Before its global launch, *Monster Hunter Wilds* shattered pre-order records on Steam and PlayStation, mirroring the phenomenal success of its predecessors, *Monster Hunter Rise* (2022) and *Monster Hunter: World* (2018). This achievement solidified Capcom's unique RPG series as a global gaming powerhouse. However, this wasn't always the case.
Less than a decade ago, such widespread global popularity would have been unimaginable. The 2004 original 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. While the reasons were straightforward, Capcom persistently sought international success, a goal triumphantly achieved with *World*, *Rise*, and now *Wilds*.
This is the story of *Monster Hunter*'s journey from domestic darling to global icon.
Around the 2016 launch of *Street Fighter V*, Capcom underwent a significant internal restructuring to prepare for a new generation of games powered by the RE Engine, replacing the aging MT Framework. This wasn't just a technological shift; it marked a commitment to creating games for a global audience, not just existing regional fanbases.
“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—fun for everyone.”
Capcom's PS3/Xbox 360 era reveals a focus on the perceived "Western market." While *Resident Evil 4* was a hit, titles like *Umbrella Corps* and the *Lost Planet* series, chasing late-2000s Western trends, fell short. Capcom realized the need for universal appeal, not just catering to specific genres.
“We focused intently, holding nothing back,” says Itsuno, “on creating excellent games with worldwide appeal.” The period leading up to 2017, with the launch of *Resident Evil 7*, proved pivotal in this transformation.
No series better exemplifies this global ambition than *Monster Hunter*. Despite a dedicated Western fanbase, it remained significantly larger in Japan. This wasn't inherent to the series' design, but rather a consequence of several factors.
The shift to PSP with *Monster Hunter Freedom Unite* proved crucial. Japan's robust handheld market (PSP, DS, Switch) and advanced wireless internet infrastructure allowed for reliable multiplayer experiences—years ahead of the West. This advantage, according to executive producer Ryozo Tsujimoto, was key.
“Japan's network infrastructure 20 years ago was exceptional, facilitating online multiplayer,” Tsujimoto explains. “Moving to handhelds expanded the multiplayer player base.” *Monster Hunter's* cooperative gameplay thrived on this quick access to hunts with friends.
This created a cycle. Japanese best-sellers led to Japan-only content and events, reinforcing the "Japan-only" perception. However, Western fans eagerly watched, missing out on exclusive content.
As Western internet infrastructure improved, Tsujimoto saw an opportunity. *Monster Hunter: World* (2018), released simultaneously worldwide on PS4, Xbox One, and PC, represented a massive shift. It offered AAA console-quality action, larger environments, and bigger monsters.
“The name *Monster Hunter: World* reflects our aim to appeal to a global audience,” Tsujimoto reveals. Simultaneous worldwide release and the absence of Japan-exclusive content were vital in achieving global standards.
Beyond simultaneous release, the team conducted worldwide playtests to refine the game's appeal. “Playtests across the globe impacted game system design and contributed significantly to the game's global success,” Tsujimoto notes.
One key change was displaying damage numbers. These subtle improvements propelled *Monster Hunter* to unprecedented heights. Previous titles sold 1.3 to 5 million copies; *World* and *Rise* surpassed 20 million.
This growth wasn't accidental. Instead of altering *Monster Hunter*'s core, Capcom broadened its appeal without compromising its unique essence. This approach continues with *Wilds*.
“At its core, *Monster Hunter* is an action game, emphasizing mastery,” Tsujimoto explains. “We strategize on how to guide new players to that sense of accomplishment. Analyzing where players struggle, gathering feedback, and conducting research informed *Wilds*' new systems.”
Within 35 minutes of release, *Monster Hunter Wilds* reached 738,000 concurrent Steam players, exceeding *World*'s peak. With positive reviews and promised future content, *Wilds* is poised to surpass even *World* and *Rise*'s achievements, continuing the series' global conquest.
