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 wasn't always so ambitious. Lead designer Michiko Hatoyama revealed in a recent Automaton interview that its scope significantly expanded during development. Initially conceived as a smaller feature, the island blossomed thanks to a clever approach to asset reuse.

The key to Dondoko Island's impressive scale lies in the efficient repurposing of existing assets. Hatoyama explained that by editing and reusing pre-existing game assets from the Yakuza series' extensive library, the team rapidly created numerous unique furniture pieces. This allowed them to add significantly more furniture recipes to the minigame—a process that took mere minutes per item, compared to the days or even weeks typically required for new asset creation.

This strategic reuse wasn't just about speed; it also enhanced player experience. The abundance of furniture and the island's sizable area provide players with extensive freedom to transform the initially dilapidated island into a thriving paradise. This creative freedom is a significant contributor to the game's overall appeal.

Released on January 25th, 2024, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth has been lauded by critics and players alike. The ninth mainline entry in the Yakuza series (excluding spin-offs), it boasts a rich repository of assets, perfectly illustrating how efficient asset management can significantly enhance even a smaller game feature. Dondoko Island stands as a testament to this, offering players a surprisingly deep and engaging minigame experience.