A recent interview with Automaton sheds light on the unique collaborative process within the Like a Dragon development team at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio. The team embraces constructive conflict as a key ingredient in crafting high-quality games.
Like a Dragon Studio: Conflict Fuels Creativity
Embracing the "Fight" for Excellence
Series director Ryosuke Horii revealed that internal disagreements are not just common, but actively encouraged. He emphasizes that these "in-fights" are a vital part of the creative process. Horii explains that the role of the planner is to mediate disagreements between, for example, designers and programmers, guiding these conflicts towards productive resolutions. He argues that the absence of debate results in a less compelling final product. The key, he stresses, is ensuring that arguments lead to tangible improvements and a superior game.
Horii highlights the team's commitment to evaluating ideas based solely on merit, regardless of their origin. This approach fosters a collaborative environment where the best ideas prevail. However, the studio isn't afraid to decisively reject subpar concepts, viewing this process as a necessary "battle" in the pursuit of game excellence. The team's willingness to engage in robust debate and challenge each other's ideas is integral to their success.
