Fact Check: Kenji inafune once claimed that Video games industry is finished in 2009

Fact Check: "Kenji Inafune once claimed that the video game industry is finished in 2009"

What We Know

Keiji Inafune, a prominent figure in the video game industry known for his work on the Mega Man series, made a series of statements regarding the state of the Japanese video game industry in 2009. During the Tokyo Game Show that year, Inafune expressed his disillusionment with the industry, stating, "Japan is over. We're done. Our game industry is finished" (Engadget). This sentiment was echoed in various interviews and articles, where he criticized the lack of originality and diversity in Japanese game development, claiming that the industry was "at least five years behind" its Western counterparts (GamesIndustry.biz).

Inafune's remarks were not isolated; they reflected a broader concern within the industry about the stagnation of Japanese game design and the challenges posed by Western developers who were investing heavily in innovative game experiences (GameWatcher).

Analysis

The claim that "Kenji Inafune once claimed that the video game industry is finished in 2009" is supported by multiple credible sources. Inafune's statements were widely reported and documented, particularly during the Tokyo Game Show in 2009. The New York Times highlighted his critical view of the Japanese gaming landscape, emphasizing his belief that the industry was struggling to keep pace with global trends.

While some may argue that Inafune's comments were overly pessimistic, they reflect a genuine concern from a key industry player about the future of Japanese gaming. His subsequent comments in later years suggested a slight shift in his perspective, indicating that he believed the industry could recover as long as companies like Capcom remained active (GamesIndustry.biz). However, the initial claim from 2009 stands as a significant moment in the discourse about the state of the video game industry in Japan.

The sources used to substantiate this claim are reliable, including major gaming news outlets and interviews that provide context and direct quotes from Inafune himself. The consistency of his statements across various platforms adds to their credibility.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
Keiji Inafune did indeed claim in 2009 that the Japanese video game industry was "finished." His statements were widely reported and reflect a critical viewpoint on the industry's direction at that time. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms the accuracy of the claim.

Sources

1. Keiji Inafune
2. Inafune slams Japanese industry for "making awful games"
3. Inafune proclaims "Japan is over," their games industry finished
4. Keiji Inafune says Japanese game industry is over, man
5. Keiji Inafune says Japanese game industry is over, man
6. Mega Man creator laments "tragic state of Japanese games"
7. Q&A: Mega Man Creator Wants Japan to Admit Failure
8. Game journalists have failed in reporting Keiji Inafune's statements