Summary
One of the lead producers for theDynasty Warriorsseries doesn’t think the franchise has truly been successful in Western markets yet, according to a recent interview. The hack-and-slash series from Koei Tecmo has been a staple of gaming since the early 2000s, known for its chaotic large-scale battles based on historical Chinese wars.Dynasty Warriorshas launched ten main-series games and a multitude of spinoffs, most recently releasingDynasty Warriors: Originsas a major overhaul of the series. However, one of the game’s main producers thinks the franchise has yet to truly hit with one audience.
TheDynasty Warriorsfranchise’s newest entry made plenty of major changes to the series formula for its tenth main-series game.Dynasty Warriors: Originfeatures a smaller scope of time than past entries in the series, focusing entirely on the first half of theRomance of the Three Kingdomsnovel.Originsalso features more heavy RPG elementsthan previous games in the franchise, introducing a new protagonist players can upgrade and improve throughout the game’s story. Now, one producer feelsDynasty Warriorshas yet to hit its stride in the West.
Dynasty Warriors Producer Doesn’t Think The Franchise is Successful in the West
As reported by VGC,Dynasty Warriorsproducer Tomohiko Sho shared his thoughts on the franchise’s status in Western markets. Sho stated that he does not feel thatDynasty Warriorscan be “called a success” in Western markets as of yet, citing the game’s fanbase clearly leaning towards Chinese players. He did express optimism, however, about the franchise’s future, claiming there is “potential” for the series to grow a larger playerbase outside the Chinese market.Dynasty Warriors: Originssaw significant successwith its launch earlier this year, selling one million copies worldwide in its first month.
Dynasty Warriors: Origins' successful launch serves as the franchise’s triumphant return after several years of dormancy.Dynasty Warriors 9stood as the last numbered console game from theDynasty Warriorsfranchise in 2018, with the ninth entry largely seeing mixed reception from fans and critics. The ninth game attempted to transition the series into a more “open world” style of gameplay, thoughDynasty Warriors 9saw criticism for both its story and the open world feeling empty. Koei Tecmo even revealed thata potentialDynasty Warriors 10was canceled, with focus shifting towardsOrigins.
Dynasty Warriors: Originsputs the series back in the spotlight as part of several huge recent successes for the franchise’s developer.Koei Tecmo revealed that it saw record-high profitsin the 2024 fiscal year, boosted by releases likeRise of the Roninand a remaster ofNinja Gaiden 2: Black. The studio has plenty on the way throughout 2025 and into 2026 as well, with twoNinja Gaidengames coming this year andHyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonmentin 2026.Dynasty Warriors: Originsserves as another success story in a banner year for Koei Tecmo.
