[News] Microsoft admits slow start for Xbox 360 in Japan

[London Geezer]

Actually I can guage that by average reviews.

Of course.

 

[Hardknock]

Of course.

But I must say, the comparision would be skewed what with 360 having only 7 or so launch games

 

[London Geezer]

Which brings me back to my initial point...

I'm not saying you're wrong, i mean you obviously prefer the Xbox lineup and Xbox type of games, and who am i to say "you're wrong". By the same token, it's obvious mckmas will always stand by the PS2/3/4/5/6 lineup of games.

That's why i was saying a discussion over this between you two is useless.

 

[Phil]

Not true. The majority of Japanese support is not based off how 360 will do in Japan, but how well it'll sell worldwide.

That's very doubtful. The very majority of JRPGs don't sell that well outside Japan. Even Final Fantasy and DQ, the two successful ones in the West haven't sold near as much as they do in Japan. The JRPG support they are getting at the moment is likely because Xbox360 is still a wildecard and Microsoft is investing a lot in the studios.

Note, that I wasn't talking about the ports or multiplatform efforts like Resident Evil 5 etc, but was commenting on the probability of seeing extended exclusive support by those that are now backing Xbox360 because of investments by Microsoft with JRPG games. The fact that some of them raised concerns should tell you that Microsofts market penetration in their region is a concern to them.

 

[Hardknock]

Which brings me back to my initial point...

I'm not saying you're wrong, i mean you obviously prefer the Xbox lineup and Xbox type of games, and who am i to say "you're wrong". By the same token, it's obvious mckmas will always stand by the PS2/3/4/5/6 lineup of games.

That's why i was saying a discussion over this between you two is useless.

Point taken.

Edit: @ Phil I see where you're coming from, and I know certain devs have expressed concern. But unless the Japanese market gets revitalized, Japanese devs are going to have to rely more and more on overseas markets. And the 360 is poised to hold a large chunk of it. I think MS is in a good position in that sense.

 

[London Geezer]

No problem.

Now, a bit more interesting stuff... Has this been posted already? (don't stone me to death if it has)

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=14363

More Xbox 360 titles dated in Japan
Paul Loughrey 16:19 30/01/2006
Slew of new titles announced for 2006

Despite a slow start to sales for the Xbox 360 in Japan, Microsoft's fortunes could be looking up as a raft of third party publishers pledge their support for the next-generation console.

In a recent interview with Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu, Microsoft of Japan executive Yoshihiro Maruyama stated that the December launch had been "A lot more difficult than we had imagined," citing a delay in the proposed launch titles as a major factor in the slow uptake of the new console.

However, Famitsu has also detailed a number of third-party titles scheduled for release over the coming year which should offer a much better incentive for Japanese gamers to purchase the first next-generation console on the market.

In addition to the delayed launch titles that have finally hit store shelves, such as Tecmo's Dead or Alive 4 and RPG eNCHANT aRM, the Japanese market will soon have Ninety-Nine Nights, Lost Odyssey and Square-Enix epic Final Fantasy XI.

Additionally, Namco is set to release an as yet undisclosed RPG title, along with Ridge Racer 6 - the latest instalment in its renowned racing franchise. Namco has also announced two further titles, Frame City and Love Football, and more are set to be unveiled in time for this year's E3 expo in May.

SEGA has hinted at a possible Xbox 360 conversion of two of its most popular arcade titles, House of the Dead 4 and Virtua Fighter 5, whilst Capcom is entering the market with Dead Rising and Lost Planet, both scheduled for a late 2006 release.

Two further titles, Blue Dragon and Operation Darkness, have also been confirmed for release in the region, and there are plenty more US and EU software titles from major publishers that are also due for a Japanese release.

The problem Microsoft has, as was the case with the original Xbox (which failed to make a significant impact in Japan), is that a distinct cultural difference means that many games that sell well in other territories may be poorly received in Japan. The company has pledged to work closer with Japanese developers and publishers in an effort to develop games more appropriate for the different tastes of the average Japanese gamer, though it would seem that third-party support will be the deciding factor in the Xbox 360's success or failure in the region.

Nothing new really.

 

[mckmas8808]

Which brings me back to my initial point...

I'm not saying you're wrong, i mean you obviously prefer the Xbox lineup and Xbox type of games, and who am i to say "you're wrong". By the same token, it's obvious mckmas will always stand by the PS2/3/4/5/6 lineup of games.

That's why i was saying a discussion over this between you two is useless.

No this is not true. I personally never said who had the better launch in Japan. "One" posted the real PS2 launch and compared it to the X360 launch. Alpha-Sparton said the Xbox 360 launch was WAY better than the PS2 launch; which I was just trying to point out it seemed a bit much to say.

I thought they were about even give or take, no clear/runaway winner.

 

[London Geezer]

That wasn't the point of my post. The point of the post was drop it cause that discussion will never end and will never produce anything worthwhile.

 

[NavNucST3]

Wouldn't VF5 give a boost to the 360, not just in Japan, but worldwide?
Personally I would be happy to see it land on the 360, of course, I am also hoping KI makes a revival, and Karate Champ lands on Arcade.


EDIT: for the poor-souls who did not play KC.

 

[mckmas8808]

That wasn't the point of my post. The point of the post was drop it cause that discussion will never end and will never produce anything worthwhile.

I know I just wanted to make a statement. I didn't want people to get the wrong ideas about me. You know?