In an exclusive interview about Monster Hunter World, we discussed the future development of the game. The chief developer Yuya Tokuda revealed to us that MMOs are already playing an important role in the franchise and that this path should be continued in the future.
Since the release of Monster Hunter World (January 26, 2018), a few weeks have already passed. We took this opportunity at Mein-MMO to conduct an interview with the developers about the future of Monster Hunter World. Our questions were answered by the executive producer Ryozo Tsujimoto and chief developer Yuya Tokuda.
The first part of our interview can be found here: The controls on PC in Monster Hunter World are better than expected.
Mein-MMO: It’s been a few weeks since Monster Hunter World was released. From the outside, it seemed that the release went smoothly, except for some matchmaking issues in multiplayer and minor bugs. But how did the release go from your perspective? Are you generally happy with how everything went?
Tsujimoto: We conducted a beta test last year and I am generally happy with the current state of the online connection. However, the team is still working hard to develop post-launch updates for the game. We are not quite done yet.
“We analyzed MMOs for Monster Hunter World”
Mein-MMO: With Monster Hunter World, you have taken a step forward with the multiplayer features and developed the game further towards a social game. Have you ever thought about developing a Monster Hunter MMO?
Tokuda: We always strive to deliver a multiplayer experience that fully utilizes the specific hardware on which the game currently runs. With World, we also analyzed games with social features and introduced things like limited-time quests and a daily login bonus. These encourage players to play every day or every week.
I am often asked if we will ever make an MMO out of Monster Hunter. But I believe that such a large number of players would reduce the intensity of the action. An MMO would require a different approach. However, the communicative aspects and ongoing updates of an MMO game have their advantages, and I would like to keep these in mind for the future.
Mein-MMO: You already announced that Monster Hunter World will not be released for the Nintendo Switch. One reason for this was that World was primarily developed for the PS4, Xbox One, and PC, and a port would therefore be technically difficult. Are you possibly planning to develop the next main title of the series for the Switch?
Tsujimoto: Our focus is currently on Monster Hunter World, and we are working hard on new DLCs before we even start thinking about future titles in the series.
New quest content and a second major update are currently in development
Mein-MMO: The first players are now at a point where they have defeated Xeno’Jiiva and thus completed the main story. Now they are fighting against tempered monsters and improving their equipment with augmentation. Many of these players are wondering what comes next. Do you have plans to release a major expansion like you have done in the past with ultimate versions? If so, what would this include and would it also be free?
Tsujimoto: We have a major update planned for spring that will also bring the monster Daemonjho to Monster Hunter World. The team is committed to regularly bringing new content to Monster Hunter World, and we are also currently working on new quest content. Right now, we are focusing on this content and hope players continue to enjoy the existing content of Monster Hunter World.
Mein-MMO: You mentioned once that you are not sure if you will bring the G-Rank to Monster Hunter World. Why is that? Are you possibly planning to integrate a new system in Monster Hunter World that offers a different endgame challenge?
Tsujimoto: The team is currently working on our second major free update. Our focus is on these free updates that we have planned.
Mein-MMO: Your first DLC monster is the Daemonjho, which is a monster from older parts of the franchise. Can we expect to see more new monsters or a new map in Monster Hunter World?
Tsujimoto: Come on, I can’t just spill that! (laughs). Just stay tuned for more news.
Mein-MMO: Players have been busy exploring your game in recent weeks and have discovered the different monsters, maps, and mechanics. But are there any hidden secrets that no one has discovered yet?
Tokuda: If you carefully look around each map in the game, you will find wall paintings and drawings. Many players have probably discovered these. But I recommend checking them out again once you have finished the story. You might make some surprising discoveries!
The shift towards more “Games-as-a-Service” could be groundbreaking for the franchise
Leya says: Today, we talk about an MMO when a multiplayer online game is designed to be continuously developed and supported by the developer. Regular updates are released, providing the game with fresh content and giving players “something to do” in the long run. This is also referred to as “Games-as-a-Service.” This includes MMO shooters like Warframe, mobile MMOs like Pokémon GO, or large MMORPGs like Final Fantasy XIV. But other multiplayer games like FIFA or GTA 5 also fall under this category.
With Monster Hunter World, the developers have taken a further step towards MMO. Previously, it was already the case that there were updates for older parts after release. But in World, there is a strong focus on regularity and social aspects in MMOs.
The advantage of the MMO lies in the attachment and return
The multiplayer features have been expanded in Monster Hunter World. It is possible to form large clans of up to 50 members. Global servers have been introduced, allowing players around the world to hunt together. There is a drop-in feature that allows players to join an ongoing quest at any time. The story can be played cooperatively in multiplayer, where previously there was a strict separation between single-player and multiplayer campaigns.
There is a weekly event rotation in Monster Hunter World, which has been similar in older parts as well. But the login bonus, which provides players with useful items, or the limited quests that can generously reward players are new.
Chief developer Tokuda-san says that these features have their advantages and encourage players to return to the game regularly. It creates a bond with the game and probably also with the franchise itself.
Even though Monster Hunter World is not an MMO in the classical sense, the elements of “Games-as-a-Service” are clearly visible, and this could be groundbreaking for the future of the franchise. The insane success that Monster Hunter World has achieved also indicates that Capcom is on a smart path here. Because “Games-as-a-Service” corresponds to the current gamer mentality.
What do you think about the development that Monster Hunter World has gone through?
