Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth's Dondoko Island: A Minigame Built on Recycled Assets
The expansive Dondoko Island minigame in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a testament to efficient asset reuse. Lead designer Michiko Hatoyama revealed in a recent Automaton interview that the island's scale far exceeded initial plans. What began as a smaller project blossomed, largely due to the clever repurposing of existing game assets.
The creation of new furniture recipes became surprisingly swift. Hatoyama stated that individual furniture pieces were assembled "in a matter of minutes," a stark contrast to the days or even months typically required for asset creation. This remarkable speed was made possible by leveraging the extensive library of assets accumulated throughout the Yakuza series. This allowed RGG Studio to rapidly populate Dondoko Island with a vast array of furniture options.
The expansion of Dondoko Island and its furniture catalog wasn't arbitrary; it was a deliberate design choice. The goal was to provide players with ample opportunities for creative expression and extended gameplay. The sheer size of the island and the extensive list of furniture recipes empower players to transform the initially dilapidated island into a thriving, personalized paradise.
Released on January 25, 2024, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth has garnered significant praise. As the ninth mainline entry in the Yakuza franchise (excluding spin-offs), the game benefits from a rich repository of assets, facilitating the creation of ambitious features like the surprisingly large-scale Dondoko Island minigame. The efficient use of existing assets has resulted in a compelling and replayable experience for players.
