If there’s one man in Japan that fits the definition of “insider” is Hirokazu Hamamura, a legend between gamers in the archipelago of the rising sun. He’s the former editor in chief of Weekly Famitsu and now president of Enterbrain and Director of Kadokawa Group Holdings, Kadokawa Group Publishing, Kadokawa Games and Walker Books. During an interview on the website of the Mainichi Shinbun he gave his opinion on the PS4.
First of all he mentioned that the delay in Japan makes sense:
The excitement for home consoles in the west is enormous, and western companies like Electronic Arts increased the number of titles available. On the other hand in Japan portable consoles are more mainstream. If you look at the priorities, releasing first in the United States and in Europe was a good business decision.
He also gave his opinion on the PS4 itself, and mentioned that this time around software development costs won’t raise:
Although looking at the graphics is important, the real point is the social aspect. Images and videos can be delivered at the touch of a button, and this will change the way of sharing information in the future.
This time being able to create games easily is a requirement for the PS4. I think development costs have doubled every time there was a new generation, but they won’t increase this time from what I hear from developers.
He finally concluded the interview asking himself if the PS4 can revitalize the home console market in Japan. That’s definitely a good question. Looking at how fast all available pre-orders sell out every time the beginning seems quite positive, but the next generation will definitely be a marathon and not a sprint.
