Tecmo Koei Outlines Strategy For Western Market

CEO cites importance of US and European markets, supporting all platforms.

By Kat Bailey, 07/07/2009

Japanese developers ranging from Square Enix to Capcom have set their sights on the western market of late, aiming to take advantage of a sector of the industry that is perceived to be on the rise. Tecmo Koei has likewise adjusted their strategy, with CEO Kenji Matsubara saying that the Japanese market hasn't seen "such a big change" since last year.

"The problem is, as you know, the PlayStation 3 and 360 - the new games platforms - are not as popular in the Japanese games market," Matsubara told Computer and Video Games.

"The reason is that gamers are waiting for the right time to buy one. They're waiting for a good title made especially for either platform. But this is a publisher and developer problem - we haven't yet provided such a title to satisfy such users."

The US and European markets, however, are "expanding very fast," Matsubara said. To take advantage of that growth, Tecmo Koei aims to expand their library beyond titles like Ninja Gaiden and Dynasty Warriors.

"We have to focus on expanding our existing brands, and in addition we plan to create new IP targeting the western market. So we're hiring developers not only within Japan but overseas too, like in Singapore and Toronto Canada," Matsubara said.

"We are pretty much ready to develop titles focusing on a western audience, so that's our strategy."

Tecmo Koei plans to support all platforms, with Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 on its way to the PlayStation 3 and Metroid: Other M being developed by Team Ninja in conjunction with Nintendo's R&D1. They are also working on Quantum, a third-person shooter that they are hoping will appeal to western audiences. Going forward, they consider the multi-platform approach key.

"From a publisher or developer's view, focusing on a single platform is very risky. Instead we have to focus on providing every title for every platform," Matsubara said.

"That's a key standpoint for Tecmo Koei."

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3175092

Does this mean Quantum is now multiplatform? Or from now on everything will be multiplatform?

Quite funny how he brags about going multiplatform yet every game mentioned in that article is either exclusive to the Playstation 3 or the Wii.

The Xbox 360 will have little support from Tecmo now considering Itagaki has left.

What do they do as soon he leaves? Develop a Enhanced port of Ninja Gaiden II and a Gears of War clone "Quantum" exclusively for the Playstation 3.

So every TPS with a cover system is a Gears of War ripoff???

Im beginning to really like Tecmo Koei

No, just every TPS with a cover system and a gruff, overly muscular protagonist and a health regeneration system which involves a red indicator in the center of your screen.

Thanks for clearing that up, but I still dont see how that makes it a Gears rip-off

If that is a screenshot of the Quantum game, I have a feeling it won't do to well upon release.

Make a Dynasty Warriors with a story and non-repetative gameplay.

LOL!!! read it again