Square Enix has confirmed that sales of its 3DS hit Bravely Default have topped 1 million worldwide. The Final Fantasy-inspired RPG has moved 400,000 in Japan alone, with 600,000 units sold overseas (including Europe and the US.) This news comes just over six months after the game’s initial western release, when it reportedly moved over 200,000 units within its first month.
What Does this Mean?
The significance behind these numbers lies in the lukewarm relationship between JRPG’s (and Japan-first titles in general) and the western 3DS market. Only a handful of RPG titles are actually available for 3DS in the US and UK, and few of those can boast the classic elements found in Bravely Default. Based on recent announcements the future looks a little less barren for the import crowd, but JRPG fans in the west still have a long list of hopefuls that so far aren’t planning a trek over the Pacific for the 3DS.
Bravely Default on 3DSInterestingly, the 3DS’s main rival-Sony’s PS Vita-seems to be a haven for Japan-first RPGs. While this could simply be a continuation of Sony’s long history with Square Enix and the Final Fantasy series, it’s surprising this disparity given the current domination of the handheld market by the 3DS.
The fact remains that the success of high-profile games like Bravely Default is absolutely crucial for convincing Japanese publishers that the west still cares about their games. A major roadblock to this the belief is that games made for “the Japanese audience” don’t resonate outside the country; that only by the (more expensive) route of purposefully generalizing a game’s appeal can they hope to turn a profit overseas. The western market’s initial buzz for Bravely Default made Square Enix reconsider that stance, and the game’s commercial success after launch sealed the deal.
Bravely Default and the Future of JRPGs
Final Fantasy Explorers for 3DSUpcoming hopefuls for localization on the 3DS, like Final Fantasy Explorers, will rely on Japan’s renewed faith in their western audience to put in the effort required for a global launch. Final Fantasy Explorers has still not received an official release announcement outside of Japan, despite recent reports of trademark filings. Furthermore, publishers like Square Enix have recently put a lot of weight behind mobile ports of their back catalog, furthering their distance from the dedicated handheld market. The continued success of games like Bravely Default, the Pokémon series and even slow-burn hits like the Monster Hunter franchise will go a long way to pry open publisher presumptions that they have to make a “different” game to sell to the west.
A direct sequel to the game, currently titled Bravely Second, is now in development for the 3DS. The game has not yet received a projected release date in Japan, with no official plans for a western release . That being said, Square Enix’s overall praise of the game’s success overseas, not to mention a secret ending found after the game’s credits reel, strongly suggests that audiences outside of Japan can look forward to a second round of job-swapping, airship-riding action.
