No VF5 360 for Japan?

By Ellie Gibson Published 29 August, 2007

Low console sales an issue.

Eurogamer has learned that the Xbox 360 version of Virtua Fighter 5 may not be released in Japan due to the console's low installed base.

Speaking at last week's Leipzig Games Convention, lead designer Tohru Murayama said "it's true" that 360 has not proved too popular with Japanese gamers.

He continued, "We haven't decided if we'll release Virtua Fighter 5 [on 360] in Japan because of that.

"But if we [can only release the game] for the US or EU markets, we just hope Virtua Fighter 5 will be a key title which encourages people to buy Xbox 360s."

Just under 400,000 Xbox 360 units have been sold in Japan since the console launched in December 2005. The figures for PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii, which launched a year later, stand at more than 1 million and 3 million respectively.

Virtua Fighter 5 is already available for PlayStation 3, but the new Xbox 360 version will feature online modes. According to Maruyama, these weren't included in the PS3 game due to time constraints.

"Our target for releasing the PlayStation 3 version was timing... We had to match the launch," he said.

"In consideration of that, we are satisfied with the quality of the PS3 version."

Virtua Fighter 5 for Xbox 360 is due out this autumn.

Picture of Ellie.

About Ellie Gibson

Since joining Eurogamer in the mid 2000s, Ellie has written about subjects as diverse as the fall of Gizmondo, the rise of Hollyoaks actresses in Red Alert games and the noise a bear makes under NSFW circumstances.

Read more articles from Ellie by visiting the Ellie Gibson archive page.

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Comments (49) Latest comment 5 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • woodnotes #1 5 years ago

    I don't live in Japan so meh.

  • Artemis_Matsas #2 5 years ago

    Well, if they want to sell more 360s in Japan they should release VF5 immediately.

  • Moz #3 5 years ago

    "Well, if they want to sell more 360s in Japan they should release VF5 immediately."

    That would probably need money from MS. Why would Sega take the risk?

  • Darren #4 5 years ago

    One sure way of selling the PS3 to Japanese fans of the Virtua Fighter games I suppose... ;)

  • bioreit #5 5 years ago

    This logic reminds me of why the Dreamcast died, when EA said that the console wouldn't be popular enough so they weren't going to release any of its games on the platform, then proving their own prediction when Christamas rolled up and you could only get FIFA on the PlayStation. All the casuals went and embraced Sony.

    Except this logic is even weirder, as the game has already been converted to 360, so there is very little associated cost with releasing it in Japan as well as the US and Europe. Yeah, there's language translations, but that work would have been done already for the PS3 version....

    /scratches head

  • Der_tolle_Emil #6 5 years ago

    VF5 didn't sell too well on the PS3 as well if I remember correctly. I doubt the online mode will really convince VF fans - many fans will also probably have some sort of arcade stick for the PS2 which makes the PS3 version a bit more attractive.

  • RexRunti #7 5 years ago

    So who expects that VF5 will get released in Japan just after MS's bank balance suddenly dropping the exact same amount Sega's rises.

  • Tonka #8 5 years ago

    The 360 owning japanes (all 5 of them) didn't buy it for japanese games.

  • Steroyd #9 5 years ago

    Yes they did otherwise all five of them wouldn't have owned Blue Dragon.

    I don't think VF has enough pulling power to sell consoles, and I think Sega suspects thid to hence contemplating not taking a risk.

    I don't think the Japaneese embrace online like the American market.
    Edited by 1 at 29/08/07 @ 11:26

  • jonse1977 #10 5 years ago

    What do we care, I used to think Japan was the home of great video games. Their biased tastes mean they ignore amazing games (not necessarily VF5) that are either developed outside of Japan or placed on non-japanese hardware. They miss out on so many great games as a result - their loss.

  • Yaster #11 5 years ago

    @ FluffyTucker

    They do have some beautiful women

    And I'm sorry but the Japanese will just never embrace an american made console, it's not because they're not "real" gamers, it's just that they're into different things. You hardly ever see western Nintendo or PS games in the Japanese top ten.
    Edited by 1 at 29/08/07 @ 11:44

  • Santino #12 5 years ago

    "They don't deserve it, they will ignore games like Bioshock.

    They are not real gamers."

    Probably the stupidest thing i'll read all month. Japanese gamers do not deserve VF5 on the 360 because they ignore a fps? i'd like to see you take on a proper VF player actually and see how ur 'real' gaming skills hold up in that case. And what in the hell does Bioshock have to do with this topic anyway?

  • SleepyMagpie #13 5 years ago

    Stating that Bioshock is an FPS, cut-and-dried, is just as much a sweeping generalization as saying that the Japanese are not real gamers.

    And Bioshock keeps getting mention everywhere these days as it is currently seen as a pretty great thing.

    Tried it?

    Empirical evidence - everyone, even the Japanese should try some.

  • Santino #14 5 years ago

    yes i completed it on hard at the weekend, its a good game i enjoyed most of it. i'm just not seeing the relevance of it being mentioned here u know? and no, calling bioshock an fps is not remotely on the same level as generalizing an entire nation.

  • varsas #15 5 years ago

    Their biased tastes mean they ignore amazing games (not necessarily VF5) that are either developed outside of Japan or placed on non-japanese hardware. They miss out on so many great games as a result - their loss.

    Riiight...I mean we in the west clearly embraced games like ICO when it was first released didn't we? Highly rated games like GTA don't get translated for a couple of years and you expect them to embrace them so late on?

  • ne0star #16 5 years ago

    Well if the US/EU version doesn't work on my JAP 360 thats me snookered!

  • FooAtari #17 5 years ago

    Best game ever. Lets not get carried away here...

    I've seen plenty great western games get ingored here, Beyond Good and Evil? Also im sure there are many japanese gems that get burried among the latest hype for Burnout: Craptacular

    They are different country with different culture and different tastes. Stop being a tard fanboy just becuae some people dont see things the same way you do.

    Fact is MS could do a lot worse than ensure VF5 gets a release in Japan... Bioshock has got bugger all to do with it. Much like JRPG's (with the exception of FF) are not popular here, FPS' are not popular in Japan. VF5 however is.
    Edited by 2 at 29/08/07 @ 12:31

  • Santino #18 5 years ago

    you really don't understand the different culture thing do you Nickyjoe? or do you expect everyone to conform to your way of thinking and taste?

    edit: Foo can read minds.
    Edited by 1 at 29/08/07 @ 12:30

  • QPRHOOPS81 #19 5 years ago

    its just free advertising trying to drum up some webspace to get people (in japan) wanting the port. It will be released

  • The_Inquisitor #20 5 years ago

    The Japanese are missing out for sure, but there is a geart divide between tastes. I'm just glad Sega are releasing it on the 360, Kudos to them.
    I Can't wait for the game, it's just a shame I won't be able to show my bad ass skill (or lack of) to the Japanese players.

  • Skeletor #21 5 years ago

    "The Japanese are missing out for sure, but there is a geart divide between tastes."

    This has nothing to do with taste! In Japan VF is pretty much an arcades only afair.

    "I Can't wait for the game, it's just a shame I won't be able to show my bad ass skill (or lack of) to the Japanese players."

    I wouldn't count on it. The US version will probably be region free. Besides, many japanese players have already put hours of practice into it in the arcades...prepare to get your arse kicked, seriously;-)
    Edited by 1 at 29/08/07 @ 13:28

  • Razz #22 5 years ago

    VF is an Arcade game in Japan. That's how they will play it. I doubt that it woudl sell much anway.

  • glaeken #23 5 years ago

    400,000 consoles sold does not sound to bad to me. Of course its last place but if only a 1/4 of the 360 owners buy your game that is a 100,000 sales. Is that really not worth bothering with?

  • SleepyMagpie #24 5 years ago

    "...calling bioshock an fps is not remotely on the same level as generalizing an entire nation".

    Well Santino, are all Japanese citizens gamers?

    Meh, not to nitpick, and you're right anyway, "Japanese are not gamers" is a bit broader strokes than "Bioshock is an FPS".

    For the record I would have it known that I thoroughly enjoy (to us) quirky, Japanese games, and have played many nipponese random encounter RPGS - and loved most of them.

    I greatly respect and admire many facets of Japanese culture, and think we could learn a lot from them... BUT...

    Sometimes, contrasting their nigh constant humility, they display almost fascist attitudes towards things of foreign origin. And then they turn around and drink other foreign products down in gulps the next day.

    Odd. I think they should relax that part a bit.

    While not being the best games ever, Oblivion and Bioshock for example, more than warrant a look-in.

  • jamespo #25 5 years ago

    and this affects me how?

  • SleepyMagpie #26 5 years ago

    Who the fuck are you?

  • Calgon #27 5 years ago

    Hmmm one way to get the Japenese gamers to demand the game would be to call them out(for an online contest)... do they have a 360 arcade stick?(I suppose someone will find something to complain about though even if the sticks on a certain other console are made by the same company, like "its not blue" or something).

    Something like:

    "They're makin' excuses so they don't have to be the chump that gets whipped in front of the whole civilized world."

    :D
    Edited by 2 at 29/08/07 @ 13:54

  • Genji #28 5 years ago

    "Famitsu said Half life 2 was over rated, and said the same about Bioshock before giving it 25/40. They are a joke and would rate a loli rape sim higher than that, and probably have"

    I thought the same thing about Half Life 2. I may very well feel the same about Bioshock (doubt it, though). Hell, they probably think we aren't "real" gamers because of our widespread lack of appreciation of train driving simulators and strategy RPGs. They're not exactly best-seller genres around these parts, if they come out at all.

    Give it a rest. People are allowed to not like Bioshock.

  • krudster #29 5 years ago

    Ratchet & Clank did amazingly well in Japan. Not all Western games bomb.

  • Santino #30 5 years ago

    @SleepyMagpie

    i believe both Gears of War and Oblivion both charted at no7 in their opening weeks, which isn't bad at all considering how westernized those games are. obviously the 360 and its games is a very niche thing there. but anyway this has gotten totally off-topic cos of NickyJoe being a fool and trying to shoehorn Bioshock in for some stupid reason as well as an idiotic comment about japanese people who play games.

    Perhaps Sega are a bit worried that competitive online play in VF5 could affect their arcade takings? probably not but its an idea.

  • The_Inquisitor #31 5 years ago

    @ Skeletor

    "This has nothing to do with taste! In Japan VF is pretty much an arcades only afair."

    I was thinking more towards the fact that the 360 isn't selling well in Japan due to our differences in tastes of games (FPS for example).

    But you're right, they do have a wonderful arcade scene over there, it's us that are missing out.

  • Dr.Mott #32 5 years ago

    @ krudster

    That's true, but it wouldn't have sold so well if they didn't change Ratchet's eyes to look more Anime style.

    /Wins

  • SmileyDudette #33 5 years ago

    "Well, if they want to sell more 360s in Japan they should release VF5 immediately."
    M$ Japan- Idolmaster.

  • Mick #34 5 years ago

    virtua fighter was always shit anyways

  • FooAtari #35 5 years ago

    ^^ This man speaks the truth

  • mossychops001 #36 5 years ago

    400.000 360's sold in Japan, doing better then everyone expected, well done Microsoft.

  • patchbox360 #37 5 years ago

    who needs the japs when u got western companies producing halo3, bioshock, mass effect etc

    plus the ps3 got no games and the wii graphics are a brutal assault on my eyes

    microsoft rules

  • MasterGrief #38 5 years ago

    American products are shit - end of story. From cars to phones to Xboxes they are poor quality inefficiant & unreliable

    Over 2/3 of the 360 sales are American. What does that tell you ? The only reason 360 sells is because of Americans' logic to 'buy American'. Its the same rason why Ford , General Motors etc haven't gone bankrupt (yet).

    Now what Japanese in their right mind who buy a poor quality machine with zero games to suit their tastes ?

  • Pulsar_t #39 5 years ago

    ^^ This man speaks the truth

    Speak for yourselves you n00bs.

  • Foxclose #40 5 years ago

    I am not anti-American at all, but the Japanese have lots of excellent stuff that is better.

  • sonsonate #41 5 years ago

    MasterGrief,

    Lol,

    Dude,

    Those fucking companies are multinational, you piece of cockamamy work. Also, learn how to spell the big words you're trying to use, okay?

    I'm guessing not only Americans buy them, alright?
    Edited by 1 at 29/08/07 @ 19:27

  • MasterGrief #42 5 years ago

    @ sonsonate

    'Big words' ? Maybe for your tiny little brain they are big

    And oh yeah those companies certainly are multinational and with retards like around to buy their **** I can see why

  • Calgon #43 5 years ago

    Edit: Ah forget it... EGlol, this place gets more annoying by the year(well the trolls do anyway).
    Edited by 4 at 29/08/07 @ 20:51

  • MasterGrief #44 5 years ago

    @ Calgon

    Where did I say the Japanese are the best ? Like putting words in people mouths I see.

    I said American products are shite. If I have a choice I'll buy European/Asian products over the US ones any day

    Sony fanboy ? Nah If I'm anything then I'm a Microsoft hater because they get away with selling shit (Windows) because people have no other choice what to buy

  • Calgon #45 5 years ago

    MasterGrief you so are a fanboy(and a hater)... which is why Im not going to bother trying to educate you, your full of it, your posts are full of shit it has to be said. I hate haters, they dont even buy the products they whine about yet they argue with people who know far more than them, about them.

    Course they have a choice what to buy, there are other OS'(Windows isnt half as bad as some people make out, Im willing to bet PCs would be far less common without MS, it would be a mess IMO, bad enough with all the hardware compatibility issues... some good has come of it too which people forget or will deny at all cost) out there but MS' is the most well known and well supported and easier to use because of that... how they got there is dodgy but name me one console manufacturer who hasnt got some dodgy history(Sony have got away with all sorts of shit and people blindly love them... thats what I hate, not Sony but peoples stupidity/ignorance, holding one up against the other for the types of values people come up with is hypocrisy they are both as bad in that respect... multinational mega-corporations), so in the end what are our choices if we want a Console? Sony are worse IMO, Nintendo are probably the goodguys but they cant afford to compete the same as they could and thats the industry itself at blame(and the gamers). MS have done more for gamers and devs than they have themselves thus far(well they did do it for themselves but they go about it in the right way)... same cant be said about their main rival(who have had it easy up until now, they could do no wrong).

    Another thing, fine - you dont like American, good for you, spare us your shitty troll posts though eh because I dont think anyone wants to hear it.
    Edited by 7 at 29/08/07 @ 21:15

  • bloodflowers #46 5 years ago

    Mastergrief: I hate Microsoft. I love Japanese games (I import arcade hardware). I'm not a huge fan of America itself, although to be quite honest the UK is -easily- just as shitty. The 360 hardware has proven to be junk, I'm on my 5th.

    However - the software lineup is pretty damn good. That's why people like me and many others buy it - and at least MS don't release region free consoles, and then proceed to lawsuit into the ground anyone who dares to export games (hello Sony, you shitbags).

  • MasterGrief #47 5 years ago

    Calgon like you've room to talk about fanboys A quick glance at your previous posts shows your an Xbox/Microsoft fanboy through and through. And whats with deleting large amounts of your previous post :) ?

    Oh all the points you said about Sony may be valid but at least you have the CHOICE whether to buy from them or not. With Microsoft if you want a PC (not a MAC) that can play games and is compatible with most applications then Windows is the only option whether it's shit or not.
    Now Microsoft seem to be extending their monopoly to the console arena (making games like Alan Wake Vista exclusive) , Games for Windows Live etc so yeah I do have a problem with them especially when they try and force users to upgrade to Vista because they bought out a bunch of devs with games that didn't need Vista to run in the first place

    BTW how does me disliking MS make me a Sony fanboy. I like Nintendo , Sony & other companies just not Microsoft :)

  • FooAtari #48 5 years ago

    Mastergreif, true MS have used some dodgy business practice in the past, but N have been guilty of shady business practices to as have most recently Nintendo.

    Anyway, whats stopping hardware developers releasing drivers for Linux? Would be a good place to start in getting it more widely accepted.

  • Calgon #49 5 years ago

    MasterGrief I deleted that post because even though it was right, theres really no point trying to educate people here(its not like you will listen to any information I bring forward, it seems to be trend on EG, so why bother?). Fine you're just a troll and a hater... if you are denying being a Sony fanboy(because thats where console hate comes from 9 times out of 10... favouring another) just because you know I have a point(about holding one up against the other), then shame on you.

    Like I said some good has come of Windows:

    a) Made PCs more mainstreem(single well known platform and interface for beginers to get used to... if there were a dozen others around each one different then it would be all the more daunting to them)

    b) If you are talking about games, it would actually be WORSE if developers had contest with a dozen other OS' = less sales and less time spent concentrating on the game ontop of the huge amount of different hardware which they already have to consider(its already difficult enough for them).

    Also - monopolising the Console industry?(if anything Sony were getting close last gen... if it were possible they would have too, they are even worse judging by the recent practises of both companies, ie past 5-10 years) by making exclusive games? Erm I think you better take a good look at the past 10 years and tell me thats something new with a straight face. I wouldn't say Im a die hard Xbox fanboy(dont even have a 360 yet and havent ruled out a Wii...) but I do favour the platform because of the games and hardware(providing reliability is fixed) and also I think MS has helped more than Sony ever could alone... the tools they give to the developers, the online ect they simply advanced console gaming to a level which could only have been done by them. Sure Sony are imitating them now trying to catch up(although they didnt like people seeing it which would have been visable for online - Home looks like a waste of money and time for them but hey its original right? well no but MS didnt do it yet... I doubt they will bother LIVE is already a leading platform in itself and they have still copied some of the good ideas from it) but without MS leading the way theyd have been lost.

    I dont care who you favour, nor does anyone else you are an innacurate hating troll which is bad enough, atleast stick to what you know eh? I favour 360, not insecure enough to go trolling the other platforms boards like you(this is where haters come from... why else would you care enough to hate? windows? pah this is console gaming nice try, all that says is you arent a PC gamer either.), laters :).
    Edited by 5 at 30/08/07 @ 15:46