A nationwide survey conducted by the Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu reveals that role-playing games (RPGs) dominate the preferences of Japanese players, with Dragon Quest identified as the most influential game in the nation. The survey, which was held to celebrate the magazine’s 40th anniversary, included more than 5,000 respondents and highlights a distinct cultural preference for adventure and character-driven narratives over the competitive shooters and sports titles popular in Western markets.
The findings from the Famitsu survey show that Nintendo remains the most prominent force in the Japanese gaming landscape. The company was named the nation’s favorite developer, and its flagship character, Mario, was voted the most popular gaming character in Japan. Additionally, Zelda: Breath of the Wild secured top positions in two specific categories: the game readers would most recommend to others and the game they would choose to play again if they lost their memory.
What are the most influential games and series in Japan?
According to the survey results, the original Dragon Quest holds the title of the most influential game among Japanese respondents. This ranking places it ahead of other major titles such as Final Fantasy VII, Dragon Quest III, and the original Pokémon Red and Green versions. The preference for Dragon Quest reflects the franchise’s historical role in popularizing the Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) genre, a style of gameplay that has since become a global phenomenon.
When respondents were asked to identify the most influential series, Final Fantasy took the top spot. The ranking of the most influential series was as follows, according to the Famitsu data:
- Final Fantasy
- Dragon Quest
- Pokémon
- Mario
- Persona
- Monster Hunter
- Tales of
- Zelda
- Metal Gear
- Kingdom Hearts
The survey highlights a deep-seated reverence for long-standing franchises that shaped the industry. While Western gaming charts are frequently dominated by titles like Call of Duty or EA Sports FC, the Japanese market shows a stronger attachment to series that emphasize storytelling and progression, such as Persona and Monster Hunter.
Which games are Japanese players most eager to see remade or continued?
The survey identified a significant demand for both new sequels and high-quality remakes of classic titles. Dragon Quest was named the series that respondents most want to see receive a new game or sequel. This was followed by the Persona series, Dragon Quest Builders, and the Tales of series. Notably, the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI did not appear in the top rankings for most wanted sequels among the Japanese respondents.
In the category of most requested remakes or remasters, Chrono Trigger emerged as the clear leader. This interest in reviving classic titles was further evidenced by the inclusion of other legacy games in the top rankings. The most requested remakes included:
- Chrono Trigger
- Xenogears
- Pokémon Black and White
- Final Fantasy VIII
- Tales of the Abyss
- Persona 2
- Sakura Wars
- Final Fantasy IX
- Dragon Quest IX
- Final Fantasy VI
While many modern titles dominate global discussions, the Japanese survey suggests a strong nostalgia for the 16-bit and 32-bit eras. Even Bloodborne appeared on the list of requested remakes, though it sat in eleventh place, trailing behind several turn-based titles.
Which titles have Japanese gamers spent the most time playing?
The data regarding playtime suggests a mix of competitive play and long-term engagement with online worlds. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate was the title respondents reported spending the most time on, followed by the massively multiplayer online RPG (MMORPG) Final Fantasy XIV. The preference for long-form engagement is also seen in the inclusion of Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G (known as Monster Hunter Freedom Unite in Western territories) and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
The list of games with the highest recorded playtime includes:
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- Final Fantasy XIV
- Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G
- Final Fantasy IX
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Dragon Quest X
- Minecraft
- Apex Legends
- Final Fantasy VII
- Splatoon 2
This distribution of playtime highlights how Japanese gamers balance high-intensity competitive titles with immersive, long-term social and adventure experiences.
How do Japanese gaming tastes compare to Western markets?
The Famitsu survey underscores a clear divide in gaming culture between Japan and the West. While Western players often prioritize war simulations, competitive shooters, and sports titles, Japanese players demonstrate a preference for the “spirit of adventure” often found in anime-influenced RPGs. This distinction is visible in the popularity of franchises like Monster Hunter and Dragon Quest in Japan compared to the dominance of Western-centric titles in other regions.
The following table compares the top results across several key survey categories:
| Category | Top Result | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|
| Most Influential Game | Dragon Quest | Final Fantasy VII |
| Most Influential Series | Final Fantasy | Dragon Quest |
| Most Requested Remake | Chrono Trigger | Xenogears |
| Most Wanted Sequel | Dragon Quest | Persona |
This divergence suggests that while global gaming trends are increasingly interconnected, regional preferences for specific genres and gameplay mechanics remain distinct.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who conducted the survey regarding Japanese gaming preferences?
The survey was conducted by Famitsu, a major Japanese gaming magazine, to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
How many people participated in the Famitsu survey?
The survey included over 5,000 respondents from across Japan.
What is the most popular video game character in Japan?
According to the survey, Mario is the most popular gaming character in Japan.
Which game is most recommended by Japanese players?
Zelda: Breath of the Wild was identified as the game players are most likely to recommend to others.
Industry analysts will continue to monitor upcoming major software releases and developer roadmaps for updates on how these regional preferences influence global production trends. Please share your thoughts on these survey results in the comments below.