I have to wonder, just how true is it that the Japanese spend much more time at work/school than we do? I know it's popular to say that, but do we have any hard data that indicates that's the case? And even if it is, it's not like they're never home.
I suspect that much of the problem here is that the demographics of Japan are changing much more rapidly than they are in the West. Japan's population is aging at an alarming rate, and that doesn't look like it's going to change anytime soon.
I'd originally written a somewhat longer spiel about how the key demographics now are older adults and young children (witness the success of Training and pet games, for instance), but that seems flawed: Pokemon, Dragon Quest, Monster Hunter, and a few more besides still do well on the charts.
For once, I can't approach a problem with my usual, cocky, "I know at least some of the answers" attitude. I think the big-three would be best served by not relying on sequels so much as radically new forms of gaming, but that's a damned tall order.
Best of luck.
Existing User Log In
New User Registration
Register for a free account to gain full access to the VGChartz Network and join our thriving community.
