Yakuza Devs Promote Authenticity, Encouraging Confrontation

A recent interview with Automaton sheds light on the unique internal dynamics of the Like a Dragon development team at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio. The team embraces constructive conflict as a key ingredient in crafting high-quality games.

Like a Dragon Studio: Conflict Fuels Creativity

Embracing the "Fight" for Better Games

Series director Ryosuke Horii revealed that disagreements among team members are not only common but actively encouraged. He emphasized that these internal "fights" are not destructive, but rather a catalyst for improvement. Horii explained that a planner's role is crucial in mediating these conflicts, ensuring they lead to positive resolutions and a superior final product. "A lukewarm game results from a lack of debate," he stated. The focus is on productive conflict, with the planner guiding the team towards beneficial outcomes.

Horii highlighted the studio's commitment to meritocracy, emphasizing that ideas are judged on their quality, regardless of their origin. The team isn't afraid to reject subpar suggestions, viewing this process as a necessary "battle" in the pursuit of excellence. "Mercilessly" dismissing weak ideas is part of their rigorous development process, ensuring only the strongest concepts make the cut. The team's collaborative spirit, characterized by robust debate and a shared commitment to quality, is central to their success.