Stop judging games by sales Harada says

When it comes to the art of gaming, the numbers on the scoreboard often seem to dominate the conversation. But some figures, and some perspectives, suggest that judging a masterpiece solely by its sales receipts is missing the forest for the trees.

This viewpoint was recently affirmed by Katsuhiro Harada, the former face of Tekken and current CEO of SNK VS Studio. Harada offered high praise to Dark Souls kingpin and FromSoftware president Hidetaki Miyazaki, reflecting on how game development evolves over time.

Harada suggests that the less celebrated projects of earlier eras were not mere footnotes but crucial stepping stones for the subsequent evolution of the Souls series. He posited that those who dismiss older titles often fail to recognize the essential journey and growth undergone by the developers themselves.

This perspective serves as a gentle rebuke to those in the industry who prioritize immediate earnings calls over the long-term narrative of creation. Harada made it clear that appreciating a game requires looking beyond quarterly reports and recognizing the developmental arc behind the pixels and code.

While he spoke about this broader philosophy, Harada carefully clarified that his remarks were aimed at understanding the creative process, not disparaging the dedication of the fan community who champion these titles. It was a call to appreciate the craft itself, separate from commercial pressure.

By Olivia Smith