The PC video game market in Japan has experienced exponential growth in recent years, transforming from a niche to a key sector within the industry.
According to data collected by Dr. Serkan Toto, CEO and founder of Kantan Games Inc., an independent consultancy specializing in Japan’s video game industry, the Japanese PC gaming market almost tripled in size between 2019 and 2023, reaching 1 .6 billion dollars in 2023 and, although this figure may seem low in dollar terms, the devaluation of the yen in recent years is a crucial factor to understand the real dimension of growth.
The PC game market now represents 13% of the total video game market in Japan, a figure that contrasts sharply with the 5% it held in 2019. This growth has occurred in parallel with the stability of the console market, which has maintained a 20% share, driven primarily by the continued success of the Nintendo Switch.
Graphic created by Kantan Games
According to Toto, one of the main factors driving the growth of PC gaming is the growing acceptance of this platform among Japanese gamers. In 2021, the number of gaming PC users in Japan reached 16 million, representing an increase of 45% compared to 2015.
The COVID-19 pandemic also accelerated this expansion, increasing the overall player base and leading many users to opt for PC due to the shortage of PlayStation 5 consoles and the ability to access high-graphical fidelity titles on PC. Additionally, the growing popularity of international and independent games in Japan, available on platforms such as Steam and the Epic Games Store, has been a major factor.
Likewise, the improvement of local PC gaming platforms, such as DMM, and the decision of Japanese studios, such as Capcom, to release their titles on Steam from day one, have increased the relevance of the PC as a profitable gaming platform. in Japan. Successful domestic titles such as Final Fantasy XIV and Kantai Collection have also contributed significantly to consolidating the platform.
At the recent Tokyo Game Show 2024, 40 of the 60 games showcased by major Japanese video game studios were compatible with Steam, underscoring the growing importance of the PC in the industry.
Everything indicates that PC video games in Japan have ceased to be a niche market and have become a booming sector within the entertainment industry. With the growing popularity of PC gaming among Japanese gamers and an increasingly broad offering of both domestic and international titles, the future of this industry promises accelerated and sustained expansion.
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