Monster Hunter Wilds Achieves Record-Breaking Launch with Global Players

Tokyo, Japan — Capcom‘s latest game, Monster Hunter Wilds, has shattered records with over one million players logging into its PC version on Steam within hours of its launch on February 28, 2025. Despite receiving mixed feedback regarding technical performance, critics are praising the game’s engaging mechanics and depth.

Director Yuya Tokuda and producer Ryozo Tsujimoto expressed their excitement about the game’s reception. In an interview with BBC Newsbeat prior to the release, Tsujimoto highlighted that Wilds encapsulates years of learning from previous installments: “Anything that we hadn’t been doing we really tried to do with Monster Hunter World to get everything ready so that the game was ready to break through,” he said.

Since its inception in 2004, Monster Hunter has captivated players by allowing them to explore expansive environments known as The Forbidden Lands, where they engage in thrilling hunts against powerful creatures. The series has evolved significantly, particularly with the success of Monster Hunter World, which sold over 21 million copies. This trend continues with the anticipation surrounding Wilds, which builds on the franchise’s legacy.

Players have noted some performance issues, yet the overall critical response remains favorable. Tokuda emphasized that the team has utilized data from previous games, like Monster Hunter World, to refine their offerings: “It’s the groundwork that you create with your previous titles that you hope can inform the success of later ones,” he said.

As the gaming landscape shifts, Japanese developers like Capcom have maintained a stable workforce, unlike many in the West facing layoffs. “In Japan, employment protections for workers are much stronger, and developers often stay with the same company for a long time,” Tsujimoto remarked.

The gaming industry has become increasingly competitive, with many new titles vying for players’ attention. Despite the challenging environment, Tokuda stated they remained focused on delivering a quality product rather than worrying about market trends. “We happened to have this launch window that’s on the verge of some other big releases but we don’t have access to that information before the general public,” he explained.

With the launch behind them, the team is now focused on balancing the expectations of seasoned players and newcomers. Tokuda acknowledged the challenge of satisfying both audiences, stating, “You always have in your mind that there’s people waiting for your next creation and they’re the players you want to satisfy, but you also have your own creative idea and want to follow that through.” The success of Monster Hunter Wilds will inevitably depend on how well it can cater to the evolving expectations of its fanbase.