[insane_cobra]

We all know Xbox 360 is doing pretty awful in Japan, but let's talk Japanese developer support.

I was suprised to find out how many Japanese-made Xbox 360 games (or western games clearly tailored to Japanese tastes) are in production. Along the heavyweights like 99 Nights, Blue Dragon and Phantasy Star Universe, there are many lesser known titles: Zegapain XOR, Project Sylpheed, Senko No Ronde Rev.X, Bullet Witch, Kengo Zero, Aquazone, THE iDOLM@STER, Trusty Bell, Spectral Force 3, Oneechanbara X, Samurai Warriors 2, Culdcept Saga, Tenchu 360...

Where does all that support come from? Is it all Microsoft sponsored? Or is Xbox 360 such a great platform to develop for? It's definitely not fueled by hardware sales. Was the first Xbox equally as popular among Japanese developers in its beginnings? And do you think the support will wane once the competition enters the game?

Finally, do you believe all those games could eventually lead to better acceptance of Xbox 360 in Japan?

[RLacey]

I suspect that most of it is Microsoft sponsored, but it's the game they need to play if they want to break into the Japanese market.

[SakSquash]

I think that MS could just forget about Japan and be just fine.

[I Love Cookiemonster]

As far as i know, since Xbox never sold in Japan, MS wants to change this with XBox 360. that's why they are developing a large number of games which should apeal to the Japanese market. Doesn't seem to be working yet, though

[SoccerDude28]

Microsoft has tons of money and they are not afraid to spend it. That's why you see all these titles. But they should go after the must haves for any Japanese gamer like the Dragon Quest franchise for example to be viable competition in Japan.

[Spiwak]

Man, imagine if Square-Enix started developing for the 360 (or whatever later XBox models).

[insane_cobra]

Originally Posted by SakSquash

I think that MS could just forget about Japan and be just fine.

Maybe they could, but most Japanese developers couldn't or wouldn't. No sales in Japan probably means less support from Konami, Capcom, Square Enix, Namco... All of them huge console names. Not even MS can afford that.

[SakSquash]

How many games do they make for xbox anyway? I can't remember the last time I played a game made by any of those on my xbox. Even so, i'm sure those companies would still make games for US consumers.

[insane_cobra]

Let's put it this way, if Sony didn't have those in their camp, there would be no Sony. It would mean a lot for MS to secure their support.

[SakSquash]

But we're not talking about Sony. Sony may need them, but I don't think Microsoft does. The 360 has been doing pretty well here in the US and in Europe without a ton of games from those you listed.

[insane_cobra]

Sony has won the last round partly because they had those companies on their side. Just look at the lists of most successful console games in the past few years and count how many come from Japan. 360 is doing fine now because it has no competition (and PS2 still outsells it). How many people would buy Condemned if there was Silent Hill 5 on the shelves? DOA4 vs. Tekken 6?

[SakSquash]

Personally, i'd buy Condemned over SH, but that's just me. Anyway, here are some numbers to chew on.




Developers are def. behind the 360.

[SoccerDude28]

Originally Posted by SakSquash

How many games do they make for xbox anyway? I can't remember the last time I played a game made by any of those on my xbox.

You are not the whole American market. There are tons of gamers who buy Final Fantasy, Metal Gear Solid, Devil May Cry. Plus XBOX is not a very good business product, because it lost tons of money for Microsoft. They for sure do not want to lose 4 billions again this gen.

[SakSquash]

Sony lost money as well, don't forget. Nintendo is the only one who turned a profit on consoles.

[SoccerDude28]

Originally Posted by SakSquash

Sony lost money as well, don't forget.

Where did you see that? To my knowledge, Sony made profit on the PS2.

[SakSquash]

Well right now they are, since the technology is almost 7 years old. But when it first hit, it took a big loss like most consoles do.

[SoccerDude28]

Originally Posted by SakSquash

Well right now they are, since the technology is almost 7 years old. But when it first hit, it took a big loss like most consoles do.

It is almost 6 years old not 7 And the XBOX which is almost 5 years old is still non-profitable. It might not all be Japan of course, but that is probably major factor. If you look at the PS2 lineup, the reason why it is so diverse is Japanese support with all the RPG's and games like ICO, Katamari, Metal Gear and Okami.

The second biggest country in gaming after the US, and home of the most high profile developers and publishers in gaming is not something to take lightly.

[SakSquash]

I'm not going to get into another one of these arguments with you. We obviously aren't going to agree.

[insane_cobra]

Originally Posted by SoccerDude28

Plus XBOX is not a very good business product, because it lost tons of money for Microsoft.

Seems like Sony didn't think so because that's exactly the route they're going with PS3.

Seriously, it was a good product considering MicroSoft's long term plans with the brand. If all we're talking about is profit, Nintendo is the winner of the last generation, hands down.

[Kolzig]

Originally Posted by insane_cobra

If all we're talking about is profit, Nintendo is the winner of the last generation, hands down.

Agreed