Worlds apart

Understand world markets is something that should be taught in all schools of business. Yet, those that lead seem to be blind to different perspectives. I was thinking about this a little bit ago, where game publishers that also manufacture hardware don’t seem to understand world markets very well. Predominantly, this relationship is one on the level of Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo. What’s interesting is that with the next-generation consoles, we see something that has been plaguing console builders for decades and those that can’t figure it out, suffer dreadfully.

First, let’s define markets. The United States is predominantly a FPS/sports realm. Before people go off and talk about how they’re also big on RPGs and such, I’m purely focusing on what makes it a unique market. Japan on the other hand is very storyline driven. Incredibly in fact. They’re much more into an interactive story with narratives and the works.

The Big Three

Nintendo - This company did the unthinkable. Yes, it made cute and fun a part of all age genres. Let’s be honest, the Wii isn’t your average storyline driver, nor is it a sports game player. In all honesty, it’s in a league of its own because of the unique interaction, not because of the games. Can you imagine if you this type of interactiveness was done on the 360 or PS3? Whoa, there. But unfortunately, we only get cell shaded Mario and Twilight Princess. That’s okay. We’ll live.

Microsoft - It started in this realm, and it seems to end with it too. Mr. Xbox 360 himself (Peter Moore) even went to head off one of the biggest publishers in the sports genre, Electronic Arts. If that’s not a telltale sign that Microsoft has most of its eggs in this bag, and why they do so very well in North America but not so fabulously in Japan… well, there you go. Apparently they finally are getting it though. Took long enough.

Sony - Having been an admitted Sony fanboy, I have to say that this corporation has long since needed someone to pull the one-two punch on them. They do get the gaming industry across the pond, but there is so much that be done to make them better here. This was obvious when MGS4 bundles went absolutely nuts with the new 80G core. With huge potential, but always playing catchup in the back 9, this is one of the few places where the hardware design is magnifique but the decisions behind gaming choices seem to lack in the whole fighting arena where the age over gamers here grew up on Street Fighter II.

Overall, it seems that everyone has their own issues with how to manage their customer base, instead of listening to the customers themselves. Out of it all, Nintendo seems to be the one that takes on customers the best in both markets while the other two just can’t seem to get their arms around the problem they have. From a big picture scenario? You have to listen to the gamers. No matter where you are.