Capcom Explains the Long Wait Behind Monster Hunter Wilds’ Release

The Monster Hunter series hasn’t seen a new installment in quite some time, and Capcom has finally shed light on why that is. The next anticipated game in the series, Monster Hunter Wilds, is set for release next year. The last major title, Monster Hunter: World, came out in 2018.

A long wait for a sequel to such a popular series is unusual. So, why has Capcom’s next Monster Hunter title taken so long to release?

According to the series’ art director, Kaname Fujioka, the reason behind the extended wait is tied to the success of Monster Hunter: World itself.

Speaking to Game Developer (via The Gamer), Fujioka explained that the overwhelming popularity of Monster Hunter: World, which sold over 25 million copies, has made the developers more mindful of the diverse skill levels and experiences of their audience:

Monster Hunter Is No Longer a Niche Series

What Fujioka means is that as the Monster Hunter series has grown in popularity, the developers now have to consider a wide range of factors to make the game appealing to a broader audience.

It’s a bit like the situation with Grand Theft Auto VI, which is taking a long time to develop. Rockstar has the enormous task of meeting the sky-high expectations of millions of fans.

Capcom faces a similar challenge. They need to ensure that Monster Hunter Wilds will satisfy the series’ millions of fans while also attracting new players. This kind of undertaking requires time and care.

The good news is that the wait is almost over.

Monster Hunter Wildswill be released in 2025, and at Gamescom 2024, Capcom showcased some of the new creatures that will bein the game.

For those new to the series, deciding between Monster Hunter Rise and Monster Hunter: World might be tricky. If you opt for World on PC, be sure to explore the vast array of modded content available to improve your experience.