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 seemingly simple minigame that blossomed into a significant part of the game's experience.

In an interview with Automaton, Michiko Hatoyama revealed that Dondoko Island's scope expanded organically during development. Initially conceived as a smaller feature, the addition of numerous furniture recipes propelled its growth. The key to this rapid expansion? Clever asset reuse.

RGG Studio leveraged its extensive library of assets from the Yakuza series. By repurposing and modifying existing elements, the team created individual pieces of furniture in mere minutes, a stark contrast to the days or even months typically required for new asset creation. This efficient approach allowed for the rapid integration of a vast array of furniture, significantly enriching the Dondoko Island experience.

This expansion wasn't arbitrary; it stemmed from a desire to offer players fresh and engaging gameplay. The large island and extensive furniture catalog empower players to transform the dilapidated island into a luxurious resort, providing considerable freedom and replayability.

Released on January 25, 2024, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (the ninth mainline Yakuza title) has been well-received. The game's success, coupled with the extensive asset library accumulated over the series' history, positions RGG Studio to continue innovating and efficiently building upon its existing resources in future projects. Dondoko Island stands as a testament to this approach, transforming a simple minigame into a surprisingly expansive and rewarding experience for players.