Video games have undoubtedly become a prominent form of entertainment worldwide, captivating millions of gamers with their immersive experiences. Japan, known for its rich gaming culture and contributions to the industry, has continuously produced some of the most influential and beloved titles. As we dive into the realm of gaming in 2021, we explore Famitsu’s comprehensive list of Japan’s top 100 best-selling video games. This highly-respected publication has been tracking game sales in the country for decades, providing invaluable insights into the preferences and trends within Japan’s gaming community. From thrilling action-adventures to delightful RPGs and addictive multiplayer experiences, this list offers a glimpse into the titles that have captured the hearts and minds of Japanese gamers throughout the year.
As the gaming industry evolves, so does the list of best-selling games of the year. This year was no different, as Famitsu recently released the Top 100 Best-Selling Video Games of 2021 in Japan. Nintendo led the pack with 20 games, followed by Sony’s PlayStation at 16, and Microsoft Xbox with 8 titles.
Nintendo’s Dominance
Nintendo’s dominance over other gaming companies in Japan is clearly seen with 20 titles on the top 100 best selling list. With game franchises such as Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Splatoon 2 taking 3 of the top 5 spots respectively, Nintendo has managed to secure its place as a major player in Japanese gaming for another year running. Its flagship Switch console has quickly become one of Japan’s most popular home consoles along with its own software successes.
The success of Nintendo’s first-party offerings is also supported by a strong third-party development environment which includes developers such as Bandai Namco and Square Enix setting up shop on Switch. These strong relationships allow Japanese gamers access to games from both major publishers that would otherwise be unavailable.
Third Party Support
Third party support continues to be crucial for any console’s success in Japan. As mentioned earlier Bandai Namco and Square Enix bring their extensive catalogue of video games to Switch thus giving consumers more options when it comes to choosing what game they want to play. Not only that but these two companies have a long standing relationship with Nintendo allowing them to take advantage of Nintendo’s hardware advantages by creating exclusive titles that cannot be found on other consoles.
Games such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe from Bandai Namco are highly successful due to their use of Switch hardware features like motion controls