Japan and other Asian territories have long been held up as the bellwether for player behavior in the West. Trends like free-to-play, social gaming, and trading card games, to name a few, rose to prominence in Japan before exploding everywhere else. This makes the fact that Monster Hunter, one of the most popular franchises in Japan for years, is still struggling to make an impact in the West fairly strange.
The Cultural Divide in Gaming
Capcom thinks it might have to do with the way players interact when it comes to co-operative play (the heart of the Monster Hunter series) in the West. Japanese players will meet in real life at Wi-Fi spots to collaborate in taking down a monster, while Western players prefer to play online from home. This cultural difference in gaming habits could be a significant factor in why Monster Hunter hasn’t seen the same level of success in Western markets.
In Japan, the social aspect of gaming is deeply ingrained. Players often gather in public places like cafes or gaming centers to play together, fostering a sense of community and teamwork. This real-life interaction enhances the cooperative experience, making games like Monster Hunter more engaging and enjoyable. On the other hand, Western players tend to favor the convenience and comfort of playing from home, relying on online multiplayer features to connect with friends and other players.
Adapting to Western Preferences
That’s where Monster Hunter Ultimate 3 comes in, adding online and cross-platform play on both Wii U and 3DS on its Western release a month from now. By incorporating these features, Capcom aims to bridge the gap between the different gaming cultures and make the game more accessible and appealing to Western audiences.
“You’re right in terms of us intentionally doing this,” Capcom’s Ryozo Tsujimoto revealed for Eurogamer. “It’s always been our wish to make a good start and we’ve always been saying we’ll do this at one point.”
The addition of online and cross-platform play is a strategic move to cater to the preferences of Western gamers. By allowing players to connect and collaborate from the comfort of their homes, Capcom hopes to replicate the social experience that Japanese players enjoy in public settings. This approach not only makes the game more convenient but also opens up new opportunities for players to form communities and build lasting friendships.
Moreover, the inclusion of cross-platform play between the Wii U and 3DS versions of the game ensures that players can enjoy a seamless experience regardless of their preferred device. This flexibility is particularly important in the Western market, where gamers often own multiple consoles and handheld devices.
Another factor that could contribute to Monster Hunter’s success in the West is the growing popularity of cooperative and multiplayer games. Titles like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Destiny have demonstrated that there is a strong demand for games that emphasize teamwork and collaboration. By positioning Monster Hunter Ultimate 3 as a game that offers a rich and rewarding cooperative experience, Capcom can tap into this trend and attract a broader audience.
In addition to these efforts, Capcom has also been working on localizing the game to better suit Western tastes. This includes translating the game’s text and dialogue, as well as adjusting certain gameplay elements to make them more accessible to new players. By addressing these barriers, Capcom hopes to create a more welcoming environment for Western gamers and encourage them to give Monster Hunter a try.
Ultimately, the success of Monster Hunter in the West will depend on Capcom’s ability to adapt to the unique preferences and habits of Western players. By embracing online and cross-platform play, localizing the game, and tapping into the growing demand for cooperative experiences, Capcom has a strong chance of making Monster Hunter a household name in Western markets.
Source Eurogamer
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