It's only been a month since Nintendo and XSEED Games confirmed The Last Story would be coming to North America. As the publisher of the massive Wii RPG, XSEED has a number of quick decisions to make regarding the game, which is due in stores in just a few months. Some of those choices have yet to be made.
Still, we wanted to get the latest information from XSEED, not only pertaining to localization efforts and special edition plans, but how the publishing deal was arranged in the first place. Did Nintendo approach XSEED with the possibility? Will it assist in marketing the game in this territory? We covered all that ground and more via e-mail with Ken Berry, Director of Publishing for XSEED.
If you haven't already, be sure to check out our full review for The Last Story. We rather liked the game.
IGN: Can you give us a little insight into how XSEED became the publisher for The Last Story? Was this an opportunity Nintendo presented you with? Was this something you sought out?
Berry: This was something that we sought out from our side. The Last Story had all the qualities we look for when determining a title to pursue based on the quality of the game and its marketability in the North American market, so we asked Nintendo about the possibility and they were receptive to our initial inquiry.
IGN: Can you say how long this arrangement has been in the works? Was this something that just came together this year, or have you been discussing this since the game released in Japan? Prior to that release?
Berry: We hadn't been discussing it since the Japanese release, but it also didn't suddenly come together early this year either. I would say that discussions started late last year, sometime after the Tokyo Game Show when we purchased a copy in Japan and started to actually play the game for ourselves.
IGN: Wii is often viewed as a console more intended for casual gamers that might not be interested in a more intense, detailed RPG like The Last Story. What is your view on this? Did this weigh on your decision to bring The Last Story to North America?
Berry: We feel that people go to where the good games are, so if there's something on Wii that core gamers want to play then they will find a way to play it. People assumed that a Japanese RPG couldn't do well on Xbox 360, but Sakaguchi-san and Mistwalker's other title, Lost Odyssey, definitely found its audience in North America.
IGN: The Last Story has been complete for well over a year, and it has just arrived in Europe. Will the North American version of the title be exactly the same as the European version? Are you making any localization adjustments or changes?
Berry: The plan is to offer the same consistent product across all territories, so the North American version will essentially be identical to English versions released in other areas.
IGN: So far you've specified a summer release date for the game. With the game complete, what factors will influence when the game is released? At this point are you expecting an early or late summer release?
Berry: There is still a lot of work that needs to be done even if the game code is somewhat complete with English already implemented. On the localization front new North American-specific data such as product codes, ESRB, and credits need to be inserted at the very least, while time is necessary from a marketing standpoint to design our packaging materials, prepare our advertising assets and get a new website ready. With that said, we still feel pretty good about an early summer launch window.
IGN: The European release of the game saw a limited edition version of the game, with a steel book case, soundtrack and art book. Are you considering doing the same for North America?
Berry: This is something that is still being considered right now. Though nothing is final yet, we hope to be able to announce something fairly soon.
IGN: Do you plan to release the game to all major retailers, or will you be pursuing very specific partnerships for distribution?
Berry: We are offering the title to any retailer that wishes to stock it. The distribution will not be restricted from our side.
IGN: Do you anticipate a limited run for the game? If demand is present, will you consider manufacturing another run of the game?
Berry: Yes, we do anticipate a limited run for the game as we already have a number in mind of how many units we can expect to sell of this title, and all our pre-production efforts will be geared towards being able to manufacture a final number somewhat close to our initial estimated number. It's too early to start thinking of doing additional runs, but as a general policy we haven't been very active on doing reprints of our other titles so far.
IGN: In terms of marketing the game towards Wii owners, will you be receiving any support from Nintendo of America?
Berry: Yes, we actually just recently had a very productive meeting with the team at Nintendo of America to discuss this very issue. They are very enthusiastic in wanting to help support the launch of the title, and we have started dialogue on many different upcoming opportunities already.
IGN: Is there anything else you'd like to add about bringing The Last Story to North America?
Berry: Just that our whole team here is very excited to be working on this title together with the fantastic people at Mistwalker and Nintendo, and we've been overwhelmed and moved by the great fan support so far since first announcing the title.
Rich is an Executive Editor of IGN.com and the leader of the IGN Nintendo team. Follow his ridiculous adventures through IGN and Twitter. Keep it cool, Koopalings.
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* I don't really care as long as I get the game but... *Opens eyes* If there's an artbook I hope you guys enjoy it.
Originally Posted by suashi
