The Xbox 360 started out with several exclusive games from Japanese developers, with titles games such as Lost Odyssey and Blue Dragon. However, things started slowing down towards the middle of its life-cycle. Recently, Microsoft Japan’s Takeshi Sensui spoke to Famitsu magazine about the future of Xbox One in Japan.
Famitsu start out by expressing their curiosity towards developments between Microsoft Japan and Japanese developers. They ask Microsoft Japan’s Interactive Entertainment Business Manager to share a few words on the subject.
“Since the very first generation of Xbox, we’ve prided ourselves on having worked closely with Japanese developers,” says Sensui. “For Xbox One, we plan on continuing these relations, and we’re currently talking to each and every developer about having them release their best titles [for Xbox One].”
Famitsu points out that we’re entering an era of multi-devices, where devices such as smartphones are seemingly becoming the norm along with consoles. They ask if there are any things that only the Xbox One will be offering.
“Yes, that’s exactly it,” responds Sensui. “While it is true that multi-device development is practically a basic strategy for every company out there, many might also wonder ‘so what kind of fun will the Xbox One be offering?’. As previously mentioned, the experience from the new Kinect model will be a big weapon for us.”
“There’s also Xbox Live, Smart Glass, Cloud, and the use of other original features of the Xbox One that will provide developers with the need of only ‘one device,’ as I believe,” he continues. “I’d also like to plan out a way of making different gaming experiences out there. On the other hand, we’re also continuing our talks to companies about having them offer games that can only be played on Xbox One.”
Compared to the first generation Xbox, Famitsu asks if there’s a change in the focus they have towards Japanese developers.
“Of course. Today’s game industry is similar to what we have in the film industry,” says Sensui. “There are Japanese gamers who enjoy high-scale and high-tech titles, similar to Hollywood movies that are on a global scale, and there are some who enjoy original Japanese content. I believe that it’ll be important to balance the two as we expand from now.”
“That said, while offering excellent games that are released around the world, I’d like to also increase the amount of games that are made for the Japanese gamers,” continues Sensui.
“In order to do that, in addition to the big Japanese developers, we’ll be keeping close communications with the small and medium-sized developers, as we prepare the lineup.”
