Yakuza Like a Dragon Devs, True to Their Game, Encourage \"Fights\" and Confrontation

A recent interview with Automaton reveals a surprising approach to game development within the Like a Dragon studio: embracing conflict. The team believes that healthy debate and even "in-fighting" are crucial to creating high-quality games.

Like a Dragon Studio: Conflict Fuels Creativity

The Fiery Forge of Like a Dragon

Series director Ryosuke Horii shared that disagreements are not just common at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, but actively encouraged. He explained that these internal conflicts, while seemingly negative, often lead to significant improvements in the final product. Horii emphasized the role of the planner in mediating these disagreements, ensuring they result in constructive solutions. "If there are no arguments or discussions, you can only expect a mediocre result," he stated. The key, he added, is ensuring that these "fights" have a productive outcome, guided by the planner to achieve a positive resolution.

Horii further highlighted the studio's meritocratic approach to idea generation. The team prioritizes the quality of the idea itself, regardless of its origin. This open-mindedness is balanced by a willingness to reject subpar concepts. "We mercilessly dismiss poor ideas," Horii confirmed, emphasizing that the ultimate goal is a superior game, achieved through vigorous debate and constructive conflict.