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

The lead designer of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth recently shed light on the surprising growth of the Dondoko Island minigame, revealing a clever strategy of asset repurposing.

Dondoko Island's Unexpected Scale

In an interview with Automaton, lead designer Michiko Hatoyama explained that the island's scope significantly expanded beyond initial plans. The project evolved organically, growing "larger before we knew it," primarily due to the addition of numerous furniture recipes.

Efficient Asset Management

RGG Studio's approach involved creatively reusing and modifying existing assets from the Yakuza series' extensive library. This allowed the team to rapidly generate individual furniture pieces "in a matter of minutes," a stark contrast to the days or even months typically required for new asset creation.

Enhancing Player Experience

The expansion of Dondoko Island and its vast furniture catalog wasn't arbitrary; it aimed to provide players with engaging and diverse gameplay. The freedom to transform the dilapidated island into a luxurious resort is a core element of the minigame's appeal.

A Successful Minigame

Released on January 25, 2024, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, the ninth mainline Yakuza title (excluding spin-offs), has been well-received. Dondoko Island, despite its minigame status, stands out for its impressive scale, offering players countless hours of immersive island development, a testament to RGG Studio's resourceful asset utilization.