Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth's Dondoko Island: A Minigame's Unexpected Expansion Through Asset Reuse
The lead designer of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth recently shed light on the surprising growth of Dondoko Island, a minigame that far exceeded its initial scope.
In an interview with Automaton, Michiko Hatoyama revealed that Dondoko Island's expansion was largely unplanned. Initially conceived as a smaller feature, the minigame blossomed during development. Hatoyama stated, "At first, Dondoko Island was a little smaller, but it kind of grew larger before we knew it." This growth was fueled by a significant increase in the number of available furniture recipes.
This expansion was achieved through clever asset reuse. RGG Studio leveraged its extensive library of assets from the Yakuza series, repurposing existing models to create new furniture items. Hatoyama highlighted the efficiency of this approach, noting that individual pieces were created "in a matter of minutes," a stark contrast to the days or even months typically required for new asset creation.
The decision to expand Dondoko Island and its furniture options stemmed from a desire to enhance player enjoyment. The vast island and numerous furniture recipes provide players with extensive freedom to transform the dilapidated island into a luxurious resort.
Released on January 25, 2024, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, the ninth mainline entry in the Yakuza series (excluding spin-offs), has been well-received. Its success, and the rich asset library it contributes to, further supports RGG Studio's efficient development strategies. Dondoko Island stands as a testament to this efficiency, offering players a surprisingly expansive and engaging minigame experience.
