6
GameSetWatch points to a blog written by a Western working in the Japanese gaming industry. Called Japanmanship, this fascinating blog is penned by "JC Barnett," and provides insight on the industry in Japan and even offers advice on how to get industry jobs. The insights are what really glow. Take this tidbit:
I was once shown, by a lamenting boss, a new release of a hentai mahjongg game. Imagine it: a simple mahjongg structure would require one or two programmers at most... One such game, for PC, retails for as much as 8,000 Yen (approx. US$70, 55EU). Considering handheld games are about 3 to 4 thousand US$25-35, 20-25EU) and console games 5 to 6 thousand US$45-50, 35-40EU that is a pretty decent profit margin considering the vastly lower budgets and shorter schedules compared to "real" games.
And thus, the motivation behind all those cheapo mah-jong, pachi-slot games is explained. And that motivation is laziness.
More Here [GSW]
