Growing PC Market for Japanese Games
Metaphor: ReFantazio has emerged as a surprising success on PC, surpassing the expectations of its developers. This trend highlights a burgeoning interest among PC gamers for both the subgenre and Japanese titles overall. In a recent interview with 4Gamer, translated by Automaton, Katsura Hashino, the creative director known for his work on the Persona series, shared insights into the game’s performance.
Hashino noted that the enthusiasm for Atlus games on PC is on the rise, with the percentage of PC players engaging with their titles increasing annually. “Even if you look at long-term data from over the past five to 10 years, the trend is evident,” he remarked, emphasizing the growing player base on PC, including in Japan.
This shift is not isolated. Major players in the industry, such as Square Enix, have also recognized this trend, openly discussing their strategies to move away from console exclusivity. The success of the PC port of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth has further solidified this direction.
Hashino expressed his belief in the importance of allowing players to enjoy games in their preferred environments. “Even as a developer, I believe that there is much merit in each player being able to enjoy the game in their preferred environment, and I’m glad that we were able to accomplish that,” he stated.
In a conversation with Metaphor: ReFantazio’s lead UI designer, the discussion turned to the inspirations behind RPGs. He surprised many by referencing a lesser-known PS2 title from 25 years ago, showcasing the depth of influence that older games continue to have on contemporary design.
