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Forums - Gaming Discussion - Against the grain- Why does Microsoft fail in Japan?

mchaza on 05 February 2011

SONY and Nintendo both have 3rd party japanese publishers and devs who are producing "japanese" games for there systems for japan (depending on sucess may get translation and released else were). Microsoft doesn't have that bondage with the 3rd party and there 1st party is incredibly weak for an major console player they weren't getting japanese games made for there console exclusivily making it pointless for any japanese gamer who likes japanese games to buy an console with only western games while he can buy an psp and get monster hunter portable 3 which he loves. 



Of Course That's Just My Opinion, I Could Be Wrong

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Xen on 05 February 2011
makingmusic476 said:
Xen said:

The people saying that the 360 has no exclusive software to appeal to the Japanese... do your research, and do it deeply. The 360 gets a huge load of exclusives in Japan, mostly SHMUPS, dating sims, and fighters (latest notable upcoming fighter would be... Phantom Breaker I think). The 360 is EASILY the definitive otaku/hardcore console among the three... and that is the reason that this argument is incorrect. It has the best selection for the hardcore gamer, but if we're talking mass appeal and mass sales, people would rather take the PS3/Wii over it... the reason being extreme and strong-forged brand strength and appeal... Microsoft failed to establish that with the original Xbox, and screwed it up further with the whole RROD deal, it's hard to dig it up now, even with good hardware and Kinect.

IMO, a Japanese 360 is THE 360 to get. The best western titles are already there, and there's a huge array of Japanese games that you can get for it. HUGE.

Xenophobia? Don't make me laugh. Chibi and darth already disproved that.

Nothing personal, but next time, before you make another of those threads, check your facts and arguments.

The otaku crowd is tiny.  SHMUPs and ADVs can only get you so far, especially when your main competition has MGS, FF, and a plethora of niche JRPGs that cater to the same crowd.

And the primary reason the 360 is the SHMUP console of choice is because of Cave's support, which is a result of Sony not approving Cave's initial SHMUP ports due to their aspect ratio, forcing Cave to work on 360.

However, the 360 market in Japan continues to shrink, so even Cave isn't sure what to do now:

Cave
-There will be 3 titles shown at February's event
-2 XBLA titles: one original title, and one port
-The domestic 360 market is very weak. While titles are still selling, total sales have fallen across the board. Therefore, they have to think really hard about what they're going to do from now on.
-The other day a buyer said "The 360 never sells beyond the pre-order copies, won't you develop for a different console?"
-But if there's something they want to do, then they'll struggle if needed to do it
-Kinect hasn't really been a hot topic of discussion among the people at all, especially now that it's post-launch. No one's talking about it.
-They are worried about MS' new all-Kinect-focused stance
-Right now circumstances make it really difficult to release low-priced games on the 360.

I wouldn't be surprised if the SHMUP market began switching platforms over the next couple of years, especially with all the older SHMUPs being announced for PSN via PS1 Classics.

These are the same games that gave the Saturn the power to compete with the PS1 and kick down the N64. Difference being, proper marketing and appeal, vs none. Do you know any other Japanese games that the Saturn is famous for, bar Lunar? I don't.



Mr Khan on 05 February 2011
Xen said:
makingmusic476 said:
Xen said:

The people saying that the 360 has no exclusive software to appeal to the Japanese... do your research, and do it deeply. The 360 gets a huge load of exclusives in Japan, mostly SHMUPS, dating sims, and fighters (latest notable upcoming fighter would be... Phantom Breaker I think). The 360 is EASILY the definitive otaku/hardcore console among the three... and that is the reason that this argument is incorrect. It has the best selection for the hardcore gamer, but if we're talking mass appeal and mass sales, people would rather take the PS3/Wii over it... the reason being extreme and strong-forged brand strength and appeal... Microsoft failed to establish that with the original Xbox, and screwed it up further with the whole RROD deal, it's hard to dig it up now, even with good hardware and Kinect.

IMO, a Japanese 360 is THE 360 to get. The best western titles are already there, and there's a huge array of Japanese games that you can get for it. HUGE.

Xenophobia? Don't make me laugh. Chibi and darth already disproved that.

Nothing personal, but next time, before you make another of those threads, check your facts and arguments.

The otaku crowd is tiny.  SHMUPs and ADVs can only get you so far, especially when your main competition has MGS, FF, and a plethora of niche JRPGs that cater to the same crowd.

And the primary reason the 360 is the SHMUP console of choice is because of Cave's support, which is a result of Sony not approving Cave's initial SHMUP ports due to their aspect ratio, forcing Cave to work on 360.

However, the 360 market in Japan continues to shrink, so even Cave isn't sure what to do now:

Cave
-There will be 3 titles shown at February's event
-2 XBLA titles: one original title, and one port
-The domestic 360 market is very weak. While titles are still selling, total sales have fallen across the board. Therefore, they have to think really hard about what they're going to do from now on.
-The other day a buyer said "The 360 never sells beyond the pre-order copies, won't you develop for a different console?"
-But if there's something they want to do, then they'll struggle if needed to do it
-Kinect hasn't really been a hot topic of discussion among the people at all, especially now that it's post-launch. No one's talking about it.
-They are worried about MS' new all-Kinect-focused stance
-Right now circumstances make it really difficult to release low-priced games on the 360.

I wouldn't be surprised if the SHMUP market began switching platforms over the next couple of years, especially with all the older SHMUPs being announced for PSN via PS1 Classics.

These are the same games that gave the Saturn the power to compete with the PS1 and kick down the N64. Difference being, proper marketing and appeal, vs none. Do you know any other Japanese games that the Saturn is famous for, bar Lunar? I don't.

So if Microsoft hires Segata Sanshiro to pitch their next console, they'll be cool?



Monster Hunter: pissing me off since 2010.

Xen on 05 February 2011
Mr Khan said:
Xen said:
makingmusic476 said:
Xen said:

The people saying that the 360 has no exclusive software to appeal to the Japanese... do your research, and do it deeply. The 360 gets a huge load of exclusives in Japan, mostly SHMUPS, dating sims, and fighters (latest notable upcoming fighter would be... Phantom Breaker I think). The 360 is EASILY the definitive otaku/hardcore console among the three... and that is the reason that this argument is incorrect. It has the best selection for the hardcore gamer, but if we're talking mass appeal and mass sales, people would rather take the PS3/Wii over it... the reason being extreme and strong-forged brand strength and appeal... Microsoft failed to establish that with the original Xbox, and screwed it up further with the whole RROD deal, it's hard to dig it up now, even with good hardware and Kinect.

IMO, a Japanese 360 is THE 360 to get. The best western titles are already there, and there's a huge array of Japanese games that you can get for it. HUGE.

Xenophobia? Don't make me laugh. Chibi and darth already disproved that.

Nothing personal, but next time, before you make another of those threads, check your facts and arguments.

The otaku crowd is tiny.  SHMUPs and ADVs can only get you so far, especially when your main competition has MGS, FF, and a plethora of niche JRPGs that cater to the same crowd.

And the primary reason the 360 is the SHMUP console of choice is because of Cave's support, which is a result of Sony not approving Cave's initial SHMUP ports due to their aspect ratio, forcing Cave to work on 360.

However, the 360 market in Japan continues to shrink, so even Cave isn't sure what to do now:

Cave
-There will be 3 titles shown at February's event
-2 XBLA titles: one original title, and one port
-The domestic 360 market is very weak. While titles are still selling, total sales have fallen across the board. Therefore, they have to think really hard about what they're going to do from now on.
-The other day a buyer said "The 360 never sells beyond the pre-order copies, won't you develop for a different console?"
-But if there's something they want to do, then they'll struggle if needed to do it
-Kinect hasn't really been a hot topic of discussion among the people at all, especially now that it's post-launch. No one's talking about it.
-They are worried about MS' new all-Kinect-focused stance
-Right now circumstances make it really difficult to release low-priced games on the 360.

I wouldn't be surprised if the SHMUP market began switching platforms over the next couple of years, especially with all the older SHMUPs being announced for PSN via PS1 Classics.

These are the same games that gave the Saturn the power to compete with the PS1 and kick down the N64. Difference being, proper marketing and appeal, vs none. Do you know any other Japanese games that the Saturn is famous for, bar Lunar? I don't.

So if Microsoft hires Segata Sanshiro to pitch their next console, they'll be cool?

He died in space, MS has missed that boat.



oniyide on 05 February 2011

These are all good points but is no one going to bring out the 500 pound Red gorilla in the room??? RROD must have contributed to the lack of interest in Japan, you dont follow up a console that no one cared about with one that is known for breaking. Its already an uphill battle in Japan, but then to put up a halfassed product???



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hikaruchan on 05 February 2011
Xen said:
Mr Khan said:
Xen said:
makingmusic476 said:
Xen said:

The people saying that the 360 has no exclusive software to appeal to the Japanese... do your research, and do it deeply. The 360 gets a huge load of exclusives in Japan, mostly SHMUPS, dating sims, and fighters (latest notable upcoming fighter would be... Phantom Breaker I think). The 360 is EASILY the definitive otaku/hardcore console among the three... and that is the reason that this argument is incorrect. It has the best selection for the hardcore gamer, but if we're talking mass appeal and mass sales, people would rather take the PS3/Wii over it... the reason being extreme and strong-forged brand strength and appeal... Microsoft failed to establish that with the original Xbox, and screwed it up further with the whole RROD deal, it's hard to dig it up now, even with good hardware and Kinect.

IMO, a Japanese 360 is THE 360 to get. The best western titles are already there, and there's a huge array of Japanese games that you can get for it. HUGE.

Xenophobia? Don't make me laugh. Chibi and darth already disproved that.

Nothing personal, but next time, before you make another of those threads, check your facts and arguments.

The otaku crowd is tiny.  SHMUPs and ADVs can only get you so far, especially when your main competition has MGS, FF, and a plethora of niche JRPGs that cater to the same crowd.

And the primary reason the 360 is the SHMUP console of choice is because of Cave's support, which is a result of Sony not approving Cave's initial SHMUP ports due to their aspect ratio, forcing Cave to work on 360.

However, the 360 market in Japan continues to shrink, so even Cave isn't sure what to do now:

Cave
-There will be 3 titles shown at February's event
-2 XBLA titles: one original title, and one port
-The domestic 360 market is very weak. While titles are still selling, total sales have fallen across the board. Therefore, they have to think really hard about what they're going to do from now on.
-The other day a buyer said "The 360 never sells beyond the pre-order copies, won't you develop for a different console?"
-But if there's something they want to do, then they'll struggle if needed to do it
-Kinect hasn't really been a hot topic of discussion among the people at all, especially now that it's post-launch. No one's talking about it.
-They are worried about MS' new all-Kinect-focused stance
-Right now circumstances make it really difficult to release low-priced games on the 360.

I wouldn't be surprised if the SHMUP market began switching platforms over the next couple of years, especially with all the older SHMUPs being announced for PSN via PS1 Classics.

These are the same games that gave the Saturn the power to compete with the PS1 and kick down the N64. Difference being, proper marketing and appeal, vs none. Do you know any other Japanese games that the Saturn is famous for, bar Lunar? I don't.

So if Microsoft hires Segata Sanshiro to pitch their next console, they'll be cool?

He died in space, MS has missed that boat.





Japanese Pop Culture Otaku

morpheusx on 06 February 2011

Nobody has mentioned that Japan is currently in an era of handhelds.

For example this generations handhelds have outsold all 3 consoles by a ratio of 2.57 in Japan.

Whereas in NA handhelds have a ratio of 0.84 and in the EMEA regions its 0.96

 

I'm not saying that is why the country of Japan doesn't love xbox I'm just saying that it doesn't help that the console market is down. It is quite possibly one of the major markets that just doesn't have the room for three competitors. I think MS has done it right and left it as being just a niche market. Their only other alternative would be to basically lower the costs in Japan by basically subsidizing the market from their success in NA. 



hikaruchan on 06 February 2011
Xen said:
makingmusic476 said:
Xen said:

The people saying that the 360 has no exclusive software to appeal to the Japanese... do your research, and do it deeply. The 360 gets a huge load of exclusives in Japan, mostly SHMUPS, dating sims, and fighters (latest notable upcoming fighter would be... Phantom Breaker I think). The 360 is EASILY the definitive otaku/hardcore console among the three... and that is the reason that this argument is incorrect. It has the best selection for the hardcore gamer, but if we're talking mass appeal and mass sales, people would rather take the PS3/Wii over it... the reason being extreme and strong-forged brand strength and appeal... Microsoft failed to establish that with the original Xbox, and screwed it up further with the whole RROD deal, it's hard to dig it up now, even with good hardware and Kinect.

IMO, a Japanese 360 is THE 360 to get. The best western titles are already there, and there's a huge array of Japanese games that you can get for it. HUGE.

Xenophobia? Don't make me laugh. Chibi and darth already disproved that.

Nothing personal, but next time, before you make another of those threads, check your facts and arguments.

The otaku crowd is tiny.  SHMUPs and ADVs can only get you so far, especially when your main competition has MGS, FF, and a plethora of niche JRPGs that cater to the same crowd.

And the primary reason the 360 is the SHMUP console of choice is because of Cave's support, which is a result of Sony not approving Cave's initial SHMUP ports due to their aspect ratio, forcing Cave to work on 360.

However, the 360 market in Japan continues to shrink, so even Cave isn't sure what to do now:

Cave
-There will be 3 titles shown at February's event
-2 XBLA titles: one original title, and one port
-The domestic 360 market is very weak. While titles are still selling, total sales have fallen across the board. Therefore, they have to think really hard about what they're going to do from now on.
-The other day a buyer said "The 360 never sells beyond the pre-order copies, won't you develop for a different console?"
-But if there's something they want to do, then they'll struggle if needed to do it
-Kinect hasn't really been a hot topic of discussion among the people at all, especially now that it's post-launch. No one's talking about it.
-They are worried about MS' new all-Kinect-focused stance
-Right now circumstances make it really difficult to release low-priced games on the 360.

I wouldn't be surprised if the SHMUP market began switching platforms over the next couple of years, especially with all the older SHMUPs being announced for PSN via PS1 Classics.

These are the same games that gave the Saturn the power to compete with the PS1 and kick down the N64. Difference being, proper marketing and appeal, vs none. Do you know any other Japanese games that the Saturn is famous for, bar Lunar? I don't.

what about GRANDIA that was SATURN Exclusive as well before BS said no RPGs.



Japanese Pop Culture Otaku

Zlejedi on 06 February 2011

Microsoft was doing good in Japan till they stopped buying exclusive jRPG and people learned that those games end on PS3 after one year in better versions.



PROUD MEMBER OF THE PSP RPG FAN CLUB

MrT-Tar on 06 February 2011

I would've thought the sales of games like DKC 1 - 3 and now Returns along with the original Crash games put an end to this 'xenophobia argument'.