We did get a release window for North America, but not for Japan yet. With that and the gun theme, it seems like it might have more Western appeal. Is it more Western-focused?
Suguro: Actually, a fun game is a fun game wherever you are. What makes a game fun is at least similar throughout the world.
There are certain elements about the game, such as the characters' appearance, so that it will make sense -- it's not going to be too Japanese, it's going to look good and make sense in the worldwide market. Actually, Sega had a slight influence, because Sega pitched to tri-Ace that we wanted to sell the title worldwide, so we want the title to look good anywhere in the world. Character appearance, specifically, was something that Sega had their say. In terms of gunplay, actually, that didn't really play a huge part in envisioning for the North American market. We wanted to do something new. It's not like guns equal the North American market.
What made it possible to date the game for the US but not yet for Japan?
Shimano: In terms of North America and Europe, which is spring 2010, it was more dependent on the development schedule,
whereas the Japanese release is more a commercial -- if you look at Sega's lineup for the next six months or so, we have a strong lineup, with quite a lot of good games coming out.
It's more looking at the market, looking at what's going to be the best month to sell it for the Japanese market. In terms of development, it's going so well, we can choose when we want to sell it, when it's going to be the best time to fully reach the potential. That's the reason Japan's not been decided yet.
Does it concern you that it's coming out in spring 2010 in North America along with 5000 games that were delayed from fall 2009?
Shimano: Obviously, we've given a spring window, so we've got a few months to play with.
The same as Japan, the American and European subsidiary of Sega will look into the best date to sell it, so it reaches its full potential.
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/in...nance-of-fate/
