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 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 initial plans.

Initially conceived 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 by cleverly repurposing and modifying existing assets from the extensive Yakuza series library. Hatoyama highlighted the speed of this process, stating that individual furniture pieces were created "in a matter of minutes," a stark contrast to the typical days or even months required for new asset development.

This efficient approach allowed RGG Studio to dramatically increase the number of furniture options, enriching the gameplay experience. The resulting large island and extensive crafting options provide players with considerable freedom to transform the initially dilapidated island into a thriving paradise.

Released on January 25, 2024, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (the ninth mainline Yakuza title) has been well-received. The success of Dondoko Island demonstrates the potential of creative asset reuse, transforming a seemingly small minigame into a significant and engaging part of the overall game, offering players countless hours of enjoyment.