Support NeoGAF

[schuelma]

The most baffling thing about the way Capcom treats MHXX is the lack of the western release. Do they expect the switch to do well in Japan or something and then crap in the West? When indicators shows that it is doing just as well if not better than Japan! Especially considering that it actually has real competition in the western market.

Indeed, some ips are actually doing better in the west than in Japan as well.

The accepted rationale seems to be they want no brand confusion in the West and are devoting every resource to World.

I agree it doesn't make a lot of sense as I think they would see a good return on localization.

 

[Lonely1]

The accepted rationale seems to be they want no brand confusion in the West and are devoting every resource to World.

I agree it doesn't make a lot of sense as I think they would see a good return on localization.

Nintendo should ramp up Stories and discount it heavily during MHW release.

 

[Oregano]

I'm not a tech guy at all, but given the engine its running on and everything I've seen visually, I'd be extremely surprised if Capcom cannot reuse a lot of assets for a Switch game.

*Shrugs* Who knows, there's a whole bunch of Unreal Engine 4 games that look like they would be feasible on Switch but are skipping it.

 

[Fiendcode]

Last MC numbers for Yakuza 6 were around 331,000, but let's say that the Japanese figures got up to 350,000. So if Asia numbers are somewhere in the ballpark of 150,000, that is less than Kiwami. Ordinarily I would think a remaster should do worse than a new game, but one thing to consider is, was Yakuza even a thing with a presence in Asia when it originally released? If not, perhaps consumers just viewed it as 'a sequel to Zero' rather than 'remake of Y1/RGG1', which would've supressed sales in other markets.

As to why 6 did worse (though by no means 'bad' by comparison), I mean, maybe just too many releases? I would think if the 6 had some kind of downright awful reputation it would have cost them more than 25% sales.

I'd say Japan shipments for 6 are likely closer to 400k and certainly over 350k.

Famitsu
Yakuza Zero (PS3) 247,091 + (PS4) 149,612
Yakuza Kiwami (PS4) 156,671 + (PS3) 110,896
Yakuza 6 (PS4) 373,897

Era of rapid Asian growth might be over for Yakuza.

 

[frankie_baby]

The accepted rationale seems to be they want no brand confusion in the West and are devoting every resource to World.

I agree it doesn't make a lot of sense as I think they would see a good return on localization.

As an expansion i presume most of the localisation work is already done? Which makes it extra baffling, the only thing is perhaps the release schedule with stories out next month that probably leaves no room for another monhun in the west this year which would mean a likely slot to release in would have been January/February which puts it right into competition with world in march

 

[Chris1964]

I'd say Japan shipments for 6 are likely closer to 400k and certainly over 350k.

Famitsu
Yakuza Zero (PS3) 247,091 + (PS4) 149,612
Yakuza Kiwami (PS4) 156,671 + (PS3) 110,896
Yakuza 6 (PS4) 373,897

Era of rapid Asian growth might be over for Yakuza.

Kiwami numbers were inflated because of bundles, there was artificial growth for it in Asia.

 

[Chris1964]

Even for Destiny 2, the first one did around 115k in the first month, and was held back by also being on PS3 (that version sold around another 91k in the first month).

PS4 doesn't live in a vacuum. Destiny sales were helped from PS3 not the opposite. Destiny 2 will be nowhere close to that number.

 

[Fukuzatsu]

I'd say Japan shipments for 6 are likely closer to 400k and certainly over 350k.

Famitsu
Yakuza Zero (PS3) 247,091 + (PS4) 149,612
Yakuza Kiwami (PS4) 156,671 + (PS3) 110,896
Yakuza 6 (PS4) 373,897

Era of rapid Asian growth might be over for Yakuza.

I think you're rushing to call its growth dead, but out of curiosity what week is that Famitsu number from? The last one I could find had it at 336k, even for Famitsu.

 

[Fiendcode]

I think you're rushing to call its growth dead, but out of curiosity what week is that Famitsu number from? The last one I could find had it at 336k, even for Famitsu.

I didn't look it up weekly, I got the ltd from Game Data Library. I'm not sure if that site includes digital estimates too or not though.

If Kiwami was bundled perhaps an Asian baseline around 100k per entry is more to be expected.

 

[NintendosBooger]

Yeah, no Switch version only makes sense if they expect to sell 3m+ in the west. Seeing that free DLC is already announced they seem to be following the same path as before, making money directly with the game sales and not heavy DLC sales and milking a smaller userbase.

Now Capcom these days seem to be all about shrinking their userbase but this time it comes with much higher dev costs and no manufacturer deal (or maybe there is a deal, depending on whether one believes in those rumors-I don't btw). Doesn't make a lot of sense but it is Capcom after all.

Call me crazy but I don't think MHW will suffer a significant series drop commercially given its multiplatform release and from what I've seen of it. As for the free DLC, that might for the first few updates but they never said it'd be the case for all future ones.

 

[Phife Dawg]

Call me crazy but I don't think MHW will suffer a significant series drop commercially given its multiplatform release and from what I've seen of it. As for the free DLC, that might for the first few updates but they never said it'd be the case for all future ones.

Why would I call you crazy? It's certainly possible. I don't think the XBone audience will be contributing much to its success though. If they want to grow a whole new audience heavy milking is out of the cards imo but you never know with Capcom.

 

[Chris1964]

I didn't look it up weekly, I got the ltd from Game Data Library. I'm not sure if that site includes digital estimates too or not though.

If Kiwami was bundled perhaps an Asian baseline around 100k per entry is more to be expected.

Japanese initial shipment for Yaluza 6 just at retail was 360k according Media Create. Your 400k estimate isn't far from reality even with small digital percentage.

 

[Minsc]

None of them AAA/comparable in scope to Monster Hunter World and the vast majority of games PS4/Switch share are Vita games, or sequels to Vita games.

I wonder how Skyrim will count, since it's seeming to be based off the re-master, thus not really 360/PS3 level like the original version... everything I've seen are impressions are really great too, completely locked framerate, super-fast loading, etc. I guess underneath all the foliage and shiny lights it's still a last gen title, but it is another example of an open world game like BotW running very well on the hardware.

 

[LordKano]

I wonder how Skyrim will count, since it's seeming to be based off the re-master, thus not really 360/PS3 level like the original version... everything I've seen are impressions are really great too, completely locked framerate, super-fast loading, etc. I guess underneath all the foliage and shiny lights it's still a last gen title, but it is another example of an open world game like BotW running very well on the hardware.

Skyrim is in that weird position where it was clearly a too ambitious title for last-gen hardware but is kinda dated when you look at what we have in terms of open-world this gen.
A title in between two generations, the perfect candidate for Switch.

 

[Chris1964]

I wonder how Skyrim will count, since it's seeming to be based off the re-master, thus not really 360/PS3 level like the original version... everything I've seen are impressions are really great too, completely locked framerate, super-fast loading, etc. I guess underneath all the foliage and shiny lights it's still a last gen title, but it is another example of an open world game like BotW running very well on the hardware.

We'll see at fall direct how much Nintendo wants to push it in Japan. I'm sure they'll be all over it at west, after all Nintendo is the publisher there.

 

[Yeshua]

PREDICTION LEAGUE SEPTEMBER 2017

Predict how much these titles will sell in the month (from Aug 28 to Sep 24):

[PS4] New Everybody's Golf (25 days) - 120000
[PS4] Destiny 2 (19 days) - 120000
[PS4] Uncharted: The Lost Legacy (11 days) - 40000
[3DS] Metroid: Samus Returns (10 days) - 15000
[PS4] Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite (4 days) - 30000
[NSW] Pokken Tournament DX (3 days) - 90000

 

[frankie_baby]

We'll see at fall direct how much Nintendo wants to push it in Japan. I'm sure they'll be all over it at west, after all Nintendo is the publisher there.

Apparently they arent

 

[Chris1964]

Apparently they arent

I'm sure I read it here, I guess it was wrong info.

 

[Hellraider]

Nintendo should ramp up Stories and discount it heavily during MHW release.

I feel like the main problem with XX's current status in the West isn't World but Stories. I expect Capcom to recognise its existence a couple of months at least after Stories' release and I wouldn't be surprised if this happens before World gets released. Things like Capcom going all in with World in West therefore everything else needs to be purged sounds like fanboy talk to me.

 

[Aters]

Well, I've heard criticism about it in the sense that there are some Amazon reviews on Amazon JP talking about the combat system having been oversimplified, something I agree with in part, feels a bit limited even if what is there isn't bad.

However, outside of that, what I have seen outside of that criticism-wise is a bunch of trash on 4chan about how supposedly "OH SEGA REALLY PANDERED TO THE CHINESE".

If anything, I'd give Sega props for a. getting some people who actually speak Chinese and/or Korean for once (not that there have been zero, but it's been iffy in the past), and b. integrating it well into the story Kiryu's following. In terms of what does feel lacking about the story, to me, Akiyama feels out of place and Majima/Saejima/Daigo have basically no role in the main game.

However, Someya is a really enjoyable character, and as someone who knows his stuff outside of Yakuza, the guy who plays Nagumo (Miyasako Hiroyuki) is pretty fun too. He's from Kansai but does his best to sound like a podunk guy from Hiroshima, and has experience with acting prior to this. His performance goes a long way I think.

I can't say anything specific about the game as I never played it. All the impressions I got are from forums and people I know. Not sure about 4chan but I can guarantee you nobody in China feels pandered.

 

[Fukuzatsu]

I can't say anything specific about the game as I never played it. All the impressions I got are from forums and people I know. Not sure about 4chan but I can guarantee you nobody in China feels pandered.

Well what are their criticisms, assuming it's more nuanced than just "eh it's bad".

 

[OrbitalBeard]

Yeah, but it doesn't matter if they lose 2.5 million people in Japan if they gain more than 2.5 million outside of Japan.

They may not even need an additional 2.5 million people. We don't know how Capcom plans to monetize MHW beyond the base $60 purchase price yet. It's possible they're aiming for whales.

 

[frankie_baby]

I'm sure I read it here, I guess it was wrong info.

Yeah it was being said they were but nintendo's site now says bethesda are publishing

 

[Sandfox]

They may not even need an additional 2.5 million people. We don't know how Capcom plans to monetize MHW beyond the base $60 purchase price yet. It's possible they're aiming for whales.

Yeah, but will it be enough to make up for the G game sales? Trading the Japanese audience for one that's the same size or smaller jus sounds bad to me.

 

[Aters]

Well what are there criticisms, assuming it's more nuanced than just "eh it's bad".

I didn't play it myself, so I really can't answer in detail. They don't like the story, apparently a certain character getting pregnant pissed a lot of people off, again, I don't know why because I didn't play it. Some people say the combat is repetitive, which I guess is inevitable at this point. But more than anything, people are just tired of Yakuza. Think about Assassin's Creed, one entry per year but with the same setting. You don't really need to be a bad game for people to get tired of you.

 

[Yagami_Sama]

Predict how much these titles will sell in the month (from Aug 28 to Sep 24):

[PS4] New Everybody's Golf (25 days) - 132.183
[PS4] Destiny 2 (19 days) - 97.543
[PS4] Uncharted: The Lost Legacy (11 days) - 33.876
[3DS] Metroid: Samus Returns (10 days) - 47.876
[PS4] Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite (4 days) - 56.765
[NSW] Pokken Tournament DX (3 days) - 123.567

 

[Chris1964]

PREDICTION LEAGUE SEPTEMBER 2017

Predict how much these titles will sell in the month (from Aug 28 to Sep 24):

[PS4] New Everybody's Golf (25 days) - 123.456
[PS4] Destiny 2 (19 days) - 89.012
[PS4] Uncharted: The Lost Legacy (11 days) - 34.567
[3DS] Metroid: Samus Returns (10 days) - 45.678
[PS4] Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite (4 days) - 56.789
[NSW] Pokken Tournament DX (3 days) - 67.890

 

[Aostia]

Yeah it was being said they were but nintendo's site now says bethesda are publishing

Maybe Nintendo is distributing?

 

[Oregano]

Maybe Nintendo is distributing?

Yeah, Nintendo pretty much ghost-publishes every notable third party release on their platforms in Europe.

 

[Square2015]

Famitsu Dragon Quest series weekly historical (up to 4th week):

[U]	DQ1	 DQ2	  DQ3	      DQ4       DQ5	 DQ6	    DQ7	       DQ8	  DQ9	     DQ10     DQ11    
[/U]Week 1 ~160,000* ~440,000 ~1,370,000  159,000   684,000	 1,455,000  1,862,065  2,236,881  2,343,440  420,311  2,080,806
Week 2  ~34,000*  ?	     ?	      161,000*  685,000    449,000  1,072,286    559,524    602,856   70,352    426,189
Week 3	 ?	  ?	   ~362,000*  ?         477,000    308,000    329,317    200,033    271,206   45,470    188,250
Week 4	 ?	  ?	   ~193,000*  ?		?          269,000*   154,797    116,731    172,728   20,616    154,130

4 wk tot:?        ?          ?	      ?	        ?           2.483m     3.418m     3.114m     3.390m   0.556m     2.849m

*Biweekly/double week
Projections for DQ1~3

 

[Nirolak]

We've probably had enough weeks for me to start commenting on trends, but I'll do that separate later on.

Road to TGS.™

Notes:
- The list will include all games announced from August 1st until the end of TGS, except mobile will be focused on games from traditional publishers, or really notable non-traditional publisher games.
- The list will include the title, genre, publisher, developer (if known), release window (if known), and any pertinent notes.
- I won't be including things until they at least have one platform announced. Similarly, games announced prior to this window with no platforms count as a new announcement. Beyond that, I'm being a bit more generous with inclusions instead of waiting until the full details show up unless we just clearly don't know enough to list it.
- This will be the Switch's first Road to TGS.

Final Fantasy XV: Pocket Edition
Publisher/Developer: Square Enix
Platform(s): iOS/Android/PC
Genre: JRPG
Release Window: Fall 2017
Notes: This is a paid, ten episode mobile RPG that tells the story of Final Fantasy XV through a superdeformed art style. It focuses on the main storyline quests, with a lot of the side content excised.

Final Fantasy XV: Windows Edition
Publisher/Developer: Square Enix
Platform(s): PC
Genre: JRPG
Release Window: Early 2018
Notes: This is a very high effort port of Final Fantasy XV for PC that includes the season pass DLC.

Gotouchi Tetsudou
Publisher/Developer: Bandai Namco
Platform(s): Switch
Genre: Board Game
Release Window: Winter 2017
Notes: This is an enhanced port of a Wii U/3DS board game.

Fist of the North Star
Publisher/Developer: Sega/Yakuza Studios
Platform(s): PS4
Genre: Action
Release Window: 2018
Notes: This is the first non-Yakuza console game from Yakuza Studios since Binary Domain. This is also the first console Fist of the North Star game since Fist of the North Star Musou by Koei Tecmo. The game is supposed to be more like Yakuza in that it has various forms of gameplay beyond punching people.

Yakuza Online
Publisher/Developer: Sega/Yakuza Studios
Platform(s): iOS/Android/PC
Genre: Unknown
Release Window: 2018
Notes: This is the first game in the "New Yakuza Project", and introduces the series' new lead character. Essentially, they're starting a new series of Yakuza games that takes place after Yakuza 6 starring this new guy, presumably because it was getting pretty hard to catch up on Kiryu's storyline at this point. However, this time around, there will also be mobile/social games that help tell the main storyline. This game will be f2p.

Yakuza: Kiwami 2
Publisher/Developer: Sega/Yakuza Studios
Platform(s): PS4
Genre: Action
Release Window: December 7th, 2017
Notes: This is a remake of Yakuza 2 a la Yakuza Kiwami remaking Yakuza 1.

Secret of Mana
Publisher/Developer: Square Enix
Platform(s): PS4/Vita/PC
Genre: JRPG
Release Window: February 15th, 2018
Notes: This is a 3D remake of Secret of Mana, the classic Square Enix SNES RPG. The game will have voice over and more plotline in general, and goes for the same aesthetic style as the Adventure of Mana remake, but with higher quality graphics.

Dynasty Warriors 8: Empires
Publisher/Developer: Koei Tecmo/Omega Force
Platform(s): Switch
Genre: Action
Release Window: November 9th, 2017
Notes: Koei Tecmo is porting three of their newest musou games based on IPs they own to Switch, all on the same day. The franchises are Dynasty Warriors, Samurai Warriors, and Warriors Orochi.

Samurai Warriors: Spirit of Sanada
Publisher/Developer: Koei Tecmo/Omega Force
Platform(s): Switch
Genre: Action
Release Window: November 9th, 2017
Notes: Koei Tecmo is porting three of their newest musou games based on IPs they own to Switch, all on the same day. The franchises are Dynasty Warriors, Samurai Warriors, and Warriors Orochi.

Warriors Orochi 3 Ultimate
Publisher/Developer: Koei Tecmo/Omega Force
Platform(s): Switch
Genre: Action
Release Window: November 9th, 2017
Notes: Koei Tecmo is porting three of their newest musou games based on IPs they own to Switch, all on the same day. The franchises are Dynasty Warriors, Samurai Warriors, and Warriors Orochi.

Love Plus Every
Publisher/Developer: Konami
Platform(s): iOS/Android
Genre: Dating Simulator
Release Window: Unknown
Notes: This is the first game in the series since the 2014 3DS game. The series was pretty popular at one point, but started taking a nose dive later on. Now it's coming back for mobile.

Root Letter
Publisher/Developer: Kadokawa Games
Platform(s): iOS/Android
Genre: Visual Novel
Release Window: August 25th, 2017
Notes: This is a port of the visual novel Root Letter for mobile devices. It's a paid game.

Attack on Titan 2
Publisher/Developer: Koei Tecmo/Omega Force
Platform(s): PS4/XB1
Genre: Action
Release Window: Early 2018
Notes: This is the follow-up to Koei Tecmo's previous Attack on Titan game, which wasn't exactly a Musou title, but people did mentally lump it in there. I believe it did a lot better abroad than domestically.

Excluded For Now:
- New Yakuza aka basically Yakuza 7 (No Platform)
- Final Fantasy XV Switch (It's almost assuredly coming, but not confirmed yet)

Platform running totals:
PS4: 16
Switch: 12
3DS: 5
Vita: 4
PC: 5
XB1: 2
Wii U: 1
Traditional Publisher Mobile: 8

Previous Posts:
Week 1: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=245485084&postcount=1638
Week 2: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=246012010&postcount=609
Week 3: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=246523180&postcount=575

 

[foxuzamaki]

We've probably had enough weeks for me to start commenting on trends, but I'll do that separate later on.

Road to TGS.™

Notes:
- The list will include all games announced from August 1st until the end of TGS, except mobile will be focused on games from traditional publishers, or really notable non-traditional publisher games.
- The list will include the title, genre, publisher, developer (if known), release window (if known), and any pertinent notes.
- I won't be including things until they at least have one platform announced. Similarly, games announced prior to this window with no platforms count as a new announcement. Beyond that, I'm being a bit more generous with inclusions instead of waiting until the full details show up unless we just clearly don't know enough to list it.
- This will be the Switch's first Road to TGS.

Final Fantasy XV: Pocket Edition
Publisher/Developer: Square Enix
Platform(s): iOS/Android/PC
Genre: JRPG
Release Window: Fall 2017
Notes: This is a paid, ten episode mobile RPG that tells the story of Final Fantasy XV through a superdeformed art style. It focuses on the main storyline quests, with a lot of the side content excised.

Final Fantasy XV: Windows Edition
Publisher/Developer: Square Enix
Platform(s): PC
Genre: JRPG
Release Window: Early 2018
Notes: This is a very high effort port of Final Fantasy XV for PC that includes the season pass DLC.

Gotouchi Tetsudou
Publisher/Developer: Bandai Namco
Platform(s): Switch
Genre: Board Game
Release Window: Winter 2017
Notes: This is an enhanced port of a Wii U/3DS board game.

Fist of the North Star
Publisher/Developer: Sega/Yakuza Studios
Platform(s): PS4
Genre: Action
Release Window: 2018
Notes: This is the first non-Yakuza console game from Yakuza Studios since Binary Domain. This is also the first console Fist of the North Star game since Fist of the North Star Musou by Koei Tecmo. The game is supposed to be more like Yakuza in that it has various forms of gameplay beyond punching people.

Yakuza Online
Publisher/Developer: Sega/Yakuza Studios
Platform(s): iOS/Android/PC
Genre: Unknown
Release Window: 2018
Notes: This is the first game in the "New Yakuza Project", and introduces the series' new lead character. Essentially, they're starting a new series of Yakuza games that takes place after Yakuza 6 starring this new guy, presumably because it was getting pretty hard to catch up on Kiryu's storyline at this point. However, this time around, there will also be mobile/social games that help tell the main storyline. This game will be f2p.

Yakuza: Kiwami 2
Publisher/Developer: Sega/Yakuza Studios
Platform(s): PS4
Genre: Action
Release Window: December 7th, 2017
Notes: This is a remake of Yakuza 2 a la Yakuza Kiwami remaking Yakuza 1.

Secret of Mana
Publisher/Developer: Square Enix
Platform(s): PS4/Vita/PC
Genre: JRPG
Release Window: February 15th, 2018
Notes: This is a 3D remake of Secret of Mana, the classic Square Enix SNES RPG. The game will have voice over and more plotline in general, and goes for the same aesthetic style as the Adventure of Mana remake, but with higher quality graphics.

Dynasty Warriors 8: Empires
Publisher/Developer: Koei Tecmo/Omega Force
Platform(s): Switch
Genre: Action
Release Window: November 9th, 2017
Notes: Koei Tecmo is porting three of their newest musou games based on IPs they own to Switch, all on the same day. The franchises are Dynasty Warriors, Samurai Warriors, and Warriors Orochi.

Samurai Warriors: Spirit of Sanada
Publisher/Developer: Koei Tecmo/Omega Force
Platform(s): Switch
Genre: Action
Release Window: November 9th, 2017
Notes: Koei Tecmo is porting three of their newest musou games based on IPs they own to Switch, all on the same day. The franchises are Dynasty Warriors, Samurai Warriors, and Warriors Orochi.

Warriors Orochi 3 Ultimate
Publisher/Developer: Koei Tecmo/Omega Force
Platform(s): Switch
Genre: Action
Release Window: November 9th, 2017
Notes: Koei Tecmo is porting three of their newest musou games based on IPs they own to Switch, all on the same day. The franchises are Dynasty Warriors, Samurai Warriors, and Warriors Orochi.

Love Plus Every
Publisher/Developer: Konami
Platform(s): iOS/Android
Genre: Dating Simulator
Release Window: Unknown
Notes: This is the first game in the series since the 2014 3DS game. The series was pretty popular at one point, but started taking a nose dive later on. Now it's coming back for mobile.

Root Letter
Publisher/Developer: Kadokawa Games
Platform(s): iOS/Android
Genre: Visual Novel
Release Window: August 25th, 2017
Notes: This is a port of the visual novel Root Letter for mobile devices. It's a paid game.

Excluded For Now:
- Attack On Titan 2 (No Platform)
- New Yakuza aka basically Yakuza 7 (No Platform)
- Final Fantasy XV Switch (It's almost assuredly coming, but not confirmed yet)

Platform running totals:
PS4: 15
Switch: 12
3DS: 5
Vita: 4
PC: 5
XB1: 1
Wii U: 1
Traditional Publisher Mobile: 8

Previous Posts:
Week 1: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=245485084&postcount=1638
Week 2: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=246012010&postcount=609
Week 3: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=246523180&postcount=575

The number of switch games just exploded up

 

[Nirolak]

So for weeks 1-4, some general things I've noticed:

1.) If anyone was doubting their commitment, Koei Tecmo appears to be all in on the Switch. Basically every game they're making sans mobile titles and Dynasty Warriors 9 is on the platform, and they're even porting over some of their older titles.

2.) Square Enix is also generally about as supportive of the Switch as you could expect them to be. They clearly have some games that won't work on the platform, but they do humor things like making an alternate version of their games when they find themselves in that situation, even if they're based on mobile products. Mind, there are some select titles not announced for the system in any form (see Dissidia and Secret of Mana).

3.) Looking at the rest of the Switch games announced, porting older titles seems to be the approach of most non-Koei Tecmo/Square Enix publishers currently. Most new games are for other platforms. I maintain my outlook that significant Switch support will be unlikely to show up en masse until Fall 2018, not that they need much given they can't even remotely keep the thing in stock.

4.) Square Enix also seems to be committing more to getting their Japanese content on PC given the announcements so far this year. The most notable absence among newly announced games confirmed for the West (and having platforms confirmed for the West) is Dissidia, but that started development in the era when they were signing away all their titles for exclusivity deals early this generation.

5.) Sega's Atlus division is sticking with their very conservative release strategy for the most part, at least in the near term. They've announced a bunch of 3DS ports of DS games, some new 3DS games, and some follow ups to their Vita games, but the Vita follow-ups will also appear on PS4 given market realities. I get the sense that they're intending to increase their ambition with their next set of titles (SMT5, P6, the new IP), but that they still want to get out a bunch of content using existing art assets and technology in the meantime while their current platforms still have some viability. It did stick out to me though that the two new Persona dancing titles have way, way improved graphic, when they could have easily just reused the art style from Persona 4 Dancing.

6.) Over at Sega Japan, Yakuza Studios seems to have pretty big ambitions these days given they're starting a new series with Fist of the North Star, starting a new Yakuza mainline series, and expanding into mobile/social more aggressively, all on top of still releasing remakes of older games. They're one of Sega Japan's only remaining console studios, so it does seem Sega is trying to take that business more seriously instead of winding down the studio like they have with most everything else. I do think Fist of the North Star is a great choice of IP for the, not only because of the obvious gameplay fit, but because it also appeals to the age demographic that's playing Yakuza both domestically and overseas.

7.) Konami has done a really good job bringing back their IPs on mobile, so Love Plus could see a lot of success there. Also, I think mobile makes way more sense for that game both from a product and audience perspective.

8.) Bandai Namco is really going in on the global audience, given they announce almost all of their products for worldwide release, including some of their mobile titles these days. They're also even expanding notably to Xbox One, which is something not a lot of Japanese developers do anymore.

9.) I think most of the other things we've seen are expected products that match the behavior publishers have been engaging in, without anything especially notable about them staying the course.

I'm keeping these posts separate from the TGS lists themselves as I don't want to put out anything conclusive until I see the entire line-up of these publishers.

 

[Man God]

Yeah there's no way Atlus releases even half as many titles as they did during the DS/3DS years when they wrap up development on their 3DS titles. They're going to go big.

 

[schuelma]

Great job as always Nirolak- one correction- I believe Attack on titan was confirmed for PS4/X1 earlier in the week.

 

[Ōkami]

Bic Camera in Akiba had 300 units today, Softmap had 170.

About 1000 people lined up between the 2 stores.

 

[Sandfox]

Yeah there's no way Atlus releases even half as many titles as they did during the DS/3DS years when they wrap up development on their 3DS titles. They're going to go big.

A lot of their stuff is remakes and ports, which I can't really see them stopping.

 

[Nirolak]

Great job as always Nirolak- one correction- I believe Attack on titan was confirmed for PS4/X1 earlier in the week.

Thanks. Added.

 

[whyamihere]

Great write up Nirolak.

 

[Lord_Byron28]

Great work Nirolak. Very informative. Capcom and Level 5 have been really quiet. I'm sure they have at least one major announcement for THE but I could be wrong.

3.) Looking at the rest of the Switch games announced, porting older titles seems to be the approach of most non-Koei Tecmo/Square Enix publishers currently. Most new games are for other platforms. I maintain my outlook that significant Switch support will be unlikely to show up en masse until Fall 2018, not that they need much given they can't even remotely keep the thing in stock.

I agree with this overall assessment as well. It took a while for most of the industry to transition to PS4 with significant titles. While it won't take as long for Switch, it will take time. In the meantime it will be mostly varying levels of ports/remaster. Also as you said the Switch probably will be sold out for a significant amount of time especially if they can get Animal Crossing, Fire Emblem, Smash Bros., Mario Maker and Pokemon next year. Although I'm fully anticipating Pokemon being delayed to Spring 2019 or later.

 

[whyamihere]

Also, yeah, it clearly seems like the plan now that the Switch is doing well is to port whatever you can to it. Remains to be seen if the health of the system produces better 3rd party sales than, like, the Wii. So far, it seems like it has? idk.

 

[Jon Carter]

Not sure I see much point to releasing three late ports on the same day.

 

[Chris1964]

Week 34, 2017 (Aug 21 - Aug 27)

Bic Camera lotteries August 27

Nintendo Switch Splatoon 2 Set - 2.300 (14 stores)
Nintendo Switch Neon Blue/Neon Red - 1.200 (4 stores)
Nintendo Switch Gray - 1.170 (8 stores)
Total - 4.670 (26 stores)

+--------------------------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+
|                          |  Week 23  |  Week 24  |  Week 25  |  Week 26  |  Week 27  |  Week 28  |  Week 29  |  Week 30  |  Week 31  |  Week 32  |  Week 33  |  Week 34  |  Week 35  |
| Bic Camera store   (No.) |06.05-06.11|06.12-06.18|06.19-06.25|06.26-07.02|07.03-07.09|07.10-07.16|07.17-07.23|07.24-07.30|07.31-08.06|08.07-08.13|08.14-08.20|08.21-08.27|08.28-09.03|
|                          |-15 stores |-12 stores | -8 stores | -5 stores | -3 stores | -2 stores |+preorders |           |           |           |           |+preorders |           |
+--------------------------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+
| Ikebukuro Main     (007) |         * |         * |         * |         * |         * |         * |       276 |       300 |       300 |       300 |         0 |       400 |           |
| Ikebukuro West     (017) |        20 |        25 |        20 |        20 |        40 |        20 |        20 |       100 |         0 |         0 |         0 |         0 |           |
| Yuurakuchou        (014) |        83 |        99 |        59 |        54 |       120 |        63 |       138 |       500 |       300 |       300 |         0 |       400 |           |
| Shinjyuku West     (016) |         * |         * |         * |        40 |        80 |        45 |        40 |       250 |       150 |       150 |         0 |       200 |           |
| Shinjyuku Bicqlo   (116) |         * |         * |         * |        30 |        60 |        31 |        66 |       250 |       150 |       150 |         0 |       200 |           |
| Shinjyuku East     (111) |        15 |        15 |        15 |        20 |        40 |        20 |        20 |         0 |         0 |         0 |         0 |         0 |           |
| Shibuya East       (008) |        20 |        25 |        20 |        20 |        40 |        20 |        20 |       100 |         0 |       100 |         0 |       100 |           |
| Shibuya Hachiko    (004) |         * |         * |        15 |         * |        40 |        10 |        19 |         0 |         0 |         0 |         0 |         0 |           |
| Akasaka            (117) |        15 |        15 |        15 |        20 |        40 |        20 |        20 |         0 |         0 |         0 |         0 |         0 |           |
| Akiba              (121) |         * |         * |       180 |       110 |       180 |        85 |       150 |       200 |       200 |       200 |         0 |       300 |           |
| Tachikawa          (012) |        45 |        50 |        45 |        30 |        60 |        30 |        55 |       100 |       200 |       200 |         0 |       300 |           |
| Seiseki            (110) |        15 |        15 |        15 |        20 |        40 |        20 |        30 |         0 |         0 |         0 |         0 |         0 |           |
| Hachijoji          (114) |        30 |        32 |        24 |        19 |        35 |        20 |        60 |       100 |         0 |       100 |         0 |       100 |           |
| Kawasaki           (038) |        80 |        90 |       125 |        65 |       130 |        65 |       140 |       500 |       300 |       300 |         0 |       400 |           |
| Shin-Yokohama      (104) |        15 |        15 |        15 |        20 |        40 |        20 |        40 |       100 |         0 |       100 |         0 |       100 |           |
| Yokohama West      (005) |         0 |         0 |         0 |         0 |         0 |         0 |        10 |         0 |         0 |         0 |         0 |         0 |           |
| Fujisawa           (037) |         * |        30 |        25 |        20 |        40 |        20 |        55 |       100 |         0 |       100 |         0 |       100 |           |
| Sagami-Ono         (108) |         * |        25 |        20 |        20 |        40 |        20 |        35 |         0 |         0 |         0 |         0 |         0 |           |
| Kashiwa            (035) |         * |         * |         * |         * |         * |         * |        50 |       100 |         0 |       100 |         0 |       200 |           |
| Kashiwa Funabashi  (109) |         * |         * |        20 |        20 |        40 |        20 |        35 |         0 |         0 |         0 |         0 |         0 |           |
| Ohmiya             (034) |        29 |        30 |        31 |        21 |        40 |        20 |        50 |       100 |         0 |       100 |         0 |       200 |           |
| Takasaki           (091) |        15 |        15 |        10 |        20 |        20 |        20 |        30 |       100 |         0 |       100 |         0 |       100 |           |
| Mito               (115) |         * |         * |         * |         * |         * |        20 |        21 |       100 |         0 |       100 |         0 |       100 |           |
| Sapporo            (015) |         * |         * |         * |        26 |        55 |        22 |        58 |       200 |       200 |       200 |         0 |       200 |           |
| Niigata            (106) |         * |         * |         * |         * |        40 |        20 |        30 |       100 |         0 |       100 |         0 |       100 |           |
| Hamamatsu          (105) |        15 |        15 |        15 |        19 |        40 |        20 |        30 |       100 |         0 |       100 |         0 |       100 |           |
| Nagoya Station     (033) |         * |        40 |        25 |        20 |        40 |        20 |        45 |       100 |         0 |       150 |         0 |       135 |           |
| Nagoya JR          (120) |        50 |        45 |        30 |        25 |        40 |        20 |        50 |       100 |       200 |       150 |         0 |       135 |           |
| Kyoto              (101) |        15 |        15 |        15 |        20 |        20 |        40 |        30 |       100 |         0 |       100 |         0 |       100 |           |
| Osaka Nanba        (013) |        35 |        40 |        30 |        30 |        60 |        30 |        45 |       200 |       200 |       200 |         0 |       300 |           |
| Okayama            (102) |        15 |        15 |        15 |        20 |        40 |        20 |        35 |       100 |         0 |       100 |         0 |       100 |           |
| Hiroshima          (119) |         * |         * |        20 |        20 |        40 |        20 |        30 |       100 |         0 |       100 |         0 |       100 |           |
| Kyushu Tenjin      (018) |        15 |        15 |        15 |        20 |        40 |        20 |        30 |       100 |         0 |       100 |         0 |       100 |           |
| Kyushu Kagoshima   (107) |         * |         * |         * |        20 |        40 |        20 |        35 |       100 |         0 |       100 |         0 |       100 |           |
+--------------------------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+
| Splatoon 2 Set           |(00)     0 |(00)     0 |(00)     0 |(00)     0 |(00)     0 |(00)     0 |(34)     * |(10) 1.800 |(08) 1.800 |(17) 2.700 |(00)     0 |(14) 2.300 |(  )       |
| Neon Blue/Neon Red       |(**)     * |(**)     * |(**)     * |(**)     * |(**)     * |(**)     * |(**)     * |(10) 1.700 |(01)   200 |(05)   600 |(00)     0 |(04) 1.200 |(  )       |
| Gray                     |(**)     * |(**)     * |(**)     * |(**)     * |(**)     * |(**)     * |(**)     * |(07)   800 |(01)   200 |(04)   500 |(00)     0 |(08) 1.170 |(  )       |
+--------------------------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+
| Total                    |(**)     * |(**)     * |(**)     * |(**)   789 |(**) 1.580 |(**)   841 |(**) 1.798 |(27) 4.300 |(10) 2.200 |(26) 3.800 |(00)     0 |(26) 4.670 |(  )       |
+--------------------------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+
| Media Create             |    27.291 |    37.709 |    22.361 |    25.805 |    26.256 |    31.906 |    98.999 |    89.314 |    61.933 |    87.798 |    22.277 |           |           |
| Famitsu                  |    28.293 |    49.440 |    26.964 |    24.736 |    36.143 |    25.154 |   102.581 |   105.697 |    69.686 |    77.146 |    22.154 |           |           |
| Dengeki                  |    29.020 |    43.850 |    22.495 |    25.442 |    32.769 |    24.462 |    93.611 |    90.522 |    57.300 |    76.479 |    43.592 |           |           |
+--------------------------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+

 

[Chris1964]

Monster Hunter bundles number is unknown. It was a big week.

 

[hiska-kun]

So, this is the biggest shipment in Bic Camera ever (since we started tracking the lotteries in May).

And this numbers doesn't include the Monster Hunter XX bundle.

Should we expect over >100k?

 

[Chris1964]

Other stores got big shipments too, it's not that Bic Camera numbers are so inflated comparing to the rest of Japan.

 

[suicreeps]

I want to believe 100k but I don't know if I can trust Nintendo fully yet

 

[foxuzamaki]

What a crazy shipment

 

[hiska-kun]

Even if it will be over 100k or nor, at least we can agree that it's gonna be very good numbers.

 

[Chris1964]

At least Nintendo did the best from its part to help MHXX.

They preferred to live Japan during Obon without stock in order to ship more next week.