Square Enix CEO Yoichi Wada wants Japanese gamers to try Western produced games, starting with the recent all-conquering Modern Warfare 2.
"Even now, there have been people in Japan using the label youge- (literally 'Western games') with a terribly discriminatory meaning," Wada explained in a recent interview with Japanese TV, which was spotted by Kotaku.
Perhaps Wada's enthusiasm might have something to do with Square Enix acquiring the Japanese publishing rights for Modern Warfare 2, a game which is probably about as Western as you could get.
"I'd like them to try it once," said Wada. "If they play it once, they'd realize how incorrect that label is."
It's the second time the relationship between Japanese and Western gaming has been raised this week, with Capcom's Jun Takeuchi recently saying development collaborations haven't gone smoothly because cultural differences get in the way of harmony.
I've always preferred Japanese games over Western made ones, but you can't deny that Western developers have come a long way, especially during this current generation. Even though Modern Warfare 2 may not be their cup of tea, there's no denying that it's still very high quality game making.
The animation, visuals, sound and feel of the weapons in MW2 I think would be something the attention to detail lovin' Japs would appreciate. Of course there are other examples out there of high quality Western games, PC exclusives aswell of course.
personally i cant stand most of their games, what is the attraction with turn based games???? i find em boring as hell (not saying all their games are turn based either)...
Japanese games used to rule supreme, but Western developers and games have REALLY improved over the last 5 years and now they sit firmly in the throne. Unfortunately, while Japan is one of my favourite nations and can be praised for many things, they are extremely stubborn and don't really embrace outsiders with open arms. Same goes for products. Saying that, if the Japanese developers want the public to embrace Western games, they have ALOT of work to do, especially when the only Western console is pretty much a joke over there...
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