Monster Hunter: Global Phenomenon

Before its global launch, *Monster Hunter Wilds* shattered pre-order records on Steam and PlayStation, effortlessly following in the massive footsteps of its predecessors, *Monster Hunter Rise* (2022) and *Monster Hunter: World* (2018). This phenomenal success firmly establishes Capcom's unique RPG series as a global video game powerhouse. But this wasn't always the case.

Less than a decade ago, such widespread global popularity would have seemed unimaginable. Even further back, to the 2004 debut of the original *Monster Hunter*, it would have been considered utterly far-fetched; the initial game received mixed reviews. It wasn't until the 2005 PSP release that the series truly exploded—in Japan.

For years, *Monster Hunter* epitomized the "bigger in Japan" phenomenon. The reasons, as we'll explore, were straightforward, yet this didn't deter Capcom from tirelessly pursuing international market penetration. The success of *Monster Hunter World*, *Rise*, and now *Wilds*, proves this dedication was richly rewarded. This is the story of *Monster Hunter*'s journey from domestic darling to global phenomenon.

Around the 2016 launch of *Street Fighter V*, Capcom underwent a significant internal reorganization to prepare for a new generation of games powered by its RE Engine, replacing the aging MT Framework. This wasn't merely a technological shift; it involved a mandate to create games appealing to a global audience, not just existing regional fanbases.

"Several factors converged," explains Hideaki Itsuno, a former Capcom game director known for his work on *Devil May Cry*. "The engine change, and a clear goal for all teams: create globally appealing games—fun for everyone."

Examining Capcom's PS3 and Xbox 360 era reveals a focus on the perceived "Western games market." While *Resident Evil 4* was a massive hit, titles like *Umbrella Corps* and the *Lost Planet* series, chasing late-2000s Western trends, fell short. Capcom realized the need for universal appeal, not just catering to specific genres.

"We focused intently, holding nothing back," Itsuno says, "on creating excellent games with worldwide reach."

The period leading up to 2017 proved pivotal. "Organizational and engine changes converged," Itsuno notes. The 2017 release of *Resident Evil 7* marked the beginning of a Capcom renaissance.

No series embodies this global success goal better than *Monster Hunter*. While it had dedicated Western fans, it was significantly larger in Japan. This wasn't intentional; several factors contributed.

The shift from PlayStation 2 to PSP with *Monster Hunter Freedom Unite* proved crucial. Japan's robust handheld market (PSP, DS, Switch) significantly boosted the series. According to executive producer Ryozo Tsujimoto, Japan's advanced wireless internet network allowed for reliable multiplayer, a key differentiator at the time.

"Twenty years ago, Japan had superior network infrastructure, enabling online multiplayer," Tsujimoto explains. "Moving to handhelds fostered a larger, interconnected player base."

*Monster Hunter*'s cooperative gameplay thrived on this quick access to hunts with friends. Handhelds provided the perfect platform. Japan's advanced internet inadvertently created a localized market focus.

This created a cycle: *Monster Hunter* games became Japanese bestsellers, leading to Japan-exclusive content and events, further solidifying its "Japan-only" image. Western fans watched enviously.

However, as Western internet infrastructure improved, Tsujimoto saw an opportunity. *Monster Hunter: World* (2018), released simultaneously worldwide on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, represented a massive shift. It delivered AAA console-quality action: enhanced graphics, larger environments, and bigger monsters.

"Our globalization approach, reflected in the name *Monster Hunter: World*, aimed for worldwide appeal," Tsujimoto reveals. Simultaneous global release and the absence of Japan-exclusive content were crucial, aligning with global standards.

Beyond simultaneous release, the team extensively researched ways to broaden appeal. "We conducted worldwide focus tests and user tests," Tsujimoto says. "The feedback significantly influenced game system design and global success."

One key change was displaying damage numbers. These small refinements to a successful formula propelled *Monster Hunter* to unprecedented heights. Previous titles sold around 1.3 to 5 million copies. *Monster Hunter: World* and *Rise* both surpassed 20 million.

This growth wasn't accidental. Instead of altering *Monster Hunter*'s core to suit Western tastes, Capcom made its unique aspects more accessible without compromise. This continues with *Monster Hunter Wilds*.

"At its heart, *Monster Hunter* is an action game; mastering that action is key," Tsujimoto explains. "But for new players, reaching that point is crucial. We analyze where players struggle, gather feedback, and use that knowledge to improve systems in *Wilds*."

Within 35 minutes of release, *Monster Hunter Wilds* reached 738,000 concurrent Steam players—more than double *Monster Hunter: World*'s peak. With positive reviews and promised future content, *Wilds* is poised to surpass even *World* and *Rise*'s achievements, continuing the series' global conquest.