A recent interview with Automaton revealed a surprising approach to game development within the Like a Dragon/Yakuza franchise. Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio embraces internal conflict as a key ingredient in crafting high-quality games.
Like a Dragon Studio: Conflict Fuels Creativity
Healthy Disagreement, a Dragon's Breath
Series director Ryosuke Horii shared that disagreements among team members are not just common, but actively encouraged. Horii emphasized that these "in-fights" aren't destructive; rather, they're a catalyst for improvement. He explained that a planner's role is crucial in mediating these conflicts, ensuring they lead to constructive solutions. "Without arguments and discussions," Horii stated, "the final product would be mediocre. Therefore, productive conflict is always welcome." The focus is on achieving a positive outcome, turning disagreements into enhancements to the game's design.
Horii further highlighted the studio's meritocratic approach to idea generation. The quality of an idea, not its origin, determines its acceptance. The studio doesn't shy away from rejecting subpar concepts, viewing this process as a necessary part of the creative battle. "We mercilessly dismiss poor ideas," Horii confirmed, "resulting in robust debates and productive clashes that ultimately benefit the game."