IGN: Do you think that working with Western developers is something that Japanese publishers and developers should do more?
Keiji Inafune: With regards to Japanese publishers, unless they go down that route I don’t think they can survive in the current climate, the economy we’re in now. Having said that, you’re not going to be able to succeed if you do it in a half-hearted way. You really have to give it 100%, because on both sides, you’ve got your way of dealing with things, that’s human nature, we are selfish creatures to start with. So you have to handle things with mutual respect and learn from each other, and without that attitude from both sides, the project is not going to succeed.
I’m thinking aloud here – I think I can do it, now, having had experience with Western developers, but I’m not quite sure if the others are ready to go along that road. And if they can’t… well, good, we’re going to win.
IGN: What excites you most about the games industry right now?
Keiji Inafune: For me, it’s co-op gaming and multiplayer. It’s an excuse for me to play with my son, in front of the family. It can be a communication tool. I’ve played Halo, Resident Evil 5 and Wii Sports with him, so in my extremely busy schedule, being able to play with my son in co-op mode is very exciting.
Full interview here
