“We definitely see room for the series to capture new players”: Monster Hunter Producer Embracing PC as Key Platform Is a Lesson Square Enix Needs to Learn

Launching a video game on various platforms, ideally at the same time, offers distinct benefits; an approach that’s straightforward yet remains elusive for some studios, even giants like Square Enix. However, games such as Monster Hunter World help maintain equilibrium and ensure harmony in this aspect.

In contrast to the practice of Japanese studios, particularly those behind Monster Hunters, who typically launch their PC versions several months following console releases, the release strategy for Monster Hunter Wilds is set to break from tradition and offer simultaneous launches on both platforms.

PC Gamers are the path to success for Monster Hunter Wilds

The gaming industry for personal computers generates billions of dollars, and releasing “Monster Hunter Wilds” on all platforms with crossplay means that the series doesn’t overlook a vast potential fanbase. In an interview with Games Radar, producer Ryozo Tsujimoto discussed why the PC version is crucial to the success of “Monster Hunter Wilds”.

Absolutely! With an increasing number of players opting for PC gaming, even in countries like Japan, it’s clear that there’s a significant opportunity for our series to attract novice players who have yet to experience it, especially those who prefer playing on this platform.

Essentially, Tsujimoto suggests that, given the increasing number of PC gamers in Japan’s console-centric market, it seems wise to simultaneously launch the upcoming game across all platforms. Doing so would also offer an opportunity for the franchise to appeal to new, previously uninitiated players.

Why PC gaming remains dominant

In terms of gaming, the choice of platform greatly impacts the experience. For as long as we can remember, gamers have been split into two main categories: those who prefer PC gaming and those drawn to console gaming. At this point, let’s focus on these two primary groups. We can delve deeper into other sub-categories later.

The focus lies on the growing trend among gamers choosing to experiment with cross-platform gaming, coupled with an increasing number of individuals making a permanent switch to PC as their main gaming hub due to its versatility and various functionalities, like the Xbox Game Pass service.

With Monster Hunter World, Capcom has paved a path to success by releasing games simultaneously on PC on the first day, enabling crossplay, and adopting an inclusive gaming philosophy. If Square Enix chooses to emulate this strategy, they could tap into significant revenues; otherwise, they risk overlooking valuable opportunities.

Read More

2025-02-15 21:22