Xbox One's delayed Japanese launch makes sense, says Inafune

Microsoft's decision to launch Xbox One in Japan after it focuses on other territories first makes sense, according to Mega Man creator Keiji Inafune. The developer has explained his stance in a new interview.

Speaking with IGN, Inafune said of Microsoft's strategy, "I'm not a first-party person, I'm not part of a first-party company, so this can only be what I'm assuming, but if you look at how big the share of the Japanese market is when it comes to consoles now, it's continually shrinking, to the point where it's not even over 10 percent.

"So having Japan be an afterthought - after Europe and North America - as much as I may not like that as a Japanese creator, it makes sense to prioritize the markets that are naturally going to have a larger installed base and larger sales.Just because it's Microsoft... I wouldn't want to count a company out, even if they haven't had a great track record. It doesn't mean they automatically fail the next time.

He concluded that success for Microsoft in Japan boils down to, "how they're able to market it and how they're able to convince gamers that they have the content they want."

Do you think Xbox One is a lost cause in Japan, or could it yet ignite sales with the right IP and strategy from Microsoft? Let us know below.

Via OXM.