The Unexpected Triumph of Japanese Games on PC in January 2024
The year 2024 started with a bang for Japanese games on PC, particularly with the indie sensation Palworld shattering sales records. This early access survival game took the gaming community by storm, selling an astonishing 12 million copies within just two weeks of January. This feat not only set new records but also positioned Palworld as the second best-selling Japanese game in Steam’s history, trailing only behind the legendary Elden Ring. The previous indie game to make a mark was 2013’s digital board game 100% Orange Juice, which garnered an estimated 1-2 million owners.
Palworld’s success is noteworthy not just for its sales but also for its unique approach to gaming. It’s a title that diverges from the typical offerings of Japanese developers, especially in the survival genre. The indie studio behind Palworld faced significant challenges, particularly in finding a developer with experience in creating shooters, which is a testament to the game’s innovative blend of genres.
High Kicks and High Stakes: Tekken 8 and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
The fighting game scene was taken by storm with the release of Tekken 8, which received critical acclaim and an impressive 89% score. Although it didn’t attract as many players as Street Fighter 6, it outperformed Mortal Kombat 11 and was lauded as a significant improvement over its predecessor, Tekken 7. The game has been celebrated as “truly the next generation of fighters” and a “bombastic showdown” that fans should not miss.
On the same launch day, Sega’s Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth also made its debut, quickly selling over a million copies within its first week. This marked the best ever launch for the series, a remarkable achievement considering the frequency of releases in the Like a Dragon franchise. Infinite Wealth is not just a commercial success but also a massive game in scope, featuring expansive content and unique minigames that have captivated players.
| Game | Sales Milestone |
|---|---|
| Tekken 8 | Outperformed Mortal Kombat 11 |
| Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth | Over 1 million copies in first week |
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth stands out with its two minigames, Dondoko Island and Sujimon, each robust enough to be standalone titles. Dondoko Island allows players to manage and decorate an island resort, while Sujimon adds a creature taming aspect to the game’s combat, letting players recruit and evolve characters they encounter on the streets.
Chart-Topping Japanese Games in Early February 2024
As February 2024 unfolds, the US top sellers list features an unprecedented five Japanese games among the top 15 bestsellers. This diverse selection of titles showcases the broad appeal and variety of games coming from Japan. Among these, a surprise release was the Jujutsu Kaisen fighting game, which, despite mixed reviews, has capitalized on the anime series’ popularity to drive sales.
The worldwide launch of Persona 3 Reload on Steam, simultaneous with its console release, marks a significant shift in release strategy. This is a stark contrast to the 2017 release of Persona 5, which took several years to make the jump to PC. The day-one availability of Persona 3 Reload is a clear indicator of the PC platform’s triumph in the so-called console wars.
- Palworld
- Tekken 8
- Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
- Jujutsu Kaisen fighting game
- Persona 3 Reload
Upcoming Japanese Games Stir Excitement
The gaming community is eagerly anticipating a slew of Japanese games set to release in the coming months. Notably, Dragon’s Dogma 2 is slated for March 22 and is already climbing the wishlist charts on Steam. Fans are also looking forward to the release of Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater and Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, a spiritual successor to the beloved Suikoden JRPG series. Additionally, HD remasters of Suikoden I & II are set to grace the PC platform, ticking off another classic from the back catalog.
Bandai Namco is poised to have an impressive year with a lineup that includes:
- Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
- Blue Protocol, an action MMO published by Amazon
- Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero
- Sand Land
While there’s no confirmation on an Armored Core 6 expansion, the mere possibility has fans on the edge of their seats. The upcoming release of Final Fantasy 14’s Dawntrail this summer is also generating buzz, with expectations of it captivating players for months.
A Promising Start to 2024 for Japanese Games
Reflecting on the history of Japanese games since their resurgence in 2017, it’s clear that the genre has consistently delivered quality and innovation. Games like Nier Automata and Zelda: Breath of the Wild led the charge, and the momentum has only grown from there. Now, with the first month of 2024 already showcasing a remarkable lineup of Japanese titles, the year is off to a promising start.
The success of games like Palworld and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, along with the anticipation for upcoming releases, indicates that Japanese games are not just maintaining their presence but are thriving on the PC platform. The gaming community has much to look forward to, and if the start of the year is any indication, 2024 could be one of the best years yet for Japanese games.
