There have some been some incredibly interesting developments this generation: games are getting shorter, good RPGs seem to be a rarity, and Japanese developers have been hit with flak for behind behind with the times. Games such as Final Fantasy XIII, Silent Hill: Homecoming, and Resident Evil 5 have been prime examples of Japanese companies not keeping up with trends. Hideo Kojima and several other big-name game designers have agreed, and now Michael Pachter has joined the crowd.
During this week’s Pach-Attack!, Michael Pachter was asked if he saw a future for Japanese publishers. He replied:
“My opinion is that the Japanese publishers become smaller and smaller and smaller, and less and less relevant.”
While what Pachter said would have been thrown in the fire a couple of generations ago, it isn’t as crazy to imagine now. Western developers have been at the reigns of the most revolutionary game progressions in recent years with games such as Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, Mass Effect 2, and God of War III. There are always exceptions to the rule, but until we see some quality JRPGs on the PlayStation 3, it will be hard to declare otherwise.
Do you agree with Pachter’s opinion? If so, why do you think Japanese companies are falling behind? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
