Japanese Racism?

cpapple · 03-08-2005, 10:26 PM

SORRY I meant to put this in general.

Info at xbox365.com

1,000 Japanese consumers aged between 10 and 59 were questioned for the survey, with 60 per cent choosing the PlayStation 3 as the next-gen system they're most interested in, followed by the Nintendo Revolution on 8 per cent and the X360 on just 2 per cent.

The poor showing for the Revolution is perhaps understandable, given that Nintendo has released only sketchy outline details regarding the console so far - but the figure for the Xbox 360 will come as a disappointment to Microsoft, which has focused heavily on the Japanese market in recent months.

MH_prophet · 03-08-2005, 10:35 PM

This is a number of factors, ignorance, loyalties, or maybe they really do prefer it. I dunno, but I don't think a console survey could reflect racism.

Justin Buser · 04-08-2005, 12:33 AM

Loyalty mostly, maybe a small amount of ignorance

Liquids · 04-08-2005, 12:53 AM

Where is the final 30%?

Anyway I hardly think racism is the right word. The Japanese probably just trust in national brands and products over international companies.

MH_prophet · 04-08-2005, 01:08 AM

I think the other 30 percent is undecided

Father Campfire · 04-08-2005, 10:06 AM

I agree they stick to their own brands mainly. A few japanese developer making rpg's on the 360 will eventually change the japanese perception of the 360 in the end. Wait and see.

Cybergig1 · 04-08-2005, 10:57 AM

Not really racism, definitely a bit of loyalism and you've got to remember honestly they have very different tastes than american gamers. They are heavy on RPG and "gimmick" gametypes that xbox simply does not have, so the few games they probably would play on an xbox happen to already also be on PS. So their need for one is pretty much zilch. Some of the Xbox's best games are FPS' and the Japanese really dont care much for that style game at all. But if you look at a lot of import games you will see a HUGE amount of games for PS2 that you've never seen here in the states. Its those Japan specific games that make them love the playstation so much. As microsoft has nothing over there to compete with those style games and the developers know there isn't a market for those particular games on Xbox so they only make them on the playstation. I think it will change some with this new generation, but to really think its going to be this major invasion or shift isn't realistic. If xbox360 can at least pull 2nd in Japan that'll be an accomplishment. I dont see them breaking out over there. A lot of my friends from overseas say that the Xbox and Xbox 360 is a joke to them. Doesn't mean its a bad system its just one of those things. It'll do great in other regions so doesn't matter to each their own this is why I just buy everything

course I'm not buying the Revolution lol

skbriot22 · 04-08-2005, 11:26 AM

I agree with everyone on this, its not so much racism but loyalty to there own. If we look at it this way-- they might see american-based MS as an invading force in their games market, a market that has been predominantly Japanese for some time.(Nintendo, Sega, PS1&2 u know them) I'm not saying that all would think this way but, it is almost garanteed that--in a show of defiance to an outside entity, the hardcore Japanese gamer/fanboy would say 'Who does MS think they are, coming into sony and nintendo's house actin' like the own the place' lol. Which is sad actually because i'm the kind of gamer that likes to test my metal against everyone.(xbox live style)

Grindstone · 04-08-2005, 12:36 PM

Id' say its patriotism, then loyalism and maybe racism to a (hopefully) small amount. The Japanese know it is important to invest in their own market, and Sony and Nintendo are just that, supporting the local economy. Sure, they may be buying an inferior product, but if it caters to their needs, then it meets their standards.

It'll be interesting to see what the Japanese do this November, with the Xbox 360 coming in with so many good titles, and the PS3 maybe launching in Spring of `06 and Nintendo in Fall of `06. Considering the Xbox 360 goodness that is coming to stores, I bet a few more drop ranks with Sony and buy American. More and 2% at least.

Quade013 · 04-08-2005, 01:42 PM

Great post by Cybergig1. There is a huge shift between western and eastern type games. I think that with the inclusion of some large Japanese developers for the 360, Microsoft will see a better showing in Japan compared the Xbox. Besides, I for one really do not need a horse racing simulator for my 360.

Cybergig1 · 04-08-2005, 02:56 PM

LOL I hear you Quade013, I was so going to mention that I really dont see a market for those games anywhere but in Japan where you drive their public transport trains with a 200 dollar controller that has "forward" and "back" haha I nearly died when my friend showed me that at a store in Korea lol
But I wont knock all imports I actually have quite a few PS2 imports, you'd be surprised how many killer party games they make, but yeah the others as you and I mentioned are just......wth

But yeah the new box should go into Japan a good bit stronger than the current one. At least enough for them to gain some recognition with those developers they have picked up. Also saw where on gamespot they mentioned even more FF games could come to all next gen consoles so that'll help.

You can definitely tell from a lot of the games well all talk about here on the site that a lot of the games are still geared towards americans, which works for me!

I have my new HDTV, I have my surround sound, give me my Xbox 360 dangit >_< lol missing the crucial piece of hardware, just a few more months....