Before its global launch, *Monster Hunter Wilds* shattered pre-order records on Steam and PlayStation, mirroring the phenomenal success of its predecessors, *Monster Hunter Rise* (2022) and *Monster Hunter: World* (2018). This achievement solidifies Capcom's unique RPG series as a major player in the global video game market. But this wasn't always the case.
Less than a decade ago, such widespread global popularity would have seemed unimaginable. The 2004 original received mixed reviews. It wasn't until the PSP release a year later that the series truly exploded—in Japan. For years, *Monster Hunter* epitomized the "bigger in Japan" phenomenon. This article explores the reasons behind this and Capcom's successful strategy to conquer the international market, culminating in the triumphs of *Monster Hunter: World*, *Rise*, and now *Wilds*.
This is the story of *Monster Hunter*'s journey from domestic darling to global powerhouse.
Around the launch of *Street Fighter 5* in 2016, Capcom underwent a significant internal restructuring to prepare for a new generation of games powered by the RE Engine, replacing the aging MT Framework. This wasn't merely a technological upgrade; it signified a commitment to developing games for a truly global audience, not just existing regional fanbases.
“Several factors converged,” explains Hideaki Itsuno, a former Capcom game director known for *Devil May Cry*. “The engine change, and a clear mandate for all teams to create globally appealing games—fun for everyone.”
Capcom's PS3 and Xbox 360 era games often felt like attempts to capture a perceived "Western market." While *Resident Evil 4* was a hit, titles like *Umbrella Corps* and the *Lost Planet* series, chasing late-2000s Western trends, fell short. Capcom realized the need for universally appealing games, not just those targeting traditional Western genres.
“We focused intently, holding nothing back,” Itsuno states, “on creating excellent games with worldwide appeal.” He highlights the period leading up to 2017 as pivotal: “Organizational and engine changes converged, culminating in the *Resident Evil 7* launch, which sparked a Capcom renaissance.”
No series better exemplifies this global success than *Monster Hunter*. While it had Western fans, it was significantly bigger in Japan. This wasn't intentional; several factors contributed.
The shift to PSP with *Monster Hunter Freedom Unite* proved crucial. Handheld gaming has always been stronger in Japan, thanks to the success of the PSP, Nintendo DS, and Switch. This popularity stems from various factors, but according to executive producer Ryozo Tsujimoto, Japan's advanced wireless internet network allowed for reliable multiplayer gameplay—years ahead of the US.
“Twenty years ago, Japan had robust network infrastructure, enabling online multiplayer,” Tsujimoto explains. “Moving to handhelds fostered a larger, interconnected player base.” *Monster Hunter's* cooperative gameplay thrived on this quick access to hunts with friends, a handheld console’s strength. Japan’s advanced internet inadvertently prioritized the local market, creating a cycle. *Monster Hunter* became a bestseller in Japan, leading to Japan-only content and events, reinforcing its "Japan-only" image.
Western fans watched enviously. But as Western internet infrastructure improved, Tsujimoto saw an opportunity. *Monster Hunter: World* (2018), released simultaneously worldwide on PS4, Xbox One, and PC, marked a significant shift. It offered AAA console quality—larger scale, enhanced graphics, bigger areas, and bigger monsters—unlike its handheld predecessors.
“Our globalization approach, reflected in the game's title, aimed to appeal to a worldwide audience experiencing *Monster Hunter* for the first time,” Tsujimoto reveals.
Simultaneous worldwide release was crucial, eliminating Japan-exclusive content, aligning with global standards. Tsujimoto and his team also analyzed how to broaden the game's appeal. “Global focus tests and user feedback impacted game system design and contributed to its global success,” Tsujimoto says.
One key change was displaying damage numbers. These small adjustments to a successful formula propelled *Monster Hunter* to unprecedented heights. Previous titles sold 1.3 to 5 million copies (excluding re-releases). *Monster Hunter: World* and *Rise* both surpassed 20 million.
This growth wasn't accidental. Instead of altering *Monster Hunter*'s core to appeal to Western tastes, Capcom enhanced accessibility without compromising its unique nature. This continues with *Monster Hunter Wilds*.
“At its core, *Monster Hunter* is an action game; mastering the action is key,” Tsujimoto explains. “For new players, we strategize to ease their path to that sense of accomplishment. We analyzed where players struggled, gathered feedback, and used that knowledge to improve *Wilds*' systems.”
Within 35 minutes of release, *Monster Hunter Wilds* reached 738,000 concurrent Steam players, exceeding *Monster Hunter: World's* peak. With positive reviews and promised content, *Wilds* is poised to surpass even *World* and *Rise*'s achievements, continuing the series' global conquest.
