A recent Automaton interview reveals the surprising secret behind the success of the Like a Dragon/Yakuza franchise: healthy conflict. The developers at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio embrace disagreements as a crucial element in game development.
Like a Dragon Studio: Conflict Fuels Creativity
Embracing the "Fight" for Quality
Series director Ryosuke Horii shared that internal debate isn't just common at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio—it's encouraged. These "in-fights," Horii clarified, aren't negative; instead, they're a catalyst for improvement. He explains that disagreements between designers and programmers, for instance, are opportunities for growth, requiring a planner to mediate and steer the discussion towards productive solutions. "Without arguments and discussions," Horii stated, "the final product will be lukewarm. Therefore, fights are welcome." The key, he emphasizes, is ensuring these conflicts yield positive outcomes.
Horii further described the studio's collaborative spirit as a unified approach to conflict. Ideas are judged on merit, not origin. The team isn't afraid to reject subpar concepts, emphasizing a rigorous process of debate and challenge to ensure the final product meets their high standards. "We mercilessly shut down poor ideas," Horii confirmed, highlighting the importance of constructive confrontation in their creative process.
