Yakuza Developers Champion Conflict, Reflecting Game's Themes

The creators of Like a Dragon embrace internal conflict as a key ingredient in their game development process. According to a recent interview with Automaton, healthy debate and even "in-fighting" are not only tolerated but actively encouraged at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio.

Like a Dragon Studio: Conflict Fuels Creativity

Passionate Debate, the Like a Dragon Way

Series director Ryosuke Horii revealed that disagreements are commonplace within the studio. However, these conflicts are viewed as constructive, rather than destructive. Horii explained that the role of the project planner is to mediate these disputes, ensuring they result in improvements to the game. "If there are no arguments or discussions," Horii stated, "you can only expect a mediocre final product. Therefore, productive conflict is always welcome." The key, he emphasized, is a positive resolution: "Fighting is pointless unless it leads to a beneficial outcome."

Horii further highlighted the studio's collaborative yet competitive approach. Ideas are judged solely on their merit, regardless of their origin. This commitment to quality also means that substandard suggestions are promptly dismissed. "We mercilessly reject poor ideas," Horii confirmed, "so it comes down to debates and battles for the sake of creating a superior game." The studio's philosophy is clearly one of constructive confrontation, reflecting the spirited nature of the Like a Dragon games themselves.