Monster Hunter Wilds producer knows exactly why the game is so successful—and it’s not gameplay

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In a nutshell, “Monster Hunter Wilds” has become Capcom’s best-selling title ever, moving millions of units within just a few weeks after its release. Ryozo Tsujimoto, the game’s senior producer, attributes this success more to an enhanced emphasis on narrative rather than gameplay.

During an interview with The Nikkei (translated by Automaton), Tsujimoto stated that the exceptional success of the game Wilds can be attributed to its higher degree of immersion achieved through voice acting and more profound storytelling. He further noted that crossplay, which allows players on different platforms to play together, was also a significant factor as it enabled friends to play regardless of the device they were using. Notably, Wilds stands apart from its predecessors due to its focus on narrative, a component that was sometimes overlooked in favor of combat and enemies in previous versions.

Tsujimoto noted that they focused strongly on the narrative and employed voice acting to enhance the feeling of being immersed, a factor he believes significantly boosted the game’s sales. As a result, “Wilds” broke Capcom’s sales record by shipping over eight million units in its first week, making it the fastest-selling title from Capcom. Moreover, it held the distinction of being the largest physical launch for PS5 games in Japan, an achievement that the developers attribute to their innovative approach towards storytelling.

I must admit, “Wilds” has undeniably proven itself as one of the crown jewels in the “Monster Hunter” series. Personally speaking, I can vouch for Scott Duwe’s 8.5 out of 10 rating, despite his belief that its storyline may not have been entirely exceptional. However, the gameplay was nothing short of stellar, boasting larger, more formidable, and challenging monsters to conquer.

It’s intriguing to observe how much importance the developers place on the narrative aspect of their games. I can’t wait to see how this emphasis influences future releases from Capcom.

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2025-03-11 18:22