Five things we’ve learned about Japan’s games industry, plus how GTA 6 influenced Valor Mortis’ $40 price point
The Game Business ShowSummary
The Japanese video game market is thriving, with major companies like Capcom and Nintendo leading the charge in 2026. Both companies have established themselves as consistent performers, delivering hit after hit. Nintendo's recent plans for the 40th anniversary of the Zelda franchise mirror its previous anniversary celebrations, showcasing a blend of nostalgia and innovation. Capcom, too, continues to expand its offerings while maintaining a familiar formula that reassures fans.
Dr. Serkan Toto, a consultant and analyst specializing in the Japanese gaming industry, notes that Japan's gaming sector is mature, with a significant number of publicly traded companies. The mobile gaming market dominates, accounting for over $12 billion of the $17 billion market, with Japanese developers facing increasing competition from Chinese game studios. Despite this, the console gaming industry remains robust, with companies like Sony and Nintendo performing well, although some fans express concerns about Sony's recent strategic shifts.
The podcast also highlights the recent funding success of NextPlayground, which secured $150 million to expand its camera-based console into new markets, including Japan and Korea. Additionally, Lyrical Games discusses its upcoming title, Valor Mortis, priced at $40, which aims to carve out a niche in a crowded market filled with major releases. The company emphasizes the importance of innovative game design and strategic pricing to attract players amidst fierce competition.
Show Notes
This week, we're joined by Japanese video game industry expert Dr Serkan Toto, and we talk about the state of the Japanese video game industry, the dominance of Nintendo, impact of China, the rise of PC and lots more.We then welcome Lyrical Games' Blake Rochkind to discuss the $40 price point of Valor Mortis, and why the publisher felt they had to go low during a hyper competitive moment for the video game industry. We also talk broadly about the rise of AA (or rather III) video games.Plus, Nex Playground secures more funding, and more!
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