Before its global launch, *Monster Hunter Wilds* shattered pre-order records on Steam and PlayStation, following in the colossal footsteps of its incredibly popular predecessors, *Monster Hunter Rise* (2022) and *Monster Hunter: World* (2018). These sales figures solidify Capcom's unique RPG series as a major player in the global video game market. This wasn't always the case, however.
Less than a decade ago, the global popularity *Monster Hunter* enjoys today would have seemed unimaginable. Even further back, at the series' 2004 debut, it would have been considered highly improbable: the original game received mixed reviews. It wasn't until the 2005 PSP release that the series truly exploded—in Japan.
For years, *Monster Hunter* epitomized the "bigger in Japan" phenomenon. The reasons, as we'll explore, were straightforward, yet this didn't deter Capcom from its quest to conquer the international market. *Monster Hunter World*, *Rise*, and now *Wilds* prove this effort was worthwhile.
This is the story of *Monster Hunter*'s journey from domestic darling to global powerhouse.
Around the launch of *Street Fighter 5* in 2016, Capcom underwent an internal restructuring to prepare for a new generation of games powered by the RE Engine, replacing the aging MT Framework. This wasn't merely a technological shift; it signaled a commitment to creating games for a global, not just regional, audience.
“Several factors converged,” explains Hideaki Itsuno, a former Capcom game director known for *Devil May Cry*. “The engine change, and a clear mandate for all teams to create globally appealing games—games fun for everyone.”
Capcom's PS3 and Xbox 360 era games often felt like attempts to capture a perceived "Western market." *Resident Evil 4* was a success, but spin-offs like *Umbrella Corps* and the *Lost Planet* series, chasing late-2000s Western trends, fell short. Capcom realized the need for broader appeal.
“We focused intently, holding nothing back,” Itsuno states, “on creating excellent games with worldwide appeal.”
Itsuno highlights the pivotal period leading up to 2017: “Organizational and engine changes converged then.” *Resident Evil 7*'s launch that year marked a Capcom renaissance.
No series embodies this global ambition better than *Monster Hunter*. While it had Western fans, it was significantly larger in Japan. This wasn't intentional; several factors contributed.
First, *Monster Hunter Freedom Unite*'s PSP release was pivotal. Handheld gaming has always been stronger in Japan, and the PSP's success, along with the DS and Switch, highlights this. According to executive producer Ryozo Tsujimoto, Japan's advanced wireless network enabled reliable multiplayer, a key element for *Monster Hunter*'s success.
“Two decades ago, Japan boasted robust network infrastructure, facilitating online multiplayer,” Tsujimoto explains. “Moving to handhelds expanded the multiplayer player base.”
This created a cycle: *Monster Hunter* games became Japanese bestsellers, leading to Japan-exclusive content and events, further solidifying its image as a "Japan-only" brand.
Western fans watched enviously. But as Western internet infrastructure improved, Tsujimoto saw an opportunity to launch the most globally accessible *Monster Hunter* game yet.
The 2018 release of *Monster Hunter: World* on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC was transformative. It offered AAA console quality—enhanced graphics, larger areas, and bigger monsters—moving beyond handheld limitations.
“Our globalization approach, reflected in the game's title,” Tsujimoto reveals, “was a nod to our desire to reach a worldwide audience and introduce them to *Monster Hunter*.”
Simultaneous worldwide release and the absence of Japan-exclusive content were crucial. Tsujimoto and his team analyzed how to broaden appeal without compromising the core formula.
“Global focus tests and user feedback impacted game system design and our global success,” Tsujimoto says.
One key change was displaying damage numbers. These subtle improvements propelled *Monster Hunter* to unprecedented heights. Previous games sold around 1.3 to 5 million copies; *Monster Hunter: World* and *Rise* each surpassed 20 million.
This growth wasn't accidental. Instead of altering *Monster Hunter*'s core to suit Western tastes, Capcom made it more accessible without sacrificing its essence. This approach continues with *Wilds*.
“At its core, *Monster Hunter* is an action game, emphasizing mastery,” Tsujimoto explains. “We analyze where players struggle, gather feedback, and use that knowledge to improve accessibility in *Wilds*.”
Within 35 minutes of release, *Monster Hunter Wilds* reached 738,000 concurrent Steam players, exceeding *Monster Hunter: World*'s peak. Positive reviews and promised future content suggest *Wilds* will surpass even *World* and *Rise*'s achievements, continuing the series' global conquest.
