Monster Hunter Wilds' meteoric rise to global gaming dominance: From niche Japanese hit to worldwide phenomenon.
Prior to its global launch, Monster Hunter Wilds shattered pre-order records across Steam and PlayStation, mirroring the extraordinary success of its predecessors, Monster Hunter Rise (2022) and Monster Hunter: World (2018). This achievement firmly establishes Capcom's unique RPG series as a major player in the global video game market.
However, this wasn't always the case. A decade ago, such widespread international popularity would have been unimaginable. The 2004 debut received mixed reviews. It wasn't until the 2005 PSP release, Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, that the series truly exploded – in Japan.
For years, Monster Hunter epitomized the "bigger in Japan" phenomenon. While the reasons were straightforward, Capcom persistently sought to expand its international reach. The success of Monster Hunter World, Rise, and now Wilds, validates their efforts.
Capcom's internal restructuring around Street Fighter 5's 2016 launch was pivotal. The shift to the RE Engine and a global audience focus marked a significant change. Hideaki Itsuno, a former Capcom game director (known for Devil May Cry), explains: "The engine change, and the clear goal given to all teams to create globally appealing games, were key factors."
Capcom's earlier attempts to tap into the Western market, evident in titles like Umbrella Corps and the Lost Planet series, proved unsuccessful. The company realized the need for universally appealing games, not just those catering to specific Western genres.
Itsuno emphasizes the importance of the pre-2017 period: "Organizational and engine changes converged, leading to a Capcom renaissance with Resident Evil 7."
Monster Hunter perfectly exemplifies this global success strategy. While it had a dedicated Western fanbase, its popularity in Japan far surpassed that of other regions. This wasn't intentional; several factors contributed.
Monster Hunter Freedom Unite's PSP release was crucial. Japan's robust handheld gaming market, fueled by the PSP, DS, and Switch, provided a fertile ground. Ryozo Tsujimoto, executive producer, highlights Japan's advanced wireless internet network, enabling seamless multiplayer experiences years ahead of the West.
Tsujimoto explains: "Japan's strong network infrastructure facilitated online multiplayer. Moving to handhelds expanded the player base engaging in cooperative play."
Monster Hunter's cooperative gameplay thrived on this readily available connectivity. Handheld consoles provided the ideal platform. Japan's advanced internet inadvertently fostered a primarily domestic market, leading to Japan-exclusive content and events, further solidifying its image as a Japanese-centric brand.
Western fans watched enviously. However, as Western internet infrastructure improved, Tsujimoto saw an opportunity.
Monster Hunter: World (2018), released simultaneously worldwide on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, marked a significant shift. It offered AAA console-quality visuals, expansive environments, and larger monsters.
Tsujimoto notes: "The name 'Monster Hunter: World' reflects our intention to appeal to a global audience."
Simultaneous global releases, eliminating region-exclusive content, were crucial. Tsujimoto emphasizes aligning with global standards. Furthermore, the team conducted worldwide playtests to refine the game's appeal.
One key change was displaying damage numbers. These subtle improvements propelled Monster Hunter to unprecedented heights. Monster Hunter: World and Rise both surpassed 20 million copies sold, a dramatic increase from previous sales figures (1.3 to 5 million).
This wasn't accidental. Instead of altering Monster Hunter to suit Western preferences, the team focused on making its unique aspects more accessible without compromising its core. This approach continues with Monster Hunter Wilds.
Tsujimoto explains: "Mastering the action is crucial. We analyze where players struggle, gather feedback, and use this knowledge to improve the experience for new players in Wilds."
Within 35 minutes of its release, Monster Hunter Wilds reached 738,000 concurrent Steam players, exceeding Monster Hunter: World's peak. With positive reviews and planned content, Monster Hunter Wilds is poised to surpass even its predecessors' achievements.
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