LogInShuhei Yoshida shares tips that could help Western games work in Japan.
Shuhei Yoshida
Creating games based on cultures distinct from those of the audience or developers may be risky, but when successful, they create something truly unique and powerful for players. This potential has led to continuous attempts in this area.
For Western game developers and players, East Asian cultures, especially Japanese, offer something fresh to explore. In a recent interview, PlayStation legend Shuhei Yoshida has shed some light on how Western games can work better in Japan.
When talking with PlayStation Inside, he admitted that Japan is a "difficult market" for games developed in the West, and he isn't sure if there is a "recipe" to guarantee success. But he pointed out that understanding the country and its culture is fundamental, especially for games set in the country and discussing its history.
"In the case of Ghost of Tsushima, Sucker Punch worked extensively with a Japanese producer at SIE, as well as colleagues at Japan Studio. This was a great help to the studio because the developers could show them their ideas and these Japanese people would tell them internally whether or not they were respectful of Japan and correct."
Sucker Punch
Besides having someone knowledgeable about Japan to consult with, it's also important to experience the country in person. And that's what the developers did, as he mentioned that the teams also visited the Tsushima Island to "immerse themselves in its history and traditions." With these real-person experiences, they were more capable of carrying them over into the game to deliver to the players. One example is the wind system through which "they [developers] managed to capture the island’s unique atmosphere."
As a product that the development team poured their hearts into, Ghost of Tsushima benefits not only the studio and players but also boosts tourism for the island, which is a great example of a win-win.
He then concluded, "So, if you want to sell well in Japan, especially when you’re making a game about Japan, it’s important to have a development process that seeks to understand the country throughout." In this regard, Ghost of Tsushima seems to have set a perfect example, as Shuhei said it "felt incredible to play."
What is more exciting comment for the long-awaited fans of the franchise, or gamers contemping of giving the sequel a try is that, after getting his hands on the game at several development stages, Shuhei can "assure you that it will be even better and that Sucker Punch has done it again!"
Ghost of Yōtei will be released on October 2, exclusively on PlayStation 5, and pre-orders are now available.
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