The Monster Hunter series has a bright future ahead, and its developers are not planning to slow down anytime soon. In an exclusive interview, the producers and directors of the award-winning Monster Hunter Wilds revealed their ambitious plans for the franchise's future.
'A Monster of a Series'
At the PlayStation Partner Awards 2025, Monster Hunter Wilds took home the Grand Award and User's Choice Award, solidifying its status as a fan favorite. But here's where it gets controversial: some players initially gave the game harsh feedback. However, the development team, led by director Yuya Tokuda, took this feedback constructively and worked tirelessly to improve the game.
Tokuda shared, "We acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the initial content volume and difficulty level. Despite this, we are grateful for the recognition and support from our players. Their feedback was invaluable, and we turned it into a driving force for our updates."
Bridging the Gap for Newcomers
The Monster Hunter series celebrated its 20th anniversary, and its popularity has only grown, especially overseas after the release of Monster Hunter: World. Tokuda revealed that the team was acutely aware of the need to make the game more accessible to newcomers and those struggling with the series' notorious difficulty.
"We analyzed where beginners typically got stuck, even in previous Monster Hunter titles. We've addressed these pain points to make it easier for new users to progress. Additionally, we've introduced new elements like Focus Mode, beneficial for both newcomers and experienced players. However, this accessibility may have resulted in a slightly less challenging experience for existing users," Tokuda explained.
The Future of Monster Hunter
And this is the part most people miss: the series' future is not just about new games. Producer Ryozo Tsujimoto shared his vision for expanding the Monster Hunter IP beyond gaming.
"Of course, we're not stopping here. We plan to continue the series and make it accessible to even more people. Additionally, we want to explore other avenues to further unlock the potential of the Monster Hunter IP."
Tsujimoto's remarks hint at a future where Monster Hunter expands into new media and experiences, potentially reaching an even wider audience.
The Bigger Picture
When asked about Monster Hunter's place within Capcom's vast IP catalog, Tsujimoto maintained a diplomatic stance. "Capcom has a diverse range of IPs, and each is incredibly important. As for Monster Hunter, that's my focus right now. But as a company, we aim to expand all our IPs."
With Capcom's upcoming releases, including Resident Evil Requiem, Onimusha Way of the Sword, and Pragmata, it's clear that the company is committed to its diverse portfolio.
So, what do you think? Are you excited about the future of Monster Hunter? Do you think the series can successfully expand beyond gaming? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
