strategic reuse and editing of existing assets. Hatoyama highlighted that the team was able to craft individual pieces of furniture "in a matter of minutes," a process that typically takes days or even months. Leveraging the extensive library of assets from the Yakuza series, RGG Studio efficiently added a vast array of furniture options to Dondoko Island.
The expansion of Dondoko Island and the addition of numerous furniture recipes were driven by the desire to offer players fresh and engaging experiences. The expansive island and diverse furniture options allow players to transform a once-neglected garbage dump into a luxurious five-star island resort, providing endless hours of enjoyment and creativity.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, released on January 25, 2024, has been warmly received by both fans and newcomers. As the ninth mainline entry in the Yakuza series, it offers a rich repository of assets for future projects. Dondoko Island stands out as a testament to RGG Studio's innovative approach to game development, offering players a massive and immersive minigame experience.
