In an insightful interview with Automaton, the developers behind Like a Dragon have shed light on the unique dynamics within their team, emphasizing how healthy arguments and in-fighting contribute to the creation of superior games.
Like a Dragon Studio In-Fighting Helps Them Make Better Games
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Ryosuke Horii, the series director of the renowned Like a Dragon/Yakuza franchise, disclosed that internal conflicts among team members at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio are not only frequent but are actively encouraged to enhance the quality of their games.
During a discussion with the news site Automaton, Horii was questioned about the frequency of disagreements among the developers. He confirmed that conflicts do arise, yet he emphasized that these "in-fightings" are not inherently detrimental. "If a designer and a programmer are at odds, it is the planner’s role to mediate," Horii stated, highlighting that such confrontations can be beneficial.
"Without arguments or discussions, we can only expect a lukewarm final product. Therefore, we always welcome fights," he elaborated. He stressed the importance of ensuring these conflicts lead to positive outcomes. "Fighting is futile if it doesn’t culminate in a fruitful conclusion, so it is crucial for the planner to guide everyone towards the right direction. It’s all about fostering healthy and productive disputes."
Horii further explained that the studio's teams are united in their approach to conflict. "We evaluate opinions based on their merit, not on the team proposing them," he noted. Simultaneously, the studio maintains rigorous standards, unafraid to reject ideas that fall short. "We also ensure to ‘mercilessly’ dismiss poor ideas, which leads to debates and ‘battles’ all in the pursuit of crafting an exceptional game."