Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth's Dondoko Island: A Minigame That Grew

RGG Studio's lead designer, Michiko Hatoyama, recently revealed the secrets behind Dondoko Island's surprising scale in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Initially conceived as a smaller minigame, Dondoko Island expanded significantly during development, largely due to the clever reuse of existing assets.

Hatoyama explained that repurposing existing assets allowed the team to create individual furniture pieces in mere minutes, a stark contrast to the days or even months typically required for new asset creation. This efficient approach, fueled by the extensive library accumulated across the Yakuza series, allowed for the rapid addition of numerous furniture recipes.

The decision to expand Dondoko Island and its furniture options stemmed from a desire to offer players fresh and engaging gameplay. The resulting expansive island and diverse furniture selection provide considerable freedom and enjoyment, transforming the initial "garbage dump" into a luxurious resort.

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 resourceful approach to asset management, transforming a seemingly small minigame into a substantial and rewarding player experience offering countless hours of gameplay.