The year 2021 was busy for video gaming across all genres and all locations. After all, the world of video gaming is exploding with a plethora of game types and new platforms and competitive eSports events. This is uniquely evident In Japan. As the birthplace of many video game companies and platforms, Japan has an interesting relationship to video games. Today, we offer a quick breakdown of what the most popular gaming trends in Japan were over the past few years.
Best PC/ Console Games
So far as PC games go, 2021 was very busy for the gaming industry. There have been numerous titles to enjoy. Since Japan isn’t the most PC-friendly nation, you can see how the titles you will find there are specifically adapted for the Japanese market. As a result, several titles proved a hit with the locals, including Final Fantasy: XIV, League of Legends, and Overwatch.
All three games have proven a hit with local players in 2021, but they are hardly the only ones. The Japan Game Awards distinguished numerous titles this year that simply appealed to the Japanese gaming crowd, including:
- Resident Evil 3
- Monster Hunter Rise
- The Last of Us Part 2
- Buddy Mission Bond
Best Browser Games
Browser games have proven a real escape for many players in the country. While not everyone is keen to play on PC or Nintendo Switch, most people have been very happy to play online casino games, along with other browser-based options. Thanks to HTML5, a technology that powers up the online gaming experience, players have been able to access a variety of games. Some of the most popular games in Japan are played directly through a browser, saving you the hassle of downloading additional software.
Players can simply jump in a game and enjoy the titles that they love. Some of those titles include Astro-boomers: To the Moon, Gonzo’s Quest, Immortal Romance, Thunderstruck, Jumanji and so many other worthwhile titles. Other popular browser game choices in Japan include:
- Mahjong
- Donkey Kong
- Granblue Fantasy
- Kanpani Girls
- Kantai Collection
Browser-based gaming is really taking off in Japan and understandably so. The solution is simple, accessible, and makes it very easy for players to get their hands on popular titles they enjoy.
Best Nintendo Switch Games
Did you know that a sixth of Japan’s population owns a Nintendo Switch? Given that Japan is home to 125 million people that is an impressive number. This means that the country definitely has a soft spot for great games and the Switch definitely has quite a few awesome titles:
- Pokémon Brilliant Diamond
- Metroid Dread
- Mario Party Superstars
- Shin Megami Tensei V
- Knockout City
All of these games rank very high on players’ lists of preferred titles to enjoy this year. This is due to a variety of different factors, including the popularity of casino games and video games on this console in Japan. The fact that real money gambling isn't allowed online has led a lot of gamers to look for alternative gaming options, which has helped make Nintendo casino games extremely popular in Japan. Finally, the casino games are free to play, which makes them even more appealing to gamers. All of these factors have helped make Nintendo casino games some of the most popular games in Japan.
Xbox Gaming in Japan
Xbox is quite popular in Japan. In fact, Microsoft and studios working with Xbox are making sure to release titles that are fully optimized for the Japanese market. Xbox is actually doing rather well in the land of Sony and Nintendo, even though the console is challenged by many fantastic local brands. Popular games for Xbox include:
- Scarlet Nexus
- Lost Judgment
- Tales of Arise
- Genesis Noir
- Melty Blood: Type Lumina
Meanwhile, Xbox is trying to win more players over and it has been successfully clawing a piece of the market share for itself. Players are welcome to explore any Xbox title that has come out for 2021 and make sure they give it a go.
Gaming in Japan: Feel the Wind of Change
There are numerous famous games in Japan these days, but if there is one market trend that we can all see, that is the shift towards more diverse gaming titles. Japanese players used to play either consoles or mobile, but they are now giving PC gaming another chance, as the platform has proven powerful enough to support all sorts of gameplay.
Overall, Japan is opening up to all types of games out there. The country is happy to play browser games, and the most popular titles for PlayStation, Xbox, and others. Whether it’s a handheld console or a desktop setup, Japanese gamers are ready to explore.
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