How Monster Hunter Took Over the World

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

Less than a decade ago, such widespread global popularity would have seemed improbable. Even further back, at the 2004 launch of the original *Monster Hunter*, it would have been almost unthinkable. 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. While the reasons were multifaceted, as this story will detail, Capcom persistently sought international market penetration. The success of *Monster Hunter World*, *Rise*, and now *Wilds*, proves their efforts were worthwhile.

This is the story of *Monster Hunter*'s journey from domestic darling to global phenomenon.

Around the 2016 launch of *Street Fighter 5*, Capcom underwent an internal restructuring to prepare for a new generation of games powered by the RE Engine, replacing the aging MT Framework. This wasn't just a technological shift; it involved a mandate to create games for a global audience, not just existing regional fanbases.

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

Capcom's PS3 and Xbox 360-era games often seemed to chase Western market trends, with varying success. While *Resident Evil 4* was a hit, titles like *Umbrella Corps* and the *Lost Planet* series didn't resonate. Capcom realized the need for universally appealing games, not just those targeting specific Western genres.

"We focused intently, holding nothing back," Itsuno states. "Our goal: create excellent games reaching a worldwide audience."

Itsuno highlights the pivotal period leading up to 2017. "Organizational and engine changes converged," he says. The launch of *Resident Evil 7* that year marked the beginning of a Capcom renaissance.

No series embodies this global success better than *Monster Hunter*. While it had a dedicated Western fanbase, 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 gaming market, fueled by the PSP, DS, and Switch, played a significant role. According to executive producer Ryozo Tsujimoto, Japan's advanced wireless internet network allowed for reliable multiplayer, a key factor for *Monster Hunter*'s success.

"Twenty years ago, Japan had excellent network infrastructure, facilitating online play," Tsujimoto explains. "Moving to handhelds expanded the multiplayer player base."

*Monster Hunter*'s cooperative gameplay thrived on readily accessible hunts with friends. Handheld consoles, combined with Japan's advanced internet, created a localized market advantage, even if unintended.

This created a cycle. *Monster Hunter* became a Japanese bestseller, leading to region-specific content and events, reinforcing its "Japan-only" image. However, Western fans eagerly watched from afar, missing out on exclusive content.

With improved Western internet infrastructure and online gaming becoming standard, Tsujimoto saw an opportunity. *Monster Hunter: World*, released in 2018 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, marked a significant shift.

"Our globalization approach, reflected in the game's title, aimed for worldwide appeal," Tsujimoto reveals. "‘World’ signifies our desire to engage a global audience experiencing *Monster Hunter* for the first time."

Simultaneous worldwide release, eliminating Japan-exclusive content, was crucial. Tsujimoto aimed to meet global standards. Beyond simultaneous release, they analyzed how to broaden appeal globally.

"We conducted worldwide playtests," Tsujimoto says. "The feedback significantly impacted game design and global success."

One key change: displaying damage numbers. These small tweaks to a successful formula propelled *Monster Hunter* to new heights. Previous games sold 1.3 to 5 million copies. *Monster Hunter: World* and *Rise* each surpassed 20 million.

This growth wasn't accidental. Instead of altering *Monster Hunter*'s core, Capcom made it more accessible without sacrificing its unique qualities. This approach continues with *Monster Hunter Wilds*.

"At its core, *Monster Hunter* is an action game," Tsujimoto explains. "The accomplishment of mastering the action is key. We analyze where players struggle, gather feedback, and improve systems. This knowledge informs *Wilds*' design."

Within 35 minutes of release, *Monster Hunter Wilds* reached 738,000 concurrent Steam players, exceeding *Monster Hunter: World*'s peak. Positive reviews and future content promise further success, continuing the series' global conquest.