Are Japanese developers too focused on Japan?

Hideo Kojima thinks so

Chris KempJune 10, 2012

Hideo Kojima, the man behind the Metal Gear series, believes that Japan is too focused on the local market, and not giving the Western audience enough consideration. In an interview with CVG, Kojima was asked how the Japanese and Western markets compare.

“One thing about Japan, and this isn’t just games, is that things made in Japan are very much targeted at Japan, whether it’s games, movies or novels,” he responded.

“The curse in Japan is that a lot of media is made in Japan just for Japan – you go to the cinema and it’s all Japanese movies.”

Kojima, on the contrary, attempts to design his games with a Western influence, and spends a lot of time in the West making sure he does just that.

“My generation is now being exposed to a wide range of influences, that’s why what I want to make is a little bit more in tune with what people in the West will like. I really like all the things that are being made in the West.

“When I come to shows like E3 and see the announcements and go to Comic-Con, I love all of the presentations, so really I’ve been thinking maybe I was born in the wrong country!”

His attitude is obviously paying off, with the Metal Gear series being a firm favourite amongst Western gamers. Do you play Japanese titles? Do you find them difficult to relate to? Let us know in the comments.