The Monster Hunter franchise, a beloved series that first appeared on the PlayStation 2 in 2004, has once again captured the global gaming community's attention with the launch of its latest installment, Monster Hunter Wilds. This new title has enjoyed one of the most successful debuts in the history of the franchise, with over one million players logging onto the PC version on Steam within just hours of its release. The game has garnered positive critical acclaim, solidifying its place in the competitive gaming landscape.
Despite its impressive launch, early players on Steam have expressed concerns regarding the game's performance on various computer systems. Many have reported technical issues that detracted from their gaming experience. However, this feedback does not overshadow the overwhelming success the franchise has achieved with its latest entry.
Previously, Monster Hunter World set a high bar for the series, selling 21.3 million copies worldwide. When factoring in sales from an upgraded edition released in 2019, the total reaches a staggering 28.1 million copies. This level of success has positioned Monster Hunter as a formidable force in the gaming industry, especially after a period when Japanese-made games faced challenges against Western developers.
Over the past few years, Japanese games have made a significant resurgence, evident from last year's Game Awards, where four out of six nominations for Game of the Year were attributed to titles developed in Japan. This renaissance can be linked to the dedication and long-term vision of key figures in the Monster Hunter team, particularly Director Yuya Tokuda and Producer Ryozo Tsujimoto. Both have extensive experience in the industry, with Tokuda having worked on the series for two decades.
Tsujimoto emphasized the importance of learning from previous titles to create a standout experience. "It's the groundwork that you create with your previous titles that you hope can inform the success of later ones," he stated. He also highlighted their commitment to inclusivity in gameplay design, ensuring that new players can easily engage with the game. "We're always careful to design the experience so new players can get into the game," he added.
Notably, Tsujimoto credited data analysis from past titles like Monster Hunter World for informing their development strategy. "We have the ability to take data from past titles and analyse that data in order to understand what players were enjoying and what we could improve," he explained. This analytical approach allowed them to address shortcomings in prior games while maintaining a focus on innovation.
The Monster Hunter team was acutely aware of their launch timing in relation to other major gaming releases. Tsujimoto noted, "We happened to have this launch window that's on the verge of some other big releases, but we don't have access to that information before the general public." This strategic planning contributed to their successful reception among gamers.
The Japanese games industry has faced significant changes over recent decades. Once a dominant force from the 1980s until the early 2000s, it has seen a power shift towards Western developers. However, Japan's employment protections have cushioned its developers from industry layoffs and studio closures. As a result, many Japanese developers remain loyal to their companies for extended periods, fostering stability within the industry.
Looking ahead, Tsujimoto expressed optimism about future projects while acknowledging the necessity of focusing on their current title. "It looks like a big year for everyone but we're really all just working in our own lanes," he remarked. Meanwhile, Tokuda emphasized his commitment to meeting player expectations: "You always have in your mind that there's people waiting for your next creation and they're the players you want to satisfy."
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