Monster Hunter Wilds: Open World Revolution

Following the breakthrough success of Monster Hunter World, Capcom has geared up to shake up the series with Monster Hunter Wilds.
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Capcom Hopes to Capitalize on Extended Global Reach with Monster Hunter WildsRedefining the Monster Hunter's Hunting Grounds

Monster Hunter Wilds is Capcom's ambitious new installment in the Monster Hunter series that transforms the franchise's epic battles into a vibrant, interconnected world brimming with a living ecosystem that evolves in real time.

In an interview with Game Developer at the recent Summer Game Fest, series producer Ryozo Tsujimoto, executive director Kaname Fujioka, and game director Yuya Tokuda discussed how Monster Hunter Wilds is poised to revolutionize the series. They highlighted a new emphasis on fluid gameplay and an immersive environment that reacts to player actions.

Just as in previous Monster Hunter games, players assume the role of hunters in an unexplored region filled with new wildlife and resources in Monster Hunter Wilds. However, the game's demo at Summer Game Fest displayed a departure from the series' traditional mission-based framework. Instead of isolated zones, Wilds showcased a seamless, open world where players can freely explore, hunt, and engage with the environment.

"The seamlessness of the game is truly one of our core design principles in Monster Hunter Wilds," said Fujioka. "We aimed to create detailed and immersive ecosystems that necessitate a seamless world populated with hostile monsters you can freely hunt."

In-Game World is Exceptionally Dynamic

The demo showcased desert settlements, expansive biomes and monsters, as well as NPC hunters. The game's novel approach lets players select targets or actions without timed constraints, providing a more improvisational hunting experience. Fujioka emphasized the significance of world interaction. "We concentrated on interactions like monster packs pursuing targets and their conflicts with human hunters. These characters exhibit 24-hour behavior patterns, resulting in a more vibrant and natural world."

Monster Hunter Wilds also incorporates real-time weather shifts and fluctuating monster populations. Game director Yuya Tokuda described how new technology facilitated this dynamic world. "Constructing a massive, evolving ecosystem with more monsters and interactive characters presented a significant challenge. Environmental alterations occur concurrently, a feat previously unattainable."

The triumph of Monster Hunter World provided Capcom valuable insights and shaped the creation of Wilds. Series producer Ryozo Tsujimoto stated that considering their broader global strategy was crucial throughout development. "We approached Monster Hunter World with a global outlook, emphasizing simultaneous worldwide launch and comprehensive localization. This global viewpoint aided us in considering players unfamiliar with Monster Hunter and how to re-engage them."