Dondoko Island Furniture Details Emerge in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Teaser

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 insights into the game's development, highlighting the significant role of repurposing existing assets.

Dondoko Island's Unforeseen Growth

Initially conceived as a smaller feature, Dondoko Island's scope dramatically expanded during development. Hatoyama stated, "Dondoko Island started small, but it grew much larger than anticipated." This growth is largely attributed to the addition of a vast number of furniture crafting recipes.

Efficient Asset Repurposing

RGG Studio leveraged its extensive library of assets from the Yakuza series to accelerate the creation of these recipes. Instead of the days or even months typically required to design new assets, individual furniture pieces were created "in minutes," thanks to this efficient reuse of existing materials. This allowed for the rapid integration of a massive amount of furniture, significantly expanding the Dondoko Island experience.

The expansion of Dondoko Island and its furniture options reflects a commitment to providing players with engaging and diverse gameplay. The sheer scale of the island and its customization options empower players to transform the humble garbage dump into a luxurious resort, offering countless hours of enjoyable gameplay.

A Minigame of Impressive Scale

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 its rich asset library, ensures that this efficient approach to asset utilization will likely continue to benefit future installments. Dondoko Island stands as a prime example of how strategic asset reuse can transform a relatively small minigame into a substantial and rewarding player experience.