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 conflict. The team actively encourages healthy debate and disagreement as a crucial element in crafting high-quality games.
Like a Dragon Studio: Conflict as a Catalyst for Creativity
The Fiery Forge of Game Development
Series director Ryosuke Horii shared that internal disagreements are not only common but actively welcomed. He explained that these "in-fights," while seemingly negative, often lead to significant improvements. Horii emphasized the role of the planner in mediating these conflicts, ensuring they result in constructive outcomes. He stated that the absence of debate would inevitably lead to a subpar final product. The key, he stressed, is ensuring these disagreements culminate in a positive, productive resolution.
Horii further highlighted the studio's commitment to evaluating ideas solely on merit, irrespective of their origin. The team embraces a culture of open discussion, but this openness is balanced by a willingness to reject substandard ideas. This process, he described, involves rigorous debate and "battles" ultimately aimed at producing a superior game. The studio's approach is one of constructive confrontation, prioritizing quality above all else.
