I don't believe that console games from Japanese studios are dead, but we probably won't seen major AAA games like Final Fantasy XV, Kingdom Hearts, or Metal Gear Solid V much anymore. Console games will still exist but will probably be smaller budget, niche affairs like Atelier, Guilty Gear, etc.
Are Japanese-made console games DEAD without Nintendo/Sony/MS financing them?
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TheDarkTriforce
Banned
In my opinion Street Fighter V would exist without Sony until someone shows me an official statement from Capcom where Capcom say that Street Fighter V would not exist without Sony!
March of the Crabs
Member
Probably, but it's not necessarily a bad thing. It will result in more exclusives which is a bummer, but it will help keep the console business competitive and hopefully increase its longevity.
RE 6 was nowhere near successful financially wise. Capcom thought that RE 6 would have huge COD sales, especially due to the enormous budget that was being put into it.
That's one of the very reasons why they're in this huge financial mess right now.
Why do you think Ono went to Sony for?
There were a few statements by Ono where he said Capcom would not invest into SFV until 2018
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/no-street-fighter-v-until-2018-capcom-producer/1100-6412556/
Do wonder, What is the point of luring an ageing niche market then?
Kobun Heat
Member
As in many things, "well it's not necessarily COMPLETELY entirely one HUNDRED PERCENT true" crowd is distracting from the fact that the answer is basically yes.
Japan really dropped the ball with consoles past gen and contributed gravely to this situation (sure, switch to portable was a reality, but they basically pushed the industry there with their abysmal show in consoles in the first years of the gen, then they improved but still too little, too late.).
BUT, I still think there is an appeal and a chance if they manage to not commit huge failures this time and get some momentum with heavy hitters.
Bloodborne is a clear case of game that would still be made and would be successful, because it would get picked by a good number of publishers outside of Sony if the chance was there. From Software is a clear case of international success and a example of what Japan has to offer in the console space.
I truly believe that there is a good chance this 2015-2016 to see a reinvigorated Japanese console scene. There are great names coming and they are looking good. And there are also a good bunch of companies that won't abandon the console space anytime soon (Sega, Atlus, Falcom, Compile, NIS, Ark, etc).
So yes, call me optimistic, but I believe good things are coming. Japanese videogames industry just need some international good hits and the perception will change.
BUT, I still think there is an appeal and a chance if they manage to not commit huge failures this time and get some momentum with heavy hitters.
Bloodborne is a clear case of game that would still be made and would be successful, because it would get picked by a good number of publishers outside of Sony if the chance was there. From Software is a clear case of international success and a example of what Japan has to offer in the console space.
I truly believe that there is a good chance this 2015-2016 to see a reinvigorated Japanese console scene. There are great names coming and they are looking good. And there are also a good bunch of companies that won't abandon the console space anytime soon (Sega, Atlus, Falcom, Compile, NIS, Ark, etc).
So yes, call me optimistic, but I believe good things are coming. Japanese videogames industry just need some international good hits and the perception will change.
Dr. Benton Quest
Banned
I feel the opposite. I would love to play a JRPG with strong Japanese mechanics and a western aesthetic and story. I know a lot posters on this board that feel the same.
It would have existed 4 years from now. Instead we're getting it by 2016 because of Sony.
TheDarkTriforce
Banned
I don't believe you! I want an official statement from Capcom! Everyone can assume that Street Fighter V would not exist without Sony! Street Fighter is a 25 Year old IP and Capcom never needed someone to release a new Street Fighter Game, in my opinion Sony bought the exclusivity just like Microsoft bought Tomb Raider. It always the same, if Microsoft had done this then they are the bad and everyone says they money hatted the exclusivity, but when Sony does this everyone thinks they are the hero and saved the IP! In my opinion Sony bought the exclusivity until Capcom makes an official statement that Street Fighter V would NEVER exist without Sony
TheDarkTriforce
Banned
Delusibeta
Banned
Eh. New, big-budget AAA IP? Probably, but it's not like the West is pumping those out in particularly large quantities either. Games in general? Rubbish. If anything, Japan has the healthiest mid-tier development scene, in that it still has a mid-tier development scene.
Goldenroad
Member
They would still exist, but they would be fewer and further between. I think, if not for Sony stepping in, Street Fighter 5 might have been another 5 years in development, whereas now, if MIGHT come out in the next couple years. If not for MS, D4 would have gotten made, it just would have probably taken a lot longer.
MS, Sony and Nintendo are all very desperately struggling to get a lot of games out on their systems in 2015 and they'll go wherever they can find talented people to make the games and pretty much pay them what they need to get them done soon.
MS, Sony and Nintendo are all very desperately struggling to get a lot of games out on their systems in 2015 and they'll go wherever they can find talented people to make the games and pretty much pay them what they need to get them done soon.
DeliciousDoc
Member
There is a massive amount of Japanese games I am interested in coming out in the next few months so I have no idea what you are talking about. Nothing really on ps4 though and that's what you are really complaining about. There are also probably not getting translated.
Garrett Hawke
Member
I feel like there's certainly been a decline, and it's kind of sad imo because not only was there good variety in having games from other cultures, but I remember when big budget Japanese console titles used to be great visual showcases.
JRPG's seem to be doing ok but 3D action games are in trouble.
One major problem is the lack of a professional indie scene making 3D games(or anything for that matter), however if you like shmups, megaman & fighters the doujin scene has that covered. Doujin games can have crazy long development times, How many years ago was it that Recettear blew up on steam? A normal developer (and competitors) would have quickly followed up with another game to cash in the trend, while with doujin we are still waiting for Territore.
Another problem imo is that the west is too focussed on gritty mature games with even pre teens playing GTA, however Dark Souls has proved that westerners will buy dark and gritty games from Japan too. Hopefully Scalebound hits all the right notes too and proves DS isn't an anomaly, still it sucks if you like cheesy lighthearted games like I do.
One major problem is the lack of a professional indie scene making 3D games(or anything for that matter), however if you like shmups, megaman & fighters the doujin scene has that covered. Doujin games can have crazy long development times, How many years ago was it that Recettear blew up on steam? A normal developer (and competitors) would have quickly followed up with another game to cash in the trend, while with doujin we are still waiting for Territore.
Another problem imo is that the west is too focussed on gritty mature games with even pre teens playing GTA, however Dark Souls has proved that westerners will buy dark and gritty games from Japan too. Hopefully Scalebound hits all the right notes too and proves DS isn't an anomaly, still it sucks if you like cheesy lighthearted games like I do.
Chaos2Frozen
Member
You say that, but their biggest games that have western appeals are all done with western aesthetics, meaning in western settings or western characters, like MGS and RE and even the souls series.
Anything too 'Japanese' or at least too 'cartoon' these days would never sell millions, unless it's from a mega huge franchise since the old days.
Admittedly, I also feel the same.
Except, I think I would like to see they employ the arms of Japanese seinen mangaka for their story and an aesthetics that fit the international crowd instead of solely catering to the west.
Haint
Member
100 human souls for Monster Strike?!? What could that many people possibly be doing with that game?