Q-Games founder: PSN games haven't caught on in Japan
by Ludwig Kietzmann 
{ Dec 7th 2007 at 8:57PM }
"So far, it really hasn't caught on in the same way it has in the West--the problem in Japan is a traditional aversion to using credit cards, as opposed to the West where it is second nature," he explained. "A lot of restaurants over here don't accept any credit card at all, and when you order things online to be delivered the majority of people pay on delivery or even by online bank transfer as opposed to using a credit card. Pre-paid cards are definitely the way to go forward to solve these problems, but they only rolled out recently, so we'll just have to wait and see."
It's odd to see the game (which arrives on our PSN in January) facing this external obstacle, especially since it was designed with Japanese sensibilities in mind -- those folks aren't too keen on real-time strategy either, it seems. Perhaps PixelJunk Monsters will find success on our shores, preying on our habit of whipping out the plastic whenever instant gratification is in view.
[Via PS3 Fanboy]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
gonk @ Dec 7th 2007 9:05PM
ape escape rules
Fox318 @ Dec 7th 2007 9:37PM
Thats because the Japan market would rather have cooking games, memory games, and two scales duck taped together.
gonk @ Dec 7th 2007 10:00PM
oh no u didn't!
Fox318 @ Dec 7th 2007 10:03PM
I'm talking about the Vii. I'm sure Viifanboys arn't going to attack me.
Now if my comment said something about POPStations or Macs..it would have been a different story.
Geist @ Dec 8th 2007 12:14AM
What is this duck tape and where can I get some?
Brello @ Dec 8th 2007 3:52PM
http://www.duckproducts.com/products/subcategory.asp?CatID=1&SubID=1
Duck brand duct tape!
ikiryou @ Dec 7th 2007 10:20PM
Developer Excuse-Speak: "Japan [ha]s a traditional aversion to using credit cards, as opposed to the West where it is second nature"
Common Sense Translation: "Our game isn't that great and the Japanese have more sense than to waste their money on its purchase".
What he failed to mention: "the Japanese are also not in debt up to their ears like so many Americans" and "by resisting the constant urge to use their credit cards online, they can rest easier knowing their credit card numbers and identities won't be swiped online."
nate @ Dec 7th 2007 10:39PM
About the credit system in Japan. Every time you make a credit card purchase with a Japanese credit card, you need to specify how many monthly installments you would like to repay in. They ask the shopper "is one month ok?" as a rule.
So credit cards in the same sense really aren't used here. However, minor cash loans are pretty common, at credit card rates.
While I'm at it, the remark about "even bank transfers" is sort of silly, it's what every other developed country uses in place of checks.
Tamyu @ Dec 7th 2007 11:25PM
They aren`t asking you how many months - they`re asking which card category you`re putting it in. There are two (unless you have a specialized card). Pay in full next month (ikkatsu), or pay so much each month (ribo). You usually put small purchases in the pay in full category, and large purchases in the "revolving" category. It makes quite a bit of sense to me.
For anyone who says that people don`t use their cards here... Umm, Wii points are mainly bought by credit card and they`re not having any problems selling those. Online games are paid mostly by credit card. Their service just isn`t appealing enough.
mocax @ Dec 8th 2007 5:59AM
It's asian tradition to avoid credit.
There's a saying "A person not in debt is a wealthy person"
Personally, I feel flashing a wad of $100 notes at the delivery guy is more gratifying than flashing a card that says "I've $30000 in credit"
Ethan @ Dec 8th 2007 9:55AM
Don't debit cards work?
naib @ Dec 8th 2007 2:16PM
This yank can't wait to give them my CC number for that Monsters game. Looks awesome.
Brello @ Dec 8th 2007 3:54PM
Anything credit card debt related is the result of the individual being an irresponsible moron. It's a self inflicted wound, no sympathies from me.
Brello @ Dec 8th 2007 3:55PM
Stupid reply. Was supposed to be in response to ikiryou's comment.
Todd @ Dec 10th 2007 1:42PM
I bought a lot of stuff there with my credit card last time. I don't think I ever ran into a situation where I couldn't pay by credit card. Though I never paid for food since I was staying at the wifes house so maybe that would be different.
koehler83 @ Jan 17th 2008 8:48AM
I've spent thousands upon thousands of dollars on my credit card but have paid under $100 in interest over the years.. Using the card is not a matter of not having the funds, or going into debt for something you cant afford. Its simply a convience issue.
Do Japanese people not have online banking? I use my credit card online and with a few additional clicks of my mouse, the bill is paid before its ever charged.
What century are they living in over there?