Keiji Inafune: Japan Can't Just Rely on Nostalgia for Its Games

With Game Developers Conference going on this week, it's understandable that there have been so many musings worth chewing on regarding all aspects of the industry. Ex-Capcom producer Keiji Inafune (Mega Man, Lost Planet) offers more constructive criticism of Japan's efforts in game creation than Phil Fish's much talked about statement that Japanese games just suck.

[Amazingmrbrock]

Seems to work pretty well for nintendo, and activision.

This isn't something thats just an issue in japan. The west is just as mired in its nostalgia. It can be seen in games having endless similar sequels.

That's not to say there's a problem with sequels themselves just the fashion the entire industry has been going about them.

Often a publisher will push a developer to release three games in fairly quick succession, if the first does well enough to warrant it of course.

Some publishers stop after three, some keep on pushing for more, some switch in a new team, or sometimes the developers split.

With all that though the consumer base seems to support this trend. I personally find most series to be worn out after the second game, but there are quite a few examples otherwise in recent history.

It does seem like most developers given the power seem to stop after one sequel and move onto something else. Often even doing the sequel after a fresh ip. For indie's it's more risky to jump into a sequel to something that is untested.

[Tuxedo_Mask]

While I agree that it does work for others, such as Nintendo, I also agree with Inafune when he says they need to take more risks and create new characters and ideas for games. Most of the highly praised games from Japan do that, like Demon's Souls and Catherine.

[tantobanto]

exactly

the problems in the game industry are worldwide but I wouldnt give up japanese games for anything

who else is developing tales or devil survivor? or revelations or kid icaris or ninokuni or agarest

[Legionaire2005]

Well very few developers like Quantic Dream, don't make sequels. There is no sequels for Indigo Prophecy, and Heavy Rain. Now they are up for a new game that is different from Heavy Rain.

[Ghost250]

i wish they would remake indigo prophecy

[FinaLXiii]

Keiji Inafune i hope you prove your full capabilities with your next game i really do.

[Arnagrim]

I love me some JRPGs but everything this guy says I agree with.