Yakuza Devs Promote Confrontation, Encouraging Fights

The creators of the Like a Dragon series embrace internal conflict as a key ingredient in their game development process. According to series director Ryosuke Horii, in an interview with Automaton, disagreements and spirited debates are not just tolerated, but actively encouraged at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio. This "in-fighting," as Horii describes it, is viewed as a vital component in refining game quality.

Horii emphasizes that conflict isn't inherently negative. He explains that disagreements between designers and programmers, for example, are opportunities for improvement, requiring a planner to mediate and guide the discussion toward a productive conclusion. He states that a lack of debate results in a subpar final product, making healthy conflict essential. The focus is on ensuring arguments lead to positive outcomes, with the planner responsible for steering the team toward constructive solutions.

The studio's approach emphasizes meritocracy over team loyalty. Horii highlights that ideas are judged solely on their quality, not their origin. This commitment to quality also includes a willingness to decisively reject subpar concepts. The overall philosophy is one of robust debate and rigorous critique, all in pursuit of creating a superior gaming experience. This internal "battle," mirroring the spirit of the games themselves, fosters a high-quality, high-pressure creative environment.