Japan has a rich gaming culture that has shaped the landscape of the global gaming industry. From beloved classic titles to innovative new releases, Japanese games have garnered a dedicated and passionate following around the world. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most popular games in Japan, discussing their impact on the gaming community and why they continue to capture the hearts of players both in Japan and beyond. Join us on a journey through the vibrant and diverse world of gaming in Japan.
The Latest Most Popular Games In Japan Explained
The video game market in Japan was valued at around 20.64 billion U.S. dollars in 2020.
The statistic states that the video game market in Japan generated approximately 20.64 billion U.S. dollars in revenue in the year 2020. This figure represents the total value of sales and transactions within the video game industry in Japan during that year. The high valuation reflects the significant economic impact of the video game sector in Japan, which is known for its thriving gaming culture and industry. This statistic provides valuable insight into the size and importance of the video game market in Japan, highlighting the substantial revenue generation and economic activities associated with gaming in the country.
As of 2020, Resident Evil 3 emerged as the most bought computer game amongst Japanese consumers.
The statistic indicates that in the year 2020, the computer game Resident Evil 3 was the top-selling game among Japanese consumers. This information suggests that Resident Evil 3 had the highest number of purchases or sales compared to other computer games in Japan during that time period. This statistic reflects the popularity and market demand for Resident Evil 3 specifically within the Japanese gaming community. By being the most bought computer game, Resident Evil 3 likely garnered significant attention and generated substantial revenue in the Japanese gaming market in 2020.
The sales volume of console games in Japan was about 55.68 million units in 2019.
The statistic indicates that the total number of console game units sold in Japan in 2019 was approximately 55.68 million. This figure suggests a significant demand for console gaming in the Japanese market during that year. The sales volume reflects the popularity and consumption of console games among the Japanese population, indicating a strong gaming culture within the country. This statistic provides valuable insights to companies in the gaming industry, helping them understand the market size and potential opportunities for growth and expansion in Japan.
Pokémon series, having sold approximately 34.55 million software units, came in second among video game franchises in Japan in 2019.
In 2019, the Pokémon series ranked as the second best-selling video game franchise in Japan, with approximately 34.55 million software units sold. This statistic indicates the continued popularity and commercial success of the Pokémon franchise in the Japanese market, highlighting its enduring appeal and widespread fan base. The strong sales performance of Pokémon in 2019 positions it as a major player in the gaming industry, reflecting the significant impact and cultural significance of the franchise in Japan and around the world.
From 1996 to 2020, the Super Mario series sold close to 38.3 million copies in Japan, becoming the most popular video game franchise.
The statistic that the Super Mario series sold close to 38.3 million copies in Japan from 1996 to 2020 highlights the immense popularity and widespread appeal of this iconic video game franchise. This impressive sales figure not only demonstrates the enduring success of the Super Mario series over the span of almost 25 years but also reflects its significant cultural impact within Japanese society. The consistent popularity of the franchise among gamers of all ages attests to its universal appeal and longevity in the video game industry. Overall, this statistic solidifies the Super Mario series as a dominant force in the world of gaming and underscores its status as the most popular video game franchise in Japan.
The mobile game market in Japan is expected to reach about 13.5 billion U.S. dollars in revenue by 2021.
This statistic indicates that the mobile game market in Japan is projected to generate approximately 13.5 billion U.S. dollars in revenue by the year 2021. This suggests a significant growth and profitability potential in the Japanese mobile gaming industry, as it reflects an anticipated increase in consumer demand, player engagement, and monetization opportunities within the market. The forecasted revenue figure highlights the strength and attractiveness of the Japanese mobile gaming sector, pointing towards a lucrative market environment for game developers, publishers, and investors to capitalize on the growing popularity and success of mobile games in Japan.
The popular game ‘Monster Hunter: World’ was the top-selling video game product in Japan as of 2018.
The statistic refers to the notable achievement of ‘Monster Hunter: World’ as the highest-selling video game product in Japan during the year 2018. This indicates that the game amassed the most sales revenue compared to other video game products within the Japanese market for that particular year. Being the top-selling product signifies not only the game’s popularity among gamers in Japan but also its success in terms of commercial performance and market share during that time frame. The statistic underscores the strong appeal and impact of ‘Monster Hunter: World’ within Japan’s video game industry in 2018.
The number of mobile game users in Japan was estimated to be around 34.4 million as of 2020.
The statistic indicates that approximately 34.4 million individuals in Japan were using mobile games in the year 2020. This figure reflects the popularity and widespread adoption of mobile gaming within the country during that time. The number is significant, suggesting a large portion of the population engaging with mobile games for entertainment or leisure purposes. This statistic may be used by industry analysts to assess the market size and potential opportunities within the mobile gaming sector in Japan, as well as by companies looking to target or understand the preferences of this sizeable user base.
The 2020 most popular console amongst Japanese video gamers was Nintendo Switch with a market share of 87%.
The statistic indicates that the Nintendo Switch was the overwhelmingly preferred choice among Japanese video gamers in 2020, capturing a market share of 87%. This means that out of all the video game consoles available in Japan during that year, Nintendo Switch accounted for the vast majority of sales or usage. The high market share suggests that the Nintendo Switch was highly successful in appealing to the preferences and tastes of Japanese gamers, likely due to its exclusive games, innovative features, and overall popularity within the gaming community. This statistic underscores the significant dominance of the Nintendo Switch in the Japanese video game market during the specified period.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons was the top-selling game in Japan in 2020 with estimated sales of 6.38 million copies.
The statistic indicates that Animal Crossing: New Horizons was the best-selling video game in Japan in 2020, with an estimated 6.38 million copies sold. This statistic reflects the popularity and widespread appeal of the game within the Japanese market during the year 2020. The high sales figure suggests that the game resonated with a large number of consumers, potentially due to its engaging gameplay, charming visuals, and social simulation elements. The success of Animal Crossing: New Horizons in Japan highlights its strong market performance and lasting impact on the gaming industry during the specified period.
As of 2019, Nintendo’s market share of the video game market in Japan was around 39%.
This statistic indicates that in 2019, Nintendo held a dominant position in the video game market in Japan, capturing approximately 39% of the market share. Market share represents the portion of total sales within an industry that is controlled by a specific company. In this case, Nintendo’s market share suggests that nearly 4 out of every 10 video game purchases in Japan were attributed to Nintendo products. This demonstrates the strong presence and popularity of Nintendo in the Japanese video game market, highlighting its competitive advantage and significant influence over consumer preferences in the industry during that time period.
As of March 2020, the action-adventure game “Animal Crossing” recorded a total lifetime sales figure of approximately 5.48 million units in Japan.
The statistic states that by March 2020, the action-adventure game “Animal Crossing” had sold approximately 5.48 million units in Japan over its lifetime. This figure represents the total number of copies purchased by consumers in Japan since the game’s release, making it a popular and successful title in the country. The statistic illustrates the game’s strong appeal and enduring popularity among Japanese gamers, highlighting its commercial success in the market.
“Fate/Grand Order” is the highest-grossing mobile game app in Japan, earning an annual consumer spend of $1 billion in 2019.
The statistic indicates that “Fate/Grand Order” stands as the top-grossing mobile game application in Japan, surpassing all its competitors in terms of annual consumer spending. This accomplishment is highlighted by the substantial revenue of $1 billion generated by the game in 2019 alone, showcasing its immense popularity and financial success within the Japanese mobile gaming market. The statistic suggests that “Fate/Grand Order” has a dedicated and engaged player base who are willing to invest significant amounts of money into the game, making it a lucrative venture for its developers.
In 2017, 51.2% of gamers in Japan preferred smartphone games, beating handheld and console games.
The statistic reveals that in 2017, a majority of gamers in Japan, specifically 51.2%, indicated a preference for playing games on smartphones compared to traditional handheld and console games. This shift in gaming preferences signifies a significant trend towards mobile gaming platforms in Japan during that period. Factors such as the increasing popularity and accessibility of smartphones, as well as the convenience of playing games on the go, likely contributed to this shift. Furthermore, this statistic highlights the evolving landscape of the gaming industry as technology continues to advance and new gaming platforms emerge, catering to changing consumer preferences.
The hit mobile game ‘Puzzle & Dragons’ counts about 32 million downloads in Japan alone.
The statistic that the hit mobile game ‘Puzzle & Dragons’ has accumulated approximately 32 million downloads in Japan signifies its widespread popularity and success within the country. The large number of downloads highlights the game’s appeal to a significant portion of the Japanese population and suggests that it has become a cultural phenomenon. This statistic serves as a testament to the game’s ability to engage and captivate a substantial player base in Japan, indicating its strong presence in the mobile gaming market and potentially influencing other game developers in the industry.
The most popular game genre in Japan in 2015 was Role-Playing games, reaching a market share of about 35%.
The statistic indicates that Role-Playing games were the most favored genre among gamers in Japan during the year 2015, capturing approximately 35% of the market share. This suggests that a significant portion of Japanese gamers showed a preference for immersive and narrative-driven gaming experiences characteristic of Role-Playing games. The statistic not only sheds light on the gaming preferences of Japanese consumers but also underscores the potential market demand for such games in the country. This information could be valuable for game developers and publishers looking to create and market products tailored to the preferences of the Japanese gaming audience.
In 2020, Sony Interactive’s PlayStation 4 accounted for only 9.7% of the console market share in Japan.
The statistic reveals that in 2020, Sony Interactive’s PlayStation 4 held a relatively small market share of 9.7% in Japan’s console market. This figure suggests that the PlayStation 4 faced stiff competition from other console manufacturers such as Nintendo and Microsoft in the Japanese market. The lower market share may indicate various factors such as preferences for different types of consoles, pricing strategies, availability of exclusive game titles, or marketing efforts. The statistic underscores the need for Sony Interactive to adapt its strategy in order to maintain or improve their market position in Japan’s console market.
In 2018, Splatoon 2, a third-person shooter video game, was one of the most popular Nintendo Switch games sold in Japan with sales of around 2.98 million copies.
The statistic highlights the impressive popularity of Splatoon 2, a third-person shooter video game, within the Japanese gaming market in 2018. With sales amounting to approximately 2.98 million copies, Splatoon 2 secured its position as one of the best-selling Nintendo Switch games during that year. The high number of copies sold illustrates the strong appeal and success of the game among Nintendo Switch users in Japan, solidifying its status as a key player in the gaming industry. This statistic not only underlines the significant consumer demand for Splatoon 2 but also showcases the game’s ability to captivate a large audience and generate substantial sales revenue, contributing to its overall success and prominence in the gaming landscape.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate was one of the best-selling titles on the Nintendo Switch platform in 2019 in Japan.
The statistic indicates that Super Smash Bros. Ultimate performed exceptionally well in terms of sales on the Nintendo Switch platform specifically in Japan during the year 2019. This suggests that the game garnered significant popularity among gamers in the Japanese market, potentially due to its engaging gameplay, strong fan base, and possibly effective marketing efforts. The high sales figures for the game likely contributed positively to both the revenues of Nintendo as well as the overall success and visibility of the Nintendo Switch platform in Japan during that time period.
As of 2020, the Japanese Sony PSP remains popular with a user base of around 6.77 million.
The statistic highlights that as of 2020, the Japanese Sony PSP (PlayStation Portable) continues to maintain its popularity, with an estimated user base of around 6.77 million individuals. This suggests that despite being an older gaming device, the PSP still holds significance among a sizable number of users in Japan. The statistic indicates the enduring appeal of the PSP within the gaming community, potentially due to nostalgic value, unique game offerings, or other appealing features that continue to attract users even years after its initial release. The continued popularity of the Sony PSP in Japan demonstrates its resilience and ongoing relevance in the gaming market.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the gaming industry in Japan is incredibly diverse and vibrant, with a wide range of titles captivating audiences both domestically and internationally. Whether it’s the latest blockbuster release or a classic retro game, Japanese developers continue to push the boundaries of innovation and creativity in the gaming world. The popularity of these games not only showcases the country’s rich gaming culture but also highlights the universal appeal of gaming as a form of entertainment.
References
0. – https://www.sensortower.com
1. – https://www.www.gamesindustry.biz
2. – https://www.www.videogameschronicle.com
3. – https://www.www.statista.com
4. – https://www.www.nintendo.co.jp
