Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’s Dondoko Island Furniture Came From Reused Game Assets

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

Dondoko Island, the expansive minigame in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, is a testament to creative asset management. Lead designer Michiko Hatoyama revealed insights into its development, highlighting the significant role of repurposing existing game assets.

Initially conceived as a smaller feature, Dondoko Island's scope dramatically increased during development. The addition of numerous furniture recipes played a key role in this expansion.

RGG Studio leveraged its extensive library of assets from the Yakuza series, enabling the rapid creation of new furniture. Hatoyama stated that individual furniture pieces were crafted "in a matter of minutes," a stark contrast to the days or even months typically required for new asset creation. This efficient reuse allowed for the seamless integration of a vast array of furniture into Dondoko Island's environment.

The decision to expand Dondoko Island and its furniture options stemmed from a desire to offer players diverse and engaging gameplay. The sheer size of the island and the extensive list of furniture recipes provide players with significant freedom and creative control in transforming the initial dilapidated island into a luxurious resort.

Released on January 25, 2024, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (the ninth mainline entry in the Yakuza series) has been well-received. The game's success, coupled with the rich legacy of assets from previous Yakuza titles, positions RGG Studio advantageously for future game development. Dondoko Island stands out as a remarkably large-scale minigame, offering players countless hours of enjoyment thanks to the studio's smart use of existing resources.