Sega Reuses Assets for ‘Like a Dragon’ Furniture

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 clever asset management. Lead designer Michiko Hatoyama revealed the island's growth wasn't initially planned.

In an interview with Automaton, Hatoyama explained that Dondoko Island's scope significantly expanded during development. The team's decision to significantly increase the number of furniture recipes played a key role in this expansion.

This expansion was achieved through the strategic reuse and modification of existing assets. Hatoyama stated that creating individual furniture pieces took mere minutes, a stark contrast to the days or even months typically required for new asset creation. The extensive library of assets from the Yakuza series proved invaluable in rapidly populating Dondoko Island with a diverse range of furniture.

The decision to expand both the island itself and the furniture options stemmed from a desire to enhance player enjoyment. The sheer scale of the island and the extensive crafting options provide players with considerable freedom and satisfaction in transforming the dilapidated island into a thriving resort.

Released on January 25, 2024, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (the ninth mainline Yakuza title) was well-received. The game's success, and the vast asset library it contributes to, further supports RGG Studio's efficient approach to game development. Dondoko Island stands as a prime example of how effective asset reuse can elevate even a minigame to a substantial and engaging experience, offering players countless hours of island-building fun.