Yakuza Like a Dragon Devs, True to Their Game, Encourage \"Fights\" and Confrontation

A recent interview with Automaton revealed a surprising approach to game development within the Like a Dragon/Yakuza team at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio: embracing internal conflict. The team believes that healthy debate and even "in-fighting" are crucial to creating high-quality games.

Like a Dragon Studio: Conflict Fuels Creativity

The Fiery Forging of a Dragon

Series director Ryosuke Horii shared that disagreements are not just common but actively encouraged. He explained that these clashes, particularly between designers and programmers, are opportunities for improvement. A planner's role is to mediate these discussions, ensuring they lead to constructive outcomes. Horii emphasized that unproductive arguments are avoided, focusing instead on fostering a collaborative environment where spirited debate leads to better game design. "Fights are always welcome," he stated, "but only if they result in a fruitful conclusion."

Horii further highlighted the team's commitment to meritocracy. Ideas are judged on their quality, regardless of their origin. The studio maintains high standards, unafraid to reject proposals that don't meet the mark. This process, he explained, involves robust debates and "battles" ultimately aimed at refining the game's design. The team's approach reflects a dedication to creating the best possible product, even if it requires navigating some internal friction.