Monster Hunter Wilds introduces a host of exciting changes, new features, and quality-of-life improvements to the beloved Monster Hunter series. Interestingly, the seeds for these innovations were planted during Monster Hunter World’s crossover events. Specifically, insights from Final Fantasy 14’s director, Naoki Yoshida, during the FFXIV crossover, and the positive feedback from The Witcher 3 crossover, directly influenced key gameplay elements in Monster Hunter Wilds.
During the FFXIV crossover collaboration, Naoki Yoshida, also known as Yoshi-P, suggested to Monster Hunter Wilds Director Yuya Tokuda that players appreciate seeing the names of their attacks displayed on screen as they execute them. This feedback led to the introduction of a new heads-up display (HUD) feature in Monster Hunter Wilds, where attack names are now visible during gameplay. This concept was initially tested in the 2018 FFXIV crossover event in Monster Hunter: World, which featured a variety of unique elements including catchable Cactuars, a giant Kulu-Ya-Ku with a crystal, and the challenging Behemoth fight. In this event, Behemoth's moves were displayed on screen, mirroring a common feature in MMORPGs. Additionally, the Jump emote, inspired by Final Fantasy's Dragoon, showcased an early instance of attack names appearing on screen when used.
The influence of The Witcher 3 on Monster Hunter Wilds is equally notable. Director Yuya Tokuda was inspired by the positive reception to the Monster Hunter: World and The Witcher 3 collaboration, where players took on the role of Geralt of Rivia. This crossover introduced dialogue options and a speaking protagonist, elements that were well-received and subsequently integrated into Monster Hunter Wilds. In Wilds, players can now engage in conversations with NPCs, with their character having a voice, much like Geralt in The Witcher 3. This shift marks a significant departure from the silent protagonist of previous Monster Hunter games.
Tokuda mentioned that although Monster Hunter Wilds was not in active development during the World collaborations, the team was already contemplating future directions. The success of the The Witcher 3 collaboration, which Tokuda personally sought out with CD Projekt Red, provided valuable insights into player preferences for more interactive and narrative-driven gameplay.
These fascinating insights were shared during an exclusive visit to Capcom’s Japan offices as part of IGN First. For more detailed information, don’t miss the full hands-on preview, new in-depth interviews, and exclusive gameplay from Monster Hunter Wilds IGN First:
- Behind Monster Hunter Wilds' New Approach to Starting Weapons and Hope Series Gear
- Monster Hunter Wilds Interview and Gameplay: Meet Nu Udra, Apex of the Oilwell Basin
- Evolving Monster Hunter: How Capcom’s Belief in the Series Made it a Worldwide Hit
- Monster Hunter Wilds: Gravios Returns in This Exclusive Gameplay
