A recent interview with Automaton revealed a surprising approach to game development within the Like a Dragon studio. The team embraces internal conflict as a key ingredient in crafting high-quality games.
Like a Dragon Studio: Conflict Fuels Creativity
Embracing the "Fight" for a Better Game
Series director Ryosuke Horii shared that disagreements among team members are not just common, but actively encouraged. He explained that these "in-fights," when properly managed, are crucial to improving the final product. Horii emphasized the role of the planner in mediating these discussions, ensuring that conflicts lead to constructive solutions. He stated that a lack of debate often results in a less compelling game, making healthy conflict a welcome aspect of their process.
The focus, Horii clarified, isn't on the conflict itself, but on achieving a positive outcome. The planner's role is to guide the team towards a beneficial conclusion, transforming disagreements into improvements.
Horii further highlighted the studio's meritocratic approach to idea evaluation. The origin of a suggestion doesn't determine its acceptance; rather, the quality of the idea itself is the deciding factor. This commitment to quality extends to the rejection of subpar ideas, a process Horii described as "merciless." The overall goal is to foster a culture of robust debate and constructive criticism, all in service of creating the best possible game.
