Microsoft told Pachter their E3 focus is on services over games

[Dodece]

@S.T.A.G.E

The Japanese are very Nationalistic when it comes to domestic goods versus imported goods. That isn't to say that it is totally unwarranted. Their economy is heavily dependent on manufacturing, and with little in the way of natural resources, or abundant agricultural land. They have a very real interest in supporting their local manufacturers. So to say that doesn't play a role is laughable. Especially when their economy is in a recession. So there is a perception that is self serving at play.

That said as far as game development is concerned it has become a double edged sword. The Nationalistic buying pattern had resulted up to this generation in a negative loop. Japanese developers having a captive market did not feel pressure to adopt more efficient practices. Which has resulted in decreased market share. While the more open markets in the West saw more innovation, and a greater increase in efficiency. So yes the Japanese loved many of their obviously better local development studios to death. They weren't better a lot of them just got real complacent, and real soft.

Which is exactly what happened to the American auto industry. So in the long run the Japanese aren't doing their domestic developers any real favors by favoring them. They should keep a more open mind so that industry can grow strong through competition. Insular thinking is a dangerous mindset, and it can be blinding. Anyway yes this is a case of Nationalism impacting sales, but to be equally fair Nationalism impacts sales of different things all around the world.

Were you to throw down a couple steaks in front of me one from Omaha, and the other from Argentina. Even if the steak from Argentina was cheaper. I would still buy the steak from Omaha. As an American perhaps I have an unfair view of agribusiness in other countries. Though it is strange that I should have so much trust given all of the recalls I hear about every year. Then again maybe I should have more, because of exactly that.

Anyway if you don't think Nationalism plays a role in what products the Japanese buy when it is a major export business they take some pride in. Then I guess you don't think the Swiss pride themselves on their chocolate, or the Germans don't take pride in their beer. Really is is kind of absurd to think it doesn't play a major role.