"Monster Hunter" revolutionizes open world gameplay

Following the breakthrough success of Monster Hunter World, Capcom has geared up to shake up the series with Monster Hunter Wilds.
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Monster Hunter Wilds is Capcom's ambitious new entry in the Monster Hunter series that transforms the franchise's epic battles into a dynamic, interconnected world teeming with a living ecosystem that evolves in real time.

In an interview with Game Developer at the recent Summer Game Fest, series producer Ryozo Tsujimoto, executive director Kaname Fujioka, and game director Yuya Tokuda discussed how Monster Hunter Wilds is set to transform the series. They emphasized a new focus on seamless gameplay and an immersive environment that responds to player actions.

Just as in previous Monster Hunter games, players take on the role of hunters in an unexplored locale filled with new wildlife and resources in Monster Hunter Wilds. However, the game's demo at Summer Game Fest showcased a departure from the series' traditional mission-based structure. Instead of segmented zones, Wilds showed a seamless, open world where players can freely explore, hunt, and interact with the environment.

"The seamlessness of the game is really one of our core efforts in designing Monster Hunter Wilds," said Fujioka. "We wanted to create detailed and immersive ecosystems that necessitate a seamless world filled with hostile monsters you can freely hunt."

In-Game World is Immensely Dynamic

The demo showcased expansive desert settlements, diverse biome and monsters, as well as NPC hunters. The game's innovative approach grants players the freedom to select targets or actions without the limitations of a timer, providing a liberating hunting experience. Fujioka emphasized the significance of immersive world interactions. "We prioritized interactions such as packs of monsters pursuing targets and their conflicts with human hunters. These characters exhibit complex 24-hour behavior patterns, enhancing the world's authenticity and dynamism."

Monster Hunter Wilds

also incorporates dynamic weather conditions and evolving monster populations. Game director Yuya Tokuda elaborated on how cutting-edge technology facilitated this immersive world. "Creating a vast, ever-changing ecosystem teeming with monsters and interactive characters posed a formidable challenge. Environmental transformations occur simultaneously, a feat previously unattainable."

The success of Monster Hunter World offered Capcom valuable lessons and influenced the development of Wilds. Series producer Ryozo Tsujimoto stated that taking into account their broader global approach was crucial throughout the development process. "We approached Monster Hunter World with a global mindset, focusing on simultaneous worldwide release and comprehensive localization. This global perspective helped us consider players who haven't played Monster Hunter in a considerable time and how to reintroduce them."