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Monster Hunter Wilds Dominates: PS5 Rentals Fully Booked in Japan

Mar 06, 2025 11:40 AM

Monster Hunter Wilds has taken Japan by storm, causing a PS5 rental service to become fully booked shortly after its launch. GEO, one of Japan's largest retailers, began offering this affordable service just as Capcom's latest monster hunting title was released, with prices starting at around £5 for a week. Demand is so high that no slots are available until mid-April. This surge in interest is reflected in the game's record player numbers, with over 1.3 million simultaneous users on Steam, surpassing the previous Monster Hunter: World by a significant margin. Notably, Monster Hunter Wilds has also influenced local businesses, as seen by the increase in cheese naan sales at a Tokyo restaurant, thanks to the game's appetizing in-game cuisine. It's clear that Monster Hunter Wilds has become a cultural phenomenon.

How is Monster Hunter Wilds impacting the gaming landscape in Japan?

Monster Hunter Wilds is redefining gaming culture in Japan, evidenced by the high demand for PS5 rentals and its influence on local businesses such as restaurants, showcasing the game's deep impact on society and gaming trends.

Monster Hunter is a long-running series developed by Capcom, where players take on the role of hunters who seek out and battle large monsters in fantastical environments. The franchise has consistently evolved, blending action and role-playing elements with cooperative multiplayer gameplay. Monster Hunter Wilds is the latest entry, aiming to balance tradition and innovation while appealing to both veteran players and newcomers. Its popularity continues to reshape the gaming market, particularly in Japan, where it has been exceptionally well-received since its launch.



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Casey Loh

Casey Loh is a tech-savvy writer who specializes in the intersection of gaming and technology. With a background in computer science, Casey brings a technical lens to her reviews, breaking down the nuts and bolts of game engines, graphics, and AI innovation.

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