Tell us how can the Xbox 360 win over Japan and win a copy of Lost Planet

Ohh missed something, if they were to get Final Fantasy series then they would be pretty much guaranteed a massive portion of the Japanese market.

Well if the PS3 flunks really badly the only real contender is in fact the Wii and given the amount of Jap players on Lost Planet (they nearly outnumber Americans) I'd say it wouldn't be such a big step I'd suggest that Microsoft simply release more story based games (oh i don't know, lost planet, blue dragon) and less complete graphical games with a slightly less compelling storyline and buggy online gameplay (gears) or just keep a wide genre of games going and they will conquer japan eventually

I missed the deadline for this, but I'd still like to post...

I think the solution is quite simple, actually.

The 360 had an bad start in Japan because of its lack of quality software. There just wasn't enough Japanese developer support. The launch line up was quite sad. What they should've done, was build with Japanese developers from the start to work on fresh exclusives, fresh originals, and bona fide classic franchises. Launching the 360 in Japan without any Japanese developed titles, was like launching a present-day portable music player without MP3-file support; simply put; there was nothing to play.

The 360 is American in origin, so it really needs to study its Japanese market. MS really needs to do its homework on this one. What is popular in Japan? What moves units? What do gamers want?

Maybe it's not too late. They can still work with the trusted guns, like Konami, Capcom, Square, Namco, etc. to bring out some good stuff. No, we don't want stuff like Ninety Nine Nights. That felt like some watered down, diluted, Square stepchild title that wanted to pass as next gen. Oh wait. That's exactly what it was. N3 didn't have any original characters, no engaging gameplay, no engrossing storyline, no evolution in game design, or other any redeemable qualities. The game was weak. Microsoft needs to stay away from stuff like this, and focus on the hard hitting, crowd pleasing titles. Case in point: the 360 gets Ninety Nine Nights, while the old PS2 gets FFXII. FFXII sold millions, Ninety Nine Nights didn't sell as many.

I think the difficulty here is that Microsoft wants to push next-gen gaming philosophy when all Japan really wants to do is play tried / true, correctly evolved, trusted, and sound quality game play. That isn't to say that next gen doesn't have any stay in Japan, but they need to have a foundation first. Develop quality, Japanese based games first, and then high-light that line up with cutting edge titles afterwards, like Lost Planet. Look at the DS Lite, or the Wii. Not exactly eye popping in terms of visuals, but its all about the trusted game play. And that stuff moves units. The recent sales spike caused by Blue Dragon proves all of this. AA quality titles within known genres / developers will sell consoles. Work on this stuff first, lay that foundation, and they can lay on as many next gen titles without worry.

The XBLA platform is a great idea, but it also suffers from a weak line up of games. For one, is the 50MB size limit hurting or helping Microsoft? To be certain, I think the size limit is hurting Microsoft. Sure, it allows for gamers to transport the game around, but honestly, who really uses this stuff? They need to do away with the size limit and feature some real games on XBLA. Offer some real content, like Megaman, Street Fighter Alpha, Sudoku, Sega classics, Namco classics, Konami classics, Hudson classics, Tecmo classics, Super Dodge Ball, strategy games, etc. Only then, will you have a contender.

Sadly, the 360 can only offer shooters, sports, and action games at the moment, and little else.

To succeed in Japan, the 360 needs a solid base of quality games, must-have titles for XBLA, several next gen titles mixed in, and heck maybe even a smaller, redesigned power supply for the hell of it.

All of that Xbox Live stuff: downloadable media, picture packs, music streaming, etc. that should come second - while they focus on making it a solid game console; first.

quote:
Devin: "Sony doesn’t have to own the company. They can pay to have exclusive console rights to certain games."

Devin, I totally agree. I've been gaming long enough (since the good old days of Atari 2600 and NES) to see when companies secure exclusive rights to certain games or franchises. I still have fond memories of SF2 and MK I (even though it had sweat instead of blood, the graphics weren't bad, but MK II made up for it) on the SNES.

Like you, I sure hope the MGS4 rumor is true. I mean, MG had its start on the MSX/NES; it then went on to have numerous sequels on Sony's systems. Why not make the move over to Microsoft?
Whether the rumor is true or not, GTA4 will be on both the PS3 and XBOX 360 this year, and as you've probably heard, VF5 will be on the 360 as well.

However, I don't agree with your statement: "They [Microsoft] have no chance of winning this gen,..."
Personally, I think the battle has just begun, and it will take a few years before we see a clear winner. MS already have a few hits that were popular in Japan -- Dead Rising and Blue Dragon to name a few. Lost Planet will most likely be a hit in both Japan and the US, which is suprising to me, since the Japanese don't seem to like FPS.

So, only time will tell which console will win the war.

Sony doesn't have to own the company. They can pay to have exclusive console rights to certain games. Kind of like what Nintendo did with Capcom and the Resident Evil series. Nintendo made a five game deal with them, which is over now luckily. I really hope the MGS4 rumor is true, if they lose that and FF/Dragon Quest Sony is done for. Microsoft should just try to make good with Japanese developers and build up more support, that is something they definitely need over there. They have no chance of winning this gen, but maybe if they up the ante on some of the things said above, plus good word of mouth from the few people that do have one over in Japan, then they might be well set for the next round. As long as the 360 is strong in the US then I'll be happy. The Japs just don't know what they're missing.

quote:
snake: What kakashi said about them trying to make final fantasy and MGS xbox exclusives wouldnt be possible, even though the games are developed by 3rd party companies they are still 80% owned by sony, microsoft wouldnt even be able to get those games made for the 360 without permission from sony, let alone get them as exclusives.

I beg to differ -- it might be very well possible. If you are old enough to remember, Final Fantasy and Metal Gear both had their start on the Famicom/NES, with a few sequels to FF on the SNES/Super Famicom. It wasn't until the PlayStation (One) that both franchises were made for Sony's system.

Also, not to start a flaming war, but where did you read that Konami and Square-Enix (formerly Squaresoft before they merged with Enix, publisher of the awesome Terranigma) are 80% owned by Sony?? So you're saying Sony allowed Square-Enix to make FF games for the DS? Last I checked, they are their own companies.

I think anything's possible with regards to which system gets exlusives. Sure, there's a high probablity it won't happen, but if you've been keeping up with recent gaming news, it's rumored that MGS4 will be released on both PS3 and XBOX 360. :)

Microsoft's approach to Japan is not all bad. The brand must build trust in a market where there are already established giants (Sega, Nintento, Sony, etc...). From an outsider's perspective it seems as if Microsoft is using a top-down strategy, trying to win (or buy) over Japanese developers and just let the content do the talking. While this process is not instant, it may very well be successful. No need for gimmicky tactics. As long as Gates backs every company, from dating sims on up, the finicky market will soon see the perks in the 360.

They started this process lat in the game of the XBOX1 and the advancements have helped the 360 get off the ground a little faster. With a 360/2 definitely in the works in Redmond, I can predict a very bright future for the company in the land of the rising sun. Just keep giving full (cheap) dev kits to all those developers and starting up the full out Japanese-viral marketing (mobile phone ads, billboards, handouts at the disco, etc), as well as loosening up the "attitude" at Microsoft, and Gates & co. should be fine. It seems as though they get this and as long as they continue on the current path in an exponential matter, they should be fine.

In order of importance:
Solid Hardware -> Japanese Developers -> the fostering of innately Eastern genres -> abundance of Japanese friendly content on XBOX live -> viral marketing -> GREAT SUCCESS!

Another thing I thought of is having Anime/Manga versions of Microsofts franchises. Maybe that would build up their popularity over in Japan, thus selling more 360s. Retooling their existing stuff for the Jap. market wouldn't be a bad idea. Maybe even a slightly altered Mass Effect or Fable might work. Hell, even a Halo JRPG could be crazy good.

Have Sony or Nintendo put their name on it. If they don't do that I'm not sure how they could do it. Maybe once the big name third party Sony franchises start moving over we might see a change. If that doesn't sway them, I don't know what will. Maybe some hentai in the video download section or something might help.

Clearly what the 360 is lacking is some innovative rhythm game. playstation has a bunch--taiko, ddr, guitar hero, etc. gamecube has a couple--donkey konga, probably some others i can't think of off the top of my head. Microsoft needs to exploit that market and do something new with it. Who wouldn't love to duel with their friends on a game like "Harmonica Hustlers" or rock out on "Battle Bassoon"?

I still say that the DS bundle is the best idea.

I waited until reading some comments before I posted. Having done that, I disagree with every single idea. By the time you finish this, you'll see how uninformed the previous ideas were.

The Game Library is the obvious key point everyone hits on. It's the gaping bullet wound of perpetual bleedom. Racing and shooting sims compose not a gamer am. Still, with this software lineup, I as Head of 360 Japan, march on.

So, why does Japan matter? The simpler reason: Microsoft business tactics are offensive in nature. If you disrupt the competitor's base, it's easier to catch up. The logical reason: Japan is the home of gamerdom. Highest percentage of gamers per square mile. Japan is also the Paris of the Asian world. Anything fashionable in Japan is first mimicked, then emulated, then outright stolen. If you can survive in Japan, you can survive anywhere. As an Asian of non Japanese relation, I can tell you, aside from Gears of War, and Blue Dragon, there are no titles that I would consider purchasing. Yet I can find a great PS2 game every month. For cheap.

So how do you remedy a situation when the solution requires 2+ years of game development? What Japanese understand are brands. Hire Capcom, Konami, Level 5 and Mistwalker to do Quickie Content.

1)Purchasable Artbooks, Manga distributed from Xbox Live, for free and otherwise.
2)XNA games. GBA games are below 50 MB and they sell very well. Secret of Mana, Advance Wars, Drilldozer. Remember, it's important to get the exact game from the specific companies. You don't need the originality more than you need the brand acceptance.

All this is to build a working relationship with these Japanese developers. In order to increase userbase, the name of the game is still exclusivity. Luckily the price of the PS3 will create an exodus of lesser known Japanese game devs. They will start pounding at your door, soon enough, possibly through the previously established relationship. But you've got to offer them a decent jumping off point to jumpstart your market. Remember, they're natural tendency will be to flock to the Wii.

Don't depend on the PS2 Exodus. Build your exclusivities on the other end of Xbox Live. The system plays games AND online media. It's much easier to broker exclusivity for movies, music, and tv. Xbox Live as a streaming cable channel. You'll never win Japan through your gaming library. Win it through the fact that most top selling movies, music and television come from America. Just like Sony and Japan have a leg up on the 360 because most of the top-selling games are Japanese in origin.

As head of Japan's division, there's only so much you can do. The software foundation has to be solid. Demo-ing the interoperability between Zune, Xbox Movie Rentals, and the 360 would give a bunch of regional exclusives.

That's, of course, not out yet. The PS2 exodus is going to happen. It can be hentai games, or Cero-Z software, the 360 has to catch the fallout so that in 3 years, they can actually give the Xbox 2010 a library they can fight with.

Personally, I think embracing the 'CERO Z' market is a dumb idea. It'll only hit a small niché group of people, and I mean a very small amount. Microsoft of Japan clearly does not truly understand the Japanese market. Are they looking at the numbers? The best selling games are non-games like Brain Age, Nintendogs, and Wii Sports. Non-games sell systems. JRPGs sell systems. In one of their few smart moves, they got an exclusive in Blue Dragon and that style of games would move their console in the Land of the Rising Sun in a good direction. If I was running Japan's Xbox division, I would run it in that direction. Non-games and RPGs, plus Japanese-centric games that don't go overboard like Okami. I would make sure Microsoft understood the Japanese market would adopt for Japanese-made exclusive titles and not translated Western-centric games.

hmmm, only one solution - Make a damn Dragonball game for the 360!
I mean even over 20 years later the Dragonball games that are being released are selling like hotcakes, so all they need to do is make THE best dragonball game exclusively to the 360 and poof, Japan + dbz360 bundle = happy microsoft

Bundle them with DS lites. Honestly, if someone can come up with a way to get the 360 to sell in Japan they would probably get more than Lost Planet... they would get a VP position at MS's entertainment division.

Interesting discussion so far. It sounds the majority is saying that RPGs are key to success. That and established franchises like Metal Gear. What about carving out brand new games or picking up old niche titles. Would Raidant Silvergun 3 help? What about Shenmue III or Beatmania?

And Andy thanks for helping take pictures I'm sending you an e-mail.

The two biggest RPG franchises, Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy, both have to be on the system in order for it to do well there. They can't just have both series on there though, they need to have the main entries in the series, no sidequests or peripheral titles. They need to have the real deal games of the series on the system. Also, Japan loves dating sims. They're not hard to make so Microsoft should just through a couple on there for good measure.

What kakashi said about them trying to make final fantasy and MGS xbox exclusives wouldnt be possible, even though the games are developed by 3rd party companies they are still 80% owned by sony, microsoft wouldnt even be able to get those games made for the 360 without permission from sony, let alone get them as exclusives.

There are a bunch of things they can do, and I agree it is an important issue to them. I actually think they've been doing a fairly good job of slowly but steadily working their way into homes over there.

First, Microsoft has done a good job of either a) hanging onto exclusive titles or b) luring other exclusives away from other consoles recently. This is a big step, but instead of games like Assassin's Creed, they need to get titles like Metal Gear Solid on the XBox line-up -- games that Japanese gamers think, "I HAVE to have a PS3 because is only on the PS3." Those are the titles they need to grab -- this makes it a viable alternative.

I think the CERO Z angle works for a small portion of the Japanese market, but I don't think it will capture the mass market.

This is obvious, but more fantasy-based RPGs would be good. Blue Dragon was a good start. I think something like Zelda Four Swords, if well-produced, could be a hit -- something that is a combination of a party-game and RPG, both of which are big in Japan. It doesn't really seem like Live! is that much of an attraction in Japan, so their advertising strategy might need to change a bit, as well. Top selling games in Japan are things like Dragon Quest, Pokemon, Final Fantasy... other games sell, but Microsoft really needs a blockbuster must-have to really move consoles -- and it needs to be exclusive; otherwise, there's no point, since the consumers will continue to buy other consoles.

Similar to how a lot of people won't buy a PS3 now because there "aren't any good games, except Fall of Man," I'm sure a lot of Japanese gamers might say the 360 "doesn't have any good games, except Blue Dragon." So really, just a solid and continual release of games that appeal to the Japanese gaming crowd, like Blue Dragon, should eventually sway some gamers.

To get specific and just speculate, my proposal would be a big event, with multiple games, launching a new franchise. One game would be a more traditional sci-fi/fantasy mash-up with mecha -- something similar to Xenogears, and it would have a multiplayer component similar to the "Tales of..." franchise, but no real Live! functionality. Another could be a game like Gundam games -- with a new point of view and new revelations about the same storyline, but an entirely different playstyle, and would make the most of Live! for multiplayer. I somewhat envision the games working in tandem somehow, similar to Zelda's Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages. At the launch event, both games could be sold together as a bundle for the price of one -- maybe even go so far as to make a "franchise" edition of the XBox, similar to the GameCube's Metroid version and whatnot. At this point in time, Microsoft isn't looking to make money on the games as much as just get the console into people's homes. Similar to how they originally took a loss on the system, only now they're redirecting the loss from the hardware to a software include.

I have no idea if that would work, and it would represent a substantial monetary investment, but I do think a high-publicity launch type event with some games aimed solidly at the Japanese market is needed just to get consoles in the homes.

I'm going to the Lost Planet party in San Francisco, and I'll gladly take photos for Siliconera.

I totally disagree with Cherry, being succsessful in Japan is important to Microsoft. The gamers are one thing, but they can bring in developers like Capcom, Square, and Konami. This means more games for the 360 and if MS is lucky some of them will be exclusives. Didn't MS just take Virtua Fighter away from Sony? They can keep getting other series if they keep getting an audience in Japan.

If you look at the games that were released for the 360 the past year orso, 80-90 % of these are either shooters, sports games or racing games. All of these genres/games, a few exceptions such as GT ignored, aren't popular at all. MS needs to change it image of only making realistic/mature games and get into the fantasy tales (of the likes of Final Fantasy, Zelda and Dragon Quest) if it wants to succeed in Japan. There seems to be a lot of MS-hate in Japan, as they never even gave the old Xbox a chance, but if they keep trying and making games like Blue Dragon, they might eventually succeed. I guess it's gonna take years though.

I think Microsoft should stop putting so much effort in Japan. I've noticed some of the things Japan gets, and I find it ridiculous they get so much attention and extra things when they obviously have little to no interest in the XBox 360. I say stop putting so much effort into Japan, and put effort into the countries where the console actually, you know, SELLS.

Obviously, the only way the XBox 360 is going to succeed in Japan is if the console garners more of the kind of games that Japan is in to. I don't know what that is, but I guess high profile games. That's all they can really do. Shouldn't be hard for MIcrosoft to find a sale chart and then mimic the games that sell the most.

It's really difficult to say whether or not Lost Planet will sell more 360s. RPG seems to be the most popular type of game in Japan, and FPS always seem low on the list, if they appear on the list at all. On the other hand, Capcom is a Japanese company, so maybe they know what sells in Japan.

If I were running Japan's Xbox division, I'd make every attempt possible to snatch up Final Fantasy and Metal Gear as Xbox exclusives. Sounds crazy, but I know it would work.