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Microsoft Japan readies news for April event

  • By Hirohiko Niizumi, GameSpot
  • Posted Mar 24, 2006 2:06 pm PT

New Xbox boss Takashi Sensui to host press conference next month; company not clear on precise news.

TOKYO--Microsoft Japan today said it would hold a press event in Tokyo on April 6. The goal of the event is to announce a new business strategy for the Xbox 360 in Japan.

The new Xbox division chief in Nippon, Takashi Sensui, will lead the 90-minute press conference and is scheduled to show off games for the Xbox 360, although whether those games will be new, unannounced titles or simply the most recent builds of known games is unclear.

This will be the first public appearance for Sensui, who replaced Yoshihiro Maruyama earlier this year. Maruyama was reassigned to "a strategic position within Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices Division" after lackluster launch sales of the 360 in Japan.

80 Comments

  • mythrol

    Posted Mar 27, 2006 7:20 pm GMT

    Japanese games don't have more variety. One look at Oblivion will show you that Americans can make RPG's just as good as Japanese developers can. The truth of the matter is that Japanese people are a lot more basis towards their on products than Americans are. It will take Mistwalker to save MS in Japan.

  • Merl57

    Posted Mar 27, 2006 10:12 am GMT

    sony is to much in the hearts of the japanese mircosoft doesn't stand a chance.

  • PazUSA

    Posted Mar 27, 2006 7:51 am GMT

    That's their loss....If they want a society where everyone owns the SAME system and plays the SAME games the SAME way, then so be it. I personally am not a huge fan of Japanese games (sorry Resident Evil clones and Ninja-esque rpgs don't do it for me. I wish MS well though - maybe one day the Japanese market will start to get over their own biases. It's ironic though how they are so against an American company, while we (collective we) just fawn over anything that Sony does.

  • pyth0n13

    Posted Mar 26, 2006 10:17 pm GMT

    keep working japan over, microsoft

  • ahadj

    Posted Mar 26, 2006 11:25 am GMT

    M$ is fighting for a lost cause...Maybe with Xbox720

  • cyprus646

    Posted Mar 25, 2006 5:03 pm GMT

    The "new" strategy isnt gona work MS just face it the Japenese dont like the 360.

  • rashonmon

    Posted Mar 25, 2006 3:49 pm GMT

    Japan is better off without the xbox 360 until M$ learns that you cannot ship FPS games and expect it to sell a system in Japan. PS3 FTW!!

  • WolfSkill5544

    Posted Mar 25, 2006 12:41 pm GMT

    360 is lost in japan, sorry microsoft

  • adrianchan56

    Posted Mar 25, 2006 9:03 am GMT

    ... Game over man game over

  • soulknight63133

    Posted Mar 25, 2006 7:38 am GMT

    It may take longer , but MS will eventually break through.

  • soulknight63133

    Posted Mar 25, 2006 7:33 am GMT

    so you're saying MS shouldn't keep trying-chrisdojo? That's same the "loser" mentality I was talking about earlier. Just because you fail at something doesn't mean you should give up. Sony was able to overcome the prejudice here in the US (especially during and some years after the war..real people died,mind you). And today they are flourishing in the American economy. So take that negative outlook of yours somewhere else.

  • Orasion_Seiz

    Posted Mar 25, 2006 7:11 am GMT

    they better have something new next time around

  • chrisdojo

    Posted Mar 25, 2006 7:11 am GMT

    nintendo and sony own japan. m$ doesn't have a chance. remember the 360 launch, m$???

  • soulknight63133

    Posted Mar 25, 2006 5:59 am GMT

    It will be tough, that for sure. But if MS were nothing but a bunch of quitters, they wouldn't be the company they are today.

  • KiLLer_ba

    Posted Mar 25, 2006 1:13 am GMT

    The popularity of the Xbox 360 is going down hill in Japan. But I doubt a new strategy will bring more japanese gamers to the xbox, I wish Takashi Sensui luck

  • SavoyPrime

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 9:54 pm GMT

    The Xbox 360 being successful in Japan is going to take more than just a new business strategy.

  • thekey

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 9:39 pm GMT

    M$ will do it if not you always go "US"

  • mhder

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 9:24 pm GMT

    Amen to that

  • PiMacleod_basic

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 9:14 pm GMT

    FPS = good
    RPG = good
    Puzzle games = good
    'Board' games = good
    Adventure = good

    see a trend? I'd continue it, but then I'd be worried that someone would think I'm insulting them.

    seriously, open your mind, try something new. Tell yourself, it's a GAME....because you're never going to get the chance to do 95% of what games let you do in real life. Anything 'realistic' that you may be attached to, has more chance of happening than anything that is considered 'kiddy' and/or 'immature'. Give your brain something new to digest -- play something with a little 'bite'. If you want to take it slow, try Oblivion. It's like fantasy's own GTA. A Zelda game is always a good choice, or if you own a 360, Kameo is practically a Zelda game (adventure, multiple different attacks, puzzles to solve, dungeons to explore).

    In the end, you might end up having a buffet of games to play. Personally, I play Halo 2 AND Animal Crossing: WW. I play Tekken games AND Mario games. And my library has never been more lively.

  • mhder

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 8:18 pm GMT

    All fanboys are silly. They just limit their selection and miss out on some great entertainment. But people like that probably eat the same old thing everyday, listen to the same old music and never try anything new. I'm happy for anyone who plays what they want to play - as long as they are enjoying it. I think there are just too many people who might refuse to even look at a Nintendo game for instance because they have been told it is kiddy or because they fear their image of a cool and mature 13 year old might be tarnished.

  • Smartiepants

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 8:05 pm GMT

    "Problem is, a good percentage of 360 owners are die hard "I want to kill something" knuckle draggers, and think games like RPGS are G@Y. Of course, with that attitiude, it's a wonder why all we're going to see is Call of Duty and Halo type games. But MS needs to appeal to a wider audience this time, and not just the Gun-Ho Inbreeds who think they're all GI-Joe until they actually get drafted and begin to cry on mommy's lap." - that is the most ridiculous generalisation I've ever heard.

  • SilV3RSix

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 7:16 pm GMT

    Here Here... I agree with Soulknight, which is why I HATE fanboys. I admit I have a preference for the XBox because I believe the XBox Live service was a very forward thinking proposition and it has worked out so far. However, all the major gaming consoles have strengths and weaknesses and its up to the gamer to decide which system(s) to buy. So arguments over what boils down to personal taste are a waste of time. Although I must confess I do rather enjoy watching Sony fanboys make themselves look foolish

  • mhder

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 6:44 pm GMT

    Maybe something Japanese gamers want from their games is feeling and emotion that lasts during and after the game is played. Most Japanese RPGS and even some adventure games can leave you in awe and feeling good long after you have played it much a like a good movie. Perhaps to the Japanese it's not about "cool, I got him in the head." It's about the emotional attachment that comes with the story telling and fantasy that they could be one of the characters in the game because they can relate to them. I've enjoyed the "action" of playing a lot of games but what I look back fondly upon sometimes is how some of those games made me feel emotionally. A Xboxing friend of mine did once tell me that he always enjoyed the "charm" of a Japanese/Nintendo game. I can still remember how I couldn't control my grinning and little giggles when I played Warioware for the first time at the doctor's office. Maybe I'm getting old, maybe I'm becoming Japanese, but there could be more to gaming than just playing.. and maybe it's something that MS has yet to realize for the Japanese market.

  • soulknight63133

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 6:22 pm GMT

    Well. i guess we can agree to disagree, because there's nothing in Nintendo or Sony great game collections that rival Halo, GRAW or Chronicle of Riddick (According to genre). Though "God of War" is a great title I would put (Xbox) Ninja Gaiden up against it anyday. So, to me each company serves their purpose.

  • mhder

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 6:13 pm GMT

    I don't think Japan is really "limited" to RPGs. I think if a story heavy FPS was to be released with the style and action of a Japanese game, then it might sell. To me, a FPS is a fun game played with other players. Japanese people go online via cell phones but not that much via computers etc. Samurai fighting games and Robot action are also popular in Japan but not modern war or gang style fighting etc. It's just not part of the culture and anyone who has visited Japan would see why such games based on social disorder just wouldnt appeal to them just as a horse racing game just wouldn't sell well in North America. I might even argue that the North American game scene has become "limited" to a mature or cool looking game only industry. Compared to the genres you would find in North America, there are more in Japan, much of which are hard to put into a category. Like I said before, MS can't really beat Sony in Japan because to a certain extent, they are similar. Nintendo knows this for Japan, and they know North America is even more difficult vs Sony and MS thus they went for something that neither one could offer in the Revolution. Can GBA beat the PSP? Nope, thus we have the DS. If I had to choose 2 systems to buy, I'd choose Nintendo and either Sony or MS. I wouldn't choose MS and Sony because to me, they are too similar in the North American market.

  • soulknight63133

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 6:09 pm GMT

    That would be a great title to have on X360! But, as long as you get all three systems you'll never be bored with one particular genre.

  • DarkSamus64

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 6:07 pm GMT

    Nothing except FFXIII could make the 360 a success in Japan

  • soulknight63133

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 6:02 pm GMT

    MadonnaProject- ohh.ok..I'm sorry I misread your intentions. Cool..it's good to conversate with true gamers.

  • soulknight63133

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 5:52 pm GMT

    I know I was hooked when Final Fantasy came out...lol mdher have you played "Phantom Dust" for Xbox? That's an awesome game!

  • soulknight63133

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 5:47 pm GMT

    Mdhder- That's why I will own all three systems. Because I will play all genre's. My mind is not limited. That's why I applaud MS with FPS in bringing people together online being able to actually "talk" to each other. Japanese, sooner or later will open their minds to not only in RPG's, but in all genre's.

  • MadonnaProject

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 5:43 pm GMT

    Soulknight, Mhder, what you said is EXACTLY what i was trying to say....i didnt say we should SCREW japanese literally. I was countering those people who use the old "the japanese arent buying it so xbox 360 is sh*t" excuse to diss the 360.Also, i play rpg's and shooters and platformers and adventure games.

  • mhder

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 5:35 pm GMT

    MadonnaProject, Japan is important because it has a lot of developers and for some people, it's a pride thing. The more support Xbox360 gets in Japan = more Japanese games = more variety = more of those games brought to North America. Maybe some Xbox players have been programmed to only like FPS and War games but I'm sure there are a lot out their who would like to play some of those "odd ball" Japanese games.

  • soulknight63133

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 5:34 pm GMT

    MadonnaProject- MS is just doing what they are doing. Remember during the war (Germany,Japan) no Japanese products was sold here in America at the time. Now they practically dominate the US economy. Sony is a powerhouse here in America so what's wrong with trying to break into their marketplace?

  • mhder

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 5:28 pm GMT

    A few good RPGs may not be enough for the Xbox360 to sell. There are virtually hundreds available for the PS2. Would you really go out and spend hundreds to buy the system and the game because a couple of new RPGs are released especially when you already have PS2 and just as many or more RPG are being released for it. Sure, the graphics might be better but is it worth buying a system with a stigma attached to it? And on top of that, the PS3 is on its way and there's going to be another few hundred RPGs and Gundam and horse racing games for it too. I'm a gamecube fan personally but I think it's a stupid argument when Nintendo fans tell people in North America that the Gamecube has FPS. Sure it does, but is the GC worth buying for handfull FPS when you already have a Xbox or PS2? Same with the Xbox360. Is it worth mortgaging your house to the buy the system for a few RPGs, especially when its future support in Japan can, optimistically be called uncertain.

  • MadonnaProject

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 5:25 pm GMT

    Who gives a damn about the japanese, just choose what you like, theyre smart enough to do the same. If they dont buy the 360 it doesnt mean its no good. It just means they have different tastes.Im sick of hearing japs this japs that. Just pick a console YOU would like for once.sheesh.

  • soulknight63133

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 5:24 pm GMT

    Gmoney, have you gotten the chance to play Oblivion yet?

  • davahsa

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 5:23 pm GMT

    I guess they will announce that game that Famitsu said would sell 500,000 units in Japan.... and they will probably show the Square enix game that will be a 380 exclusive too...

  • soulknight63133

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 5:18 pm GMT

    Good point-mhdr. But, it should be understood that we all are human and we make mistakes doesn't matter if you're an individual or a corporation. The quality to forgive should be in everyone. But 3 is a start I guess...lol.

  • gmoney20xx

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 5:10 pm GMT

    I think these are great post. So far, M$ has a few RPGs coming out in Japan that is being developed by Japanese developers. Even Namco is coming out with an RPG for the 360. Once these games start appearing, than sales of the 360 will increase in that country.

  • mhder

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 5:02 pm GMT

    soulknight63133 You're right they should have done their homework but they had Japanese people working with them so you would think they would be out doing things Japanese style. They should of learned from American car makers trying to sell huge cars on the narrow streets of Japan with steering wheels on the opposite side. BUT- Not make the same mistake twice - Breaking into the Japanese market especially in electronics, especially VS Sony and Nintendo - you DON'T get a second chance. As I made my way through various Yodobashi Camera, Bic Camera, and SofMap Locations in Osaka and Tokyo during the last few weeks, I only ever saw 1 person playing at the Xbox360 booth. More people were playing Super Mario Strikers. The game playing on the XBOX360 wasn't very impressive especially compared to the Gundams at the PS2 machine. Store signs don't even mention the Xbox360 (nor the Gamecube). Just PSP, PS2 and th DS. I think only because MS is a rich company can they afford to keep plugging away in Japan. Any other company would of given up. Funny story: when I was in Japan a few years ago, the XBox kiosk was packed with (3) people playing. It was the most people I have ever seen playing it in Japan. Of course they were all caucasians but impressive nonetheless.

  • soulknight63133

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 4:54 pm GMT

    lol..@ SilV, is there a thread or video somewhere for it?

  • soulknight63133

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 4:51 pm GMT

    Mhder- MS should have done their homework on Japanese culture, it's not like they didn't have the money to do it. Being apologetic and showing true intentions to not disrespect the customer and going the "extra mile" may have worked. Hopefully MS learns from this and not make the same mistake twice.

  • SilV3RSix

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 4:51 pm GMT

    Dunno what it is, soulknight... possibly a Trojan Horse into Japan?

  • mhder

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 4:42 pm GMT

    MS had to fix their problems back when the original Xbox came out. And their disc scratching thing just destroyed them in Japan in my opinion. If you walk out of a store in japan and the plastic bag rips, 5 people will run out and replace it while bowing and apologizing. MS should have gone door to door and replaced the sytemsand games, and given vouchers or something. It might seem strange to westerners - but there is no " it's a new system, let them work out their bugs" attitude in Japan especially when it comes to electronics. They probably lost the confidence of many potential Xbox buyers in Japan back then. It's going to take the collapse of Sony for them to have a chance.

  • soulknight63133

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 4:41 pm GMT

    Don't get me wrong,Kayrod. I Love FPS, but I just want more variety in gaming. Oblivion is GREAT.

  • SnowFarmer

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 4:40 pm GMT

    I don't know maybe this will be MS announcing some software that will appeal to the Japanese market. But I have this strange feeling that it will be more of the same with this new guy trying his best to do a Ballmer impression and bleating breathlessly about how the 360 gets Japan and Japanese gamers. Even while it continues to be outsold by the GC and doesn't even sell as well as the first one. MS has a small opening with the delay of the PS3 but I doubt they have the corporate flexibility to take advantage of it. The 360 will most likely repeat many of the mistakes of the original .

  • soulknight63133

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 4:38 pm GMT

    lol....I read about it.. what is it actually,SilV?

  • Kayrod29

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 4:38 pm GMT

    I think once MS releases Blue Dragon more Japs will get into 360. DOA 4 is holding up the 360 in Japan right now, so consider MS lucky. They just need more RPG's because I don't know how you cannot like FPS's. Most popular genre. And don't forget about the European market as well. That like a tie, but I'm guessing MS got the lead there since they are into FPS's as well

  • SilV3RSix

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 4:34 pm GMT

    Speaking of Microsoft having to get kiddy and cuter and softer, did y'all miss that Pinata thingy Microsoft is hyping? They are WAAY ahead of you guys.

  • mhder

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 4:31 pm GMT

    I don't think anyone is telling MS to give up in Japan but they are going to have to be different. They are going to have give up their cool image and dress themselves up with a few more flowers and bunnies. Is the US head office willing to do that? After all, they called Nintendo kiddy. My problem with MS is that they brought image into the gaming industry (which is 100% their right and a good marketing strategy). But I'm afraid a lot of people may have been turned off of great Nintendo or even Sony games because they had to be cool and stick the Xbox. People on these forums talk about how Nintendo is kiddy or Japanese games are odd ball. This kind of sentiment has spread through to a lot of gamers and a lot of games that deserve playing are being overlooked. I didn't see this during the SNES vs genesis era. It's too bad that this generation has become - it's my system or nothing.

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