FRANCHISE FOCUS: PUCCA


It’s a taller order than it sounds. While some western consumers may have already heard of many franchises from Japan and other foreign territories, the majority will be unfamiliar with any of Rising Star’s new signings – and therefore likely to dismiss what Hau describes as some genuinely promising products. He explains: “The key difference really comes down to culture. Western gamers generally tend to favour the blockbuster titles, the cinematic and bravado that is clearly evident in games like Call of Duty, Uncharted, Splinter Celland so on. These games are high-octane Hollywood-esque affairs, which gives players a real sense of action and immersion. “Japanese gamers, on the other hand, tend to be more open in their


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Pucca provides us with opportunities that normal gaming brands cannot offer. Yen Hau, Rising Star Games


acceptance of gaming genres, leading to success stories of dating games and such. However, it must be remembered that some of the best-selling games in the West are still developed in Japan: Bayonetta, Final Fantasyand Super Mario Bros. to name a few.”


HITTING THE HIGH STREET Overcoming the obstacles in delivering Far Eastern properties to the UK High Street has become Rising Star’s speciality. The publisher has repeatedly tapped that distant land for unique brands and helped make them household names in the UK. Some titles will be more


challenging than others to bring to market, such as the acclaimed but niche Deathsmiles. In the latest Hello Kittyand Pucca Powers Up, the publisher has a comparatively easy ride given the established popularity of both franchises around the world. “To start the year off with two games of such high brand awareness really makes a statement of intent on our part and will lead the way to a successful 2011,” concludes Hau.


January 21st 2011 33


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