Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth's Dondoko Island: A Minigame's Unexpected Expansion Through Asset Reuse
The surprisingly 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 scale far exceeded initial plans. "At first, Dondoko Island was smaller, but it grew unexpectedly," Hatoyama stated.
This expansion was fueled by the strategic reuse of existing assets. Rather than creating new furniture from scratch—a process that typically takes days or even a month—RGG Studio leveraged its extensive library of Yakuza series assets. Hatoyama highlighted the team's ability to craft individual pieces of furniture "in a matter of minutes."
The decision to expand Dondoko Island and its furniture options stemmed from a desire to enhance player enjoyment. The vast island and numerous furniture recipes offer players significant freedom and satisfaction in transforming the initial wasteland into a luxurious resort.
Released on January 25, 2024, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (the ninth mainline entry in the Yakuza series) has been well-received. The game's success, and the impressive scale of its Dondoko Island minigame, showcases RGG Studio's effective use of its extensive asset library. Players can invest countless hours perfecting their island paradise thanks to this smart approach to game development.
