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Video: how Western games succeeded in Japan, circa GDC 2004

Ryoichi Hasegawa discusses how Sony localized Crash Bandicoot and Ratchet & Clank for Japan, examines GTA3 and Medal of Honor's success, and offers tips for making games for the Japanese market.

Game Developer, Staff

January 31, 2014

1 Min Read
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"What people in Japan really would like to see is a very well-developed personality."

In this free GDC Vault video from GDC 2004, former Sony localization director Ryoichi Hasegawa discusses how character designs for iconic IPs such as Jak and Daxter and Crash Bandicoot were tweaked for the Japanese market, along with how GTA3 and Medal of Honor were a success overseas. Hasegawa also compares the Western ESRB rating system to Japan’s CERO system, examines trends in Japanese market (several of which continue today), and more in the talk "A Peek Behind the Shoji: Japan's Videogame Market Today."

About the GDC Vault

In addition to this presentation, the GDC Vault offers numerous other free videos, audio recordings, and slides from many of the recent Game Developers Conference events, and the service offers even more members-only content for GDC Vault subscribers. Those who purchased All Access passes to recent events like GDC, GDC Europe, and GDC Next already have full access to GDC Vault, and interested parties can apply for the individual subscription via a GDC Vault subscription page. Group subscriptions are also available: game-related schools and development studios who sign up for GDC Vault Studio Subscriptions can receive access for their entire office or company by contacting staff via the GDC Vault group subscription page. Finally, current subscribers with access issues can contact GDC Vault technical support. Gamasutra and GDC are sibling organizations under parent UBM Tech

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