The creators of the Like a Dragon series embrace conflict as a key ingredient in their game development process. In a recent interview with Automaton, series director Ryosuke Horii revealed that internal disagreements and spirited debates are not only common at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, but actively encouraged.
Horii emphasized that these "in-fights," while seemingly negative, are a crucial catalyst for improvement. He explained that disagreements between designers and programmers, for instance, are opportunities for growth, requiring a planner to mediate and guide the conflict towards a productive resolution. "If there are no arguments nor discussions," Horii stated, "you can expect no more than a lukewarm final product. Therefore, fights are always welcome." The key, he stressed, is ensuring these conflicts yield positive results.
The studio's approach fosters a culture of constructive criticism. Horii highlighted that ideas are judged solely on merit, regardless of their origin. However, this open environment doesn't preclude rejection; the team is equally committed to "mercilessly" discarding substandard concepts. This process, he explained, involves robust debates and "battles" ultimately aimed at crafting a superior game. The studio's internal dynamics, mirroring the fiery spirit of their games, underscore their commitment to excellence through constructive confrontation.