I honestly believe that the reason that “weird” games, from a Western perspective, get signed is due to Japanese culture. Certain creative values are appreciated differently here along with business obligation.

In Japan, if you have done something for someone else, they are obligated to repay you in some way to maintain the relationship. This is true internationally but it is taken VERY seriously here. So, for example, if I make a game that makes you money – you, as a publisher, are much more likely to publish my next absolutely insane game out of obligation.

Sometimes to its benefit and sometimes to its detriment. I’ve heard about plenty of cases where people are putting in heroic hours with no real purpose just because someone else on the team is also. That’s also related to the group mentality you mentioned too, huh.

Then again many of the most successful people I’ve met in Japan in the game industry are bucking the established trends.

One of the things he told us when he got back is that he learned that Japanese games emphasize different player experiences than western games. Western games tend to portray a “lone wolf” character coming up through impossible odds to single-handedly bring about some world-saving result. Principles of individuality and non-conformism resonate better with the audience.

In contrast, Japanese games tend to reward working within a group, conforming to those group’s rules and reward leadership and sacrifice. The story arcs are often as dramatic, but emphasize the restoration of balance over the conquest of a foe.

I thought it was really interesting insight and typical of the very soft-spoken thoughtful head of the studio.

What interested me about the situation was the cultural differences of approach. And how it affects both creativity and the business. There is certainly something to learn from it, both the good and bad.