Capcom's Inafune: "Everyone’s Making Awful Games"
Keiji Infaune challenges Japanese development community again
The head of global and research development for Capcom, Keiji Infune, has once again been outspoken regarding his views of the Japanese games industry and they are as scathing as ever.
Speaking with the New York Times, Inafune commented on his stance on the current state of the Japanese games industry and his opinions post-TGS. He said of the show:
“I look around Tokyo Games Show, and everyone’s making awful games; Japan is at least five years behind.
“Capcom is barely keeping up", he continued.
“I want to study how Westerners live, and make games that appeal to them.”
Inafune made the notorious comment that "The Japanese games industry is finished" at last year's TGS. Maybe it adds fuel to an already raging fire in Inafune's mind but could he be trying to lead his fellow developers to a place where Japanese game development can be invigorated, or is he just chasing the money?
Do you agree with Inafune's opinions on the Japanese games industry? Do you feel it needs to change its outlook to appeal to an increasingly larger Western market? Do you want Inafune to re-imaginee Megaman as a 6"4' space marine who likes to bump chests and make semi-racist nicknames for himself? Please direct all thoughts to the comments section below.
Source: New York Times
Speaking with the New York Times, Inafune commented on his stance on the current state of the Japanese games industry and his opinions post-TGS. He said of the show:
“I look around Tokyo Games Show, and everyone’s making awful games; Japan is at least five years behind.
“Capcom is barely keeping up", he continued.
“I want to study how Westerners live, and make games that appeal to them.”
Inafune made the notorious comment that "The Japanese games industry is finished" at last year's TGS. Maybe it adds fuel to an already raging fire in Inafune's mind but could he be trying to lead his fellow developers to a place where Japanese game development can be invigorated, or is he just chasing the money?
Do you agree with Inafune's opinions on the Japanese games industry? Do you feel it needs to change its outlook to appeal to an increasingly larger Western market? Do you want Inafune to re-imaginee Megaman as a 6"4' space marine who likes to bump chests and make semi-racist nicknames for himself? Please direct all thoughts to the comments section below.
Source: New York Times
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Comments
deleted 20 Sep 2010 15:24
1/3
Totally agree, I remember a time, when Japan seemed like his mystic place where the magical and best games came from, and that wasn't so long ago, MGS on PSone was just like how come western games aren't this cool, but today its like they have gotten stuck in a loop, its all Final Fantasy and Resident Evil repeats with the occasional gem, in fact even Nintendo just flood us with the same old respins of Mario, Sega with Sonic, Capcom Street Fighter and ResiEvil, Namco and Tekken & Ridge Racer, Sqeenix Final Fantasy & Dragon Quest, etc etc etc, dont get me wrong these games aren't bad but what do they offer today that they didnt offer on PSone or PS2? where is the Space Chanel 5`s for this gen?
saying that I think hand-held is where Japan has its talent and originality.
saying that I think hand-held is where Japan has its talent and originality.
realvictory 21 Sep 2010 12:28
2/3
I don't think about a cultural divide, I (try to) judge each game as an individual piece/work.
I agree, though - the issue seems to be lack of originality, doesn't it? Which then is worrying if developers are trying to combat one "lack of originality" with another
Success for games should never come from the use of a fixed "formula". Innovation is important, and should be rewarded. Unfortunately, that isn't the reality. If a game is popular, they'll be a sequel. And so on ;)
I agree, though - the issue seems to be lack of originality, doesn't it? Which then is worrying if developers are trying to combat one "lack of originality" with another
Success for games should never come from the use of a fixed "formula". Innovation is important, and should be rewarded. Unfortunately, that isn't the reality. If a game is popular, they'll be a sequel. And so on ;)
VyseLegend 21 Sep 2010 14:12
3/3
Its a global issue, we are seeing very little innovation in games overall. Inafune is just trying to act superior by catering to the 'advanced' Western market.