I’ve learned in the time that I’ve been working in Japanese game development that much more importance is put on the look of the game than any other factor. (This is going to be a generalization so bear with me, I’m sure there are exceptions.) For example, technology limitations are sometimes ignored when it comes to developing the desired look of the game. This is good and bad to me. It lets creative freedom run free but may end up with a vision that cannot be implemented. For the most part though, I think this is a good thing at the beginning of development. I’m sure that is why we have been recently graced with visual powerhouses like Okami.
Where it doesn’t work out so well is when production swings towards quick changes that improve the output image but can’t be maintained long term. For example, implementing a screen-space effect that looks great but uses an excessive amount of processing and will never get your game running at the target framerate. This kind of thing definitely gives an immediate “cool!” response from people who see the change but threatens long term scheduling when it inevitably has to be changed to ship the title.
I think my coworker put it succinctly when he described the difference between the production of Western and Japanese games. “Early screenshots for Western games look worse than when the game ships. Japanese games look great in early footage but often end up looking worse when concessions have to be made to finish the game.” I’m not saying one way is better than the other – I’m still a newbie in the Japanese development style – but as someone who comes from a technical background it’s a bit scary at times. I can’t dispute that in some ways it does allow more freedom of experimentation. I’m sure some times this type of development style has resulted in finding an interesting new technique.
This development style in general meshes with my cultural experience of living here. It has been oft said that Japan puts more importance on image than other cultures and it certainly appears to be true. For example the excessive packaging put on consumer products, even inexpensive ones. Packaging within packaging. Individually wrapped pieces of bread. Even places as world wide and standard as Subway Sandwiches has much better packaging and presentation in Japan.
This extends to people as well. Commuting to work in the morning in Tokyo I’ve seen a much higher percentage of people dressing nicely than I ever saw living in California. This is true seven days a week. Sure, it isn’t true for everyone but if you come here you will notice it too. I’m certain this ties into the “presentation culture”. This experience has been interesting and enlightening in many ways.
What do you think the primary difference is between the average Japanese and Western game?