From a rocky start to now, with over five million units sold, the Xbox One seems to have found its footing. Next stop, Japan. But how will Microsoft’s black monolithic hope fare in a market where its predecessors haven’t exactly enjoyed the lion’s share?
Following the September 4 Japanese release date announcement, Japanese gaming mag Weekly Famitsu asked its readers for what they thought of the Xbox One. Here are the results and some reader opinions.
Note: The actual number of valid responses was not released.
Question 1: Do you want an Xbox One?
Yes: 59.7%
“[The Xbox One] has a future, not just as a game console.” (Male, age 34)
“I’m getting it for Titanfall.” (Male, age 32)
“I’m looking forward to how the game console will fuse with the TV and other entertainment services in Japan.” (Male, age 24)
“I like how I can share my Xbox Live account with my Xbox 360. I also can’t wait to see Microsoft’s plans for the Japanese market.” (Male, age unknown)
No: 27.4%
“I’m worried if Microsoft will offer games and services geared for a Japanese audience.” (Male, age 24)
“The Kinect is appealing, but getting a proper environment to use it in seems a pain.” (Male, age 48)
Undecided: 12.9%
“I’ll make my decision depending on the title lineup.” (Male, age 25)
“They still haven’t announced the price, the title lineup, or other strategies.” (Male, age unkown)
Question 2: Do you plan on buying an Xbox One?
Yes — On launch day: 30.7%
“It’s coming out later than other countries, so there should be a lot more simultaneous title releases.” (Male, age 22)
“I want to unlock as many achievements as I can.” (Male, age 20)
“It’s the best console for online gaming.” (Male, age 42)
Yes — Eventually: 31.1%
“I’ll make my decision after they announce the price.” (Male, age 41)
“I plan on getting one after there are more Kinect games.” (Male, age unknown)
No: 38.2%
“I want to see Microsoft take a position that will reassure Japanese consumers, instead of titles and services focused primarily overseas.” (Male, age 30)
Question 3: What function or aspect of the Xbox One do you find appealing?
1. High quality graphics and processing power: 393 votes
2. The new Kinect: 260 votes
3. Multi-tasking through multiple operating systems: 235 votes
4. Cloud services: 206 votes
5. Coordination with TVs through HDMI: 171 votes
6. Indie games: 154 votes
7. More detailed achievements: 125 votes
8. Coordination with tablets through Xbox Smart Glass: 124 votes
9. Coordination with social networks like Skype and Facebook: 112 votes
10. Video and music content: 85 votes
“I’m looking forward to the increased vocal recognition and motion recognition of the new Kinect.” (Male, age 34)
“I think the multi-OS system is spectacular. I expect long hours of gameplay, so a smooth and responsive interface is very important.” (Male, age 40)
“I think things like coordination with other Microsoft OS platforms such as Windows PCs and tablets, and plentiful other content is very appealing.” (Male, age 36)
“I really want to try out the new functions that have never been seen before. The coordination with other platforms and multi-tasking of apps especially show a great deal of potential.” (Male, age 35)
Question 4: What Xbox One title do you want right now?
1. Titanfall:238 votes
2. Dead Rising 3:188 votes
3. Halo on Xbox One:124 votes
4. Forza Motorsport 5:108 votes
5. Crimson Dragon: 47 votes
6. Quantum Break: 45 votes
7. Watch Dogs: 39 votes
8. Final Fantasy XV: 39 votes
9. Metal Gear Solid: The Phantom Pain: 39 votes
10. Kingdom Hearts III: 33 votes
11. The Evil Within: 33 votes
There’s no doubt that the Xbox One faces an uphill battle in Japan, but things aren’t all doom and gloom. While they may not be the majority, a faithful group of fans are anxiously awaiting the console’s arrival. Let’s hope it fares better than its predecessors.
ファミ通.com [ファミ通.com]
Comments
4 responses to “What Excites Japanese Gamers About The Xbox One”
Making sense of the survey is next to impossible without knowing how respondents were selected. It seems unlikely that it was a general survey of the Japanese population. In that case, the question is whether the response is mailed in (which would probably select for those more likely to buy the console) or whether they polled their audience directly (which would only select for enthusiastic gamers).
I’m guessing it was a mail-in, in which case the numbers say very little about how well the console will do in Japan.
Thats pretty interesting. The most active xbox 360 user base in japan was the street fighter IV fans. Killer Instinct isn’t even top 10 in interest. Seems like the xbox this time around is going to be a niche for fans of western games like Titanfall.
Seems dodgy. Tv higher than indie games… Kinect is second and just setting up the room can be a hassle, not to mention apartment sizes in Japan. This research seems like it was selected what was good for show.
Japan is a strange, strange place.
Maybe the xbox live/subscription paid service had put them off a bit previously?
Not that it will matter since I am certain that PSN will become a paid service in the same way, only it will be cheaper. Sony needs money and it’s right there for the taking, I expect PSN to become paid in January next year, Cash & Subscription pre paid cards available this christmas etc.