More Western RPGs Are Being Localized, But Japanese Gamers Are Unaware Of Them

Spike Chunsoft is in a unique position to comment on the state of Western RPGs in Japan. Aside from developing games like Danganronpa, they also localize Western games like Saints Row IV,  Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning and Dragon Age.

Here’s what Satoru Honma, International Business Development Producer, Spike Chunsoft, had to say about bringing The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt to Japan and the state of the Western RPG localization market.

"We’re honored to have the opportunity to work with CD Projekt RED on the release of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt in Japan. RPGs have always been a prominent part of the Japanese video game landscape. Although more and more quality western RPGs are now localized into Japanese, most gamers in Japan are still unaware of them. I strongly believe that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt will redefine the western RPG for Japanese gamers."

Spike Chunsoft kind of plays the role of Atlus USA in Japan. They pick up niche games, in this case Western RPGs and third person shooters, and introduce them to a new market. They aren’t the only company doing this Electronic Arts localized Mass Effect for Japan and Square Enix will release the console version of Diablo III for PS3 next year. However, Spike Chunsoft tends to pick up games from Western publishers that don’t have a foothold in the region. What do you think will make Western RPGs more popular in Japan? Can the same technique be applied to make Japanese RPGs more popular in the West?