A recent interview with Automaton reveals the surprisingly productive internal dynamics at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the creators of the Like a Dragon/Yakuza series. The team embraces constructive conflict as a key ingredient in crafting high-quality games.
Like a Dragon Studio: Healthy Disagreements Fuel Game Development
Embracing the "Fight" for a Better Game
Series director Ryosuke Horii shared that internal disagreements are not just common at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, but actively encouraged. These "in-fights," he explained, are a vital part of the creative process. When designers and programmers clash, the project planner steps in to mediate, guiding the conflict towards a positive resolution.
Horii emphasized that a lack of debate results in mediocre games. "Fights are always welcome," he stated, but only if they lead to improvements. The planner's role is crucial in ensuring these disagreements yield constructive outcomes. The focus is on "healthy and productive fights."
The studio's collaborative approach prioritizes quality over team allegiance. Horii explained that ideas are judged solely on their merit, not their origin. Furthermore, the studio isn't afraid to decisively reject substandard concepts. This process, characterized by robust debate and "battles of ideas," ultimately contributes to the creation of superior games.
