Before its global launch, *Monster Hunter Wilds* shattered pre-order records on Steam and PlayStation, echoing 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. But this wasn't always the case.
Less than a decade ago, such widespread global popularity would have seemed improbable. The 2004 original 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. This article explores the reasons behind this, and Capcom's successful strategy to conquer the international market, culminating in the triumphs of *Monster Hunter: World*, *Rise*, and now, *Wilds*.
This is the story of *Monster Hunter*'s journey from domestic darling to global giant.
Around the 2016 launch of *Street Fighter 5*, Capcom underwent a significant internal restructuring to prepare for a new generation of games powered by the RE Engine, replacing the aging MT Framework. This wasn't merely a technological upgrade; it signaled a commitment to creating 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 reveals a pursuit of 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 universally appealing games, transcending traditional Western genres.
"We focused intently, holding nothing back," Itsuno states. "Our goal: excellent games with global reach."
The period leading up to 2017 proved pivotal. "Organizational and engine changes converged," Itsuno notes. The launch of *Resident Evil 7* marked the beginning of a Capcom renaissance.
No series better embodies this global success 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. The Japanese handheld market, encompassing PSP, DS, and Switch, has always been stronger than its Western counterpart. According to executive producer Ryozo Tsujimoto, Japan's advanced wireless internet network enabled reliable multiplayer gaming, a key feature for *Monster Hunter*.
"Twenty years ago, Japan had robust network infrastructure, facilitating online multiplayer," Tsujimoto explains. "Moving to handhelds expanded the multiplayer player base."
This created a cycle. *Monster Hunter* became a Japanese bestseller, leading to Japan-exclusive content and events, reinforcing its image as a "Japan-only" brand. Western fans watched enviously.
But 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 offered AAA console-quality action, enhanced graphics, larger areas, and bigger monsters.
"Our globalization strategy, reflected in the game's title, aimed for worldwide appeal," Tsujimoto reveals. "Simultaneous global release, with no Japan-exclusive content, aligned with global standards."
Beyond simultaneous release, Tsujimoto's team conducted global playtests to refine the formula. "Playtests worldwide impacted game systems and contributed to the game's global success," Tsujimoto says.
One key change was displaying damage numbers. These subtle improvements propelled *Monster Hunter* to unprecedented heights. Previous titles 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 focused on making its unique aspects more accessible without compromise. This approach continues with *Wilds*.
"At its heart, *Monster Hunter* is an action game; mastering that action is key," Tsujimoto explains. "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, exceeding *World*'s peak. With glowing reviews and promised future content, *Wilds* is poised to surpass even *World* and *Rise*'s achievements, continuing the series' global conquest.
