How Monster Hunter Took Over the World

Before its global launch, *Monster Hunter Wilds* shattered pre-order records on Steam and PlayStation, following in the massive 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. But this wasn't always the case.

Less than a decade ago, the global success of a *Monster Hunter* game would have seemed improbable. Even further back, in 2004, when the original game launched to mixed reviews, it would have been unthinkable. The series truly exploded a year later with the PSP release—in Japan.

For years, *Monster Hunter* epitomized the "bigger in Japan" phenomenon. While the reasons were multifaceted, as we'll explore, Capcom relentlessly pursued international success. *Monster Hunter: World*, *Rise*, and now *Wilds* prove this dedication paid off handsomely.

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 a significant internal restructuring in preparation for a new generation of games. This involved transitioning to the RE Engine, replacing the aging MT Framework. But this wasn't just a technological shift; it marked a commitment to developing games for a truly global audience, not just existing regional fanbases.

"It was a confluence of factors," 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 and Xbox 360 era games often seemed to chase Western gaming trends—*Resident Evil 4*'s success notwithstanding. Titles like *Umbrella Corps* and the *Lost Planet* series aimed for Western tastes but fell short. Capcom realized the need to create universally appealing games, not just those targeting specific genres.

"We focused relentlessly on creating high-quality games with global appeal," Itsuno states. 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*. While it had a dedicated Western fanbase, it remained significantly larger in Japan. This wasn't inherent to the series' design, but rather a result of several factors.

The shift to PSP with *Monster Hunter Freedom Unite* was crucial. Japan's robust handheld gaming market (PSP, DS, Switch) and advanced wireless internet infrastructure allowed for seamless multiplayer experiences—a key element of *Monster Hunter*. This wasn't as readily available in the West at the time.

"Japan had a strong network infrastructure 20 years ago, facilitating online multiplayer," explains Ryozo Tsujimoto, the series' executive producer. "Moving to handhelds expanded the player base engaged in cooperative play."

This created a cycle: *Monster Hunter*'s Japanese success led to region-specific content and events, reinforcing its image as a primarily Japanese franchise. Western fans watched enviously.

However, as Western internet infrastructure improved, Tsujimoto saw an opportunity. *Monster Hunter: World* (2018), released simultaneously worldwide on PS4, Xbox One, and PC, represented a major shift.

"The name *Monster Hunter: World* itself reflects our desire to appeal to a global audience," Tsujimoto reveals. The game's simultaneous worldwide release, without region-locked content, was a deliberate move to meet global expectations.

Beyond simultaneous release, the team conducted extensive global playtests to refine the game's appeal. This feedback significantly impacted game design.

"We conducted focus tests worldwide, and the feedback influenced our game systems and contributed significantly to the game's global success," Tsujimoto explains. One key change was adding visible damage numbers, a seemingly small tweak with a significant impact.

Previous *Monster Hunter* titles typically sold 1.3 to 5 million copies. *Monster Hunter: World* and *Rise* each surpassed 20 million. This growth wasn't accidental; it resulted from making the series more accessible without compromising its core.

"At its heart, *Monster Hunter* is an action game emphasizing mastery," Tsujimoto explains. "But for new players, we focus on smoothing the path to that accomplishment. We analyze where players struggle, gather feedback, and use that knowledge to improve the experience in *Wilds*."

Within 35 minutes of release, *Monster Hunter Wilds* reached 738,000 concurrent players on Steam—more than double *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.