Mr Puggsly said:
Windows is also the dominant OS in Japan (unsurprisingly). The problem with the 360 in Japan is software. The PS3, Wii, DS, and PSP get significantly more software that appeals to Japanese consumers. If MS really wants to boost sales there, they should probably put together some studios that create exclusive games intended to appeal to Japanese consumers. Or even buy out a studio. They got the resources. |
To be honest, its not fair to call the Japanese xenophobic as they have supported and still support many products made outside of their borders (as you mentioned about Windows).
But . . . when it comes to gaming, they ARE xenophobic. Why is that? As has been mentioned by them and others before, it likely has to do with how western game design lagged so far behind the Japanese in quality throughout the late 80's and 90's. There are still generational gamers that are locked into that mindset, and maybe it extends beyond them into a cultural belief. I'd imagine that a similar belief is the case with American made cars, even though they have gotten much better (heck, with my personal experiences with my Honda, I don't know if I could ever break free).
So in some ways, the criticism is fair when it comes to Xbox sales in Japan. What I think is more telling, though, is how good it has done despite doing so bad in Japan and how much trouble the PS3 would be if not for them. Japan remains an enigma this gen . . .
