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.

Hatoyama stated that Dondoko Island "grew larger before we knew it," driven by the addition of numerous furniture recipes. This expansion was achieved through clever repurposing of existing assets from the extensive Yakuza series library. Instead of the days or even months typically required for new asset creation, RGG Studio crafted individual furniture pieces "in a matter of minutes" by editing and reusing pre-existing models.

This approach allowed for a rapid increase in the number of furniture recipes, significantly expanding the scope of the minigame. The goal, Hatoyama explained, was to offer players diverse and engaging gameplay. The vast island and extensive furniture options provide considerable freedom and enjoyment, allowing players to transform the initial garbage dump into a luxurious resort.

Released on January 25, 2024, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (the ninth mainline Yakuza title) has been well-received. The success of Dondoko Island highlights RGG Studio's resourceful use of its extensive asset library, resulting in a minigame of impressive scale that offers players countless hours of gameplay.