RGG Studio, the masterminds behind the Like a Dragon series, has publicly shared portions of the source code for their latest game, Infinite Wealth. This daring step aims to inspire and educate aspiring game developers by giving them a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a major title.
RGG’s Yukata Ito explained the motivation behind their decision in a recent interview with Automaton. The studio puts fresh talent through a rigorous year-long program that covers popular game engines like Unity and Unreal, as well as their proprietary Dragon engine. This hands-on experience culminates in new developers taking ownership of a mini-game, which often makes it into the final product.
The unique training method has garnered praise from the gaming community. Many have pointed out how it gives developers significant project ownership early in their careers, a rarity in the industry. Some have even drawn comparisons to Western game studios, noting a lack of similar educational pathways.
ちなみに、龍が如くは「C++」という「プログラム言語」で書かれているのですが、ここで実際に龍が如く8で使われているプログラムをほんの少しお見せします😎
— 伊東 豊（セガ・龍が如くスタジオ技術責任者） (@YutakaIto_RGG) January 10, 2024
意外とシンプルなので、C++の基礎をしっかりと学んでいれば十分龍チームで働くことができると思います。就活生の皆さん、お待ちしています🙇♂️ pic.twitter.com/8FbZLm9tBH
Sharing Infinite Wealth’s source code has also gotten people talking about asset reuse in game development. RGG Studio is known for its ability to balance new features with reused content, a skill that has allowed them to create rich, detailed game worlds efficiently.
The Like a Dragon series, formerly known as Yakuza, has built a reputation for intricate storytelling, strong character development, and a plethora of unique mini-games. Set in richly detailed, real-world inspired locales like the fictional district of Kamurocho, these games have captivated players worldwide.
RGG Studio’s choice to share their code is a rare move in an industry often shrouded in secrecy. It shows the potential benefits of bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical industry application. This transparency could influence other studios to be more open and supportive of educational initiatives in the future.
From an educational psychology angle, RGG Studio’s approach aligns with theories like Vygotsky’s scaffolding, which emphasizes learning just beyond current capabilities for skill mastery. This method of training could set a new standard for employee development in the gaming industry.
