Game Creators Look To 2012: We’ll Do Better


Last year turned out to be a tough one for most Japanese game companies. With natural and nuclear disasters and economic downturns, it’s been a rough year all around. In Weekly Famitsu, several game companies have announced their year-end performance and plans for 2012.

So let’s have a look at what’s in store.

Major players Nintendo and Sony both ended up in the red for 2011. Perhaps more so Sony, which had to deal with losses in markets other than games. For 2012, with a new PlayStation man CEO at the helm, Sony is planning to focus on game development and refinement of their current racehorses, the PS3 and the new PS Vita. This also means a PS4 will be a ways away

Nintendo started 2011 off poorly with the release of the 3DS to lackluster sales, but were able to stave off the money bleed with the end of the year releases of heavy hitters like Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7. Despite poor numbers, Nintendo executives are optimistic about 2012 and expect this year’s Wii U release in the Christmas season to be fruitful.

Other game developers also have big plans for 2012. Capcom is looking to increase their mobile and social media content development. Square Enix was able to bring in good numbers in 2011 with big budget hits like Deus Ex and Final Fantasy XIII-2, and are looking to further branch out into other areas of gaming. Konami survived 2011 in the black and are looking to expand globally with another Silent Hill movie.

A common theme for 2012 game business looks to be SNS games and services. Koei Tecmo, Sega Sammy and Bandai Namco all expressed an interest to expand and further develop their social gaming content. That is, if the world doesn’t end like the Mayan’s predicted.

Microsoft did not offer a statement to Famitsu regarding its upcoming plans in Japan.

週刊ファミ通[週刊ファミ通]


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