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 major player in the global video game market. 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 unthinkable: the game received mixed reviews. It wasn't until the 2005 PSP release that the series truly took off—in Japan.
For years, Monster Hunter epitomized the "bigger in Japan" phenomenon. While the reasons are multifaceted, as this article will explore, Capcom relentlessly pursued international market penetration. The success of Monster Hunter World, Rise, and now Wilds validates their efforts.
This is the story of Monster Hunter's journey from domestic darling to global powerhouse.
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 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 his work on 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 target a perceived "Western market." While Resident Evil 4 was a 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 genre conventions.
"We focused intently, holding nothing back," Itsuno states. "Our goal: create exceptional 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 that year marked the beginning of a Capcom renaissance.
No series better exemplifies this global success than Monster Hunter. While it had a dedicated Western fanbase, it remained significantly larger in Japan. This wasn't inherent to the series' design, but rather a result of several factors.
Monster Hunter Freedom Unite's PSP release was crucial. Handheld gaming has always been stronger in Japan, as evidenced by the PSP, Nintendo DS, and Switch. This popularity stems from various factors, but according to executive producer Ryozo Tsujimoto, Japan's advanced wireless internet network allowed for reliable multiplayer play—years ahead of the US.
"Twenty years ago, Japan had robust 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 ideal platform. Japan's advanced internet inadvertently created a localized market focus.
This created a cycle: Monster Hunter became a Japanese bestseller, leading to Japan-only content and events, further reinforcing its "Japan-only" image.
Western fans watched enviously as Japanese players received exclusive content. However, as Western internet infrastructure improved, Tsujimoto saw an opportunity to launch the most globally accessible Monster Hunter game yet.
The 2018 release of Monster Hunter: World on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC was transformative. Designed for powerful consoles, it offered AAA-quality visuals, larger environments, and bigger monsters.
"Our globalization strategy, and the game's title itself, reflect our aim to reach a worldwide audience," Tsujimoto reveals. "Monster Hunter: World signifies our commitment to a global experience."
Simultaneous global releases, eliminating region-locked content, were crucial. Tsujimoto's team also analyzed ways to broaden appeal. "We conducted global focus tests; the feedback significantly influenced game design and our global success," Tsujimoto says.
One key change was displaying damage numbers. These small refinements to a successful formula propelled Monster Hunter to unprecedented 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 to suit Western tastes, Capcom made it more accessible without sacrificing its unique identity. This approach continues with Monster Hunter Wilds.
"At its core, 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. Positive reviews and promised content suggest Wilds will surpass even World and Rise's achievements, continuing the series' global conquest.
