Cause they can't relate to guns, whereas as a god fearing red blooded American can go out to the store and gleefully buy a large arsenal of rifles and handguns and then go to the range to play with such toys.

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Lost Planet sold pretty well considering it was an early release for the 360, which doesn't have a game that has even cracked 220K yet. Now don't get me wrong, there's more to the story here. Japanese gamers that own 360s seem to be more susceptible to buying american games than PS3 owners, considering most western games sell on par on both consoles or sometimes even slightly better on the 360 even with the huge discrepancy in userbase. WRPGs from Bethesda have both sold slightly more on the 360 and Fable II has done better than both of them.

However there are some telling signs that the Japanese do hold some pride in buying their own games. The top selling racing title on the 360 is Ridge Racer 6. Now racing is universally the same. There is no feeling RR gives off in the driving that makes it seem more japanese than say PGR, Forza, Need for Speed, etc. and yet it's at the top of the pack. Why? Well Namco makes it.

This one I'm not entirely sure of since I'm not familar with either series, but why does Pro Evolution Soccer outsell FIFA only in Japan? In the rest of the world FIFA reigns supreme. In Japan, Pro Evo hands FIFA it's ass consistently. Is there a reason other than one is made by Konami and one is made by EA to explain the discrepancy here?

It's not a science, and there will always be an exception or two, but I fully believe nationalistic pride plays a huge factor in the buying habits of Japanese gamers. Why else would they be the only region to stick so close to their own products, when americans, europeans and the rest of the world can embrace products from any region equally?

I think it is due to two things:

1) culture difference
2) many big RPG companies originate from Japan/more RPGs in Japan.

Several reasons I can think of.

Firstly Japan doesn't have as big a pc gaming industry as the west does. And thats where the majority of FPS games came from historically. Not consoles.

Secondly it could very well be an aversion to modern violence thanks to cultural embarrassment because of WW2.

Thirdly it could be because there isn't a massive gun culture like there is in America. Hence why games with samurai swords do well in Japan (because its part of their culture).

Fourthly it could be because of nationalism in regards to games. Western games in general don't do very well in Japan overall.

Finally the Japanese may just simply not like FPS and the Japanese developers are (not surprisingly) more in touch with what Japanese gamers want.

Its probably a combination of these factors and many more.

Good post.  I can't believe - as a PC gamer mainly - that I forgot the historic angle.  That's really important I feel - in West FPS has formed as a major element from an early stage via PC.

Switzerland?  Many would argure they're not 'financially' squeaky clean, but few elements of conflict spring to mind.  I'm probably being influenced by the spirit of Orson Wells, though.

My knowledge from Switzerland's history is very poor. There are more countries like Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Andorra, San Marino all particulary very small in population size but probably clean in history aswell.

Good question, one not so easily answered by a Video Game forum. There are many factors in play. History, culture, mentality, expectations, beliefs.

America is founded on violence. During the time period guns were the most common weapons. There is no long term north american history that has any romantic fantasy about melee weapons. Americas most romantic figures are Cowboys and to a much lesser extent Mounties. Both of which are armed. Where as Europe and Japan/China(yes Europe likes FPS too) have a long history and one where Melee and other form of physical arts were developed. There are numerous legends, myths and stories that date back to heroes using melee weapons. And yes even these countries have created romantic icons of Chivalrous Knights and Noble/Honorable Samurai. So when it comes to current culture the "West" has the Gunslinger and Marine as the iconic characters where "East" has iconed the Swordsman.

Theres still more to go of course. The nature of the Icon is only part of the story. Theres current life expectations and current culture mentality. NA is often a quick gratitude society. They was quick answers, quick gratification essentially wanting quicker game play. Where as the "East" also enjoy reading, in depth analysis and can deal with long term planning. This doesn't mean either East or West can't or don't have the other, but you can have leanings. FPS are probably embody an Iconic figure with quick gratification. Where as "East" have Iconic figure with deep stories to go with their long tradition of history.

By no means is this the answer or tackles all the points to properly respond to this question, but it's quick insight into some of the elements that do define the different tastes.

In Japan I`M sure there are more marketing of PES than Fifa, but come on, any reasonable gamer also knows that PES eats Fifa anyday.

Fifa is made for small children. PES is for the pros.

Just had to comment that.