Dragon Restores Reused Furnishings in Dondoko Isle

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

The expansive Dondoko Island minigame in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a testament to efficient asset management. Lead designer Michiko Hatoyama revealed in a recent Automaton interview that the island's scope significantly expanded beyond its initial conception.

Initially envisioned as a smaller feature, Dondoko Island's growth was fueled by the addition of numerous furniture recipes. This wasn't achieved through painstaking new asset creation, but rather through clever repurposing. Hatoyama explained that RGG Studio leveraged its extensive library of assets from the Yakuza series, creating individual furniture pieces "in a matter of minutes," a stark contrast to the days or even months typically required for new asset development.

This efficient reuse of existing assets allowed for a dramatic expansion of both the island itself and the available furniture options. The goal? To provide players with engaging, refreshing gameplay. The sheer scale of the island and the extensive furniture catalog empower players to transform the humble garbage dump into a luxurious resort, fostering a sense of freedom and creative satisfaction.

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 game development, proving that a seemingly small minigame can become a massive, engaging experience through strategic asset management. The vast asset library accumulated over the Yakuza series clearly played a significant role in this achievement.