Iwata wrong: Grand Theft Auto sells like Final Fantasy in Japan
Japan says 'Yes!' to ultraviolent game.
Capcom has announced staggering first-day sales for Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto 3 in Japan, slamming those who doubted the game’s chances of success in a country historically more suited to traditional gaming.
Indeed, Grand Theft Auto 3 enjoyed the kind of clamour usually preserved for a Final Fantasy release, shifting 74,376 copies in the first day on sale. Bear in mind that this was from an initial, cautious shipment of 100,000 and you get the idea.
Capcom has confirmed plans to increase its production levels for the game, with a revised shipment of around 650,000 units planned.
This really is a victory for Rockstar. Many public figures in the Japanese press and games industry at large, not least Nintendo’s president Satoru Iwata, directly or indirectly besmirched GTA3’s chances in the Japanese market, some declaring that there would be little or no interest in the hyper-violent game.
Expect a Japanese GTA Vice City release announcement in the coming months.
Indeed, Grand Theft Auto 3 enjoyed the kind of clamour usually preserved for a Final Fantasy release, shifting 74,376 copies in the first day on sale. Bear in mind that this was from an initial, cautious shipment of 100,000 and you get the idea.
Capcom has confirmed plans to increase its production levels for the game, with a revised shipment of around 650,000 units planned.
This really is a victory for Rockstar. Many public figures in the Japanese press and games industry at large, not least Nintendo’s president Satoru Iwata, directly or indirectly besmirched GTA3’s chances in the Japanese market, some declaring that there would be little or no interest in the hyper-violent game.
Expect a Japanese GTA Vice City release announcement in the coming months.
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