As more and more publications are dialing down their Japan coverage, Kotaku had this crazy idea: Why not increase ours? And better yet, why stop at Japan? Welcome to Kotaku East.
Since 2005, Kotaku has unabashedly covered Japan from Japan, breaking news and providing a boots-on-the-ground look at the country's gaming and geek culture. The site's name, "Kotaku", is even from a made-up Japanese word with "ko" (小) meaning "small" and "otaku" (オタク) meaning "geek". Voilà, Kotaku!
Japan isn't the only game in town, which is why for the first time in the site's history, Kotaku will have Asia-based writers reporting from outside Japan, while at the same time, doubling down on its Japan coverage. The addition of writers in China and South Korea, both huge gaming hubs, will only strengthen the site.
But there's still much more to Asia than these three countries. As always, Kotaku—especially Kotaku East—is more than happy to receive tips (tipsATkotakuDOTcom) from readers residing throughout the region.
As with all Kotaku writers, each member of the Kotaku East team will bring a unique voice and prospective, whether the writer is shedding light on a just released game, a news story, or a different culture. The voices, and the countries they cover, will define Kotaku East.
Kotaku's current Japan coverage will also expand. There will still be breaking game news as well as subculture pieces on everything from giant robots to maid cafes that current Kotaku.com readers have come to expect. What's more, there will also be a more focused look at Japanese games and events.
Japan is the home to Nintendo and Sony, two of the console platform holders, not to mention countless talented game creators and new powerhouses like Gree. Doubling down here only makes sense. And so does entrenching in other regions.
At the same time, Kotaku East is expanding its reach—not just by rolling out bureaus throughout Asia, but also by exploring stories that range from interesting and illuminating to surprising and shocking. In Kotaku East, nothing is considered off-topic—just as nothing should be.
Kotaku East runs Monday thru Friday, 4am to 8am EST. Consider this your daily passport.
Click through the above gallery and meet the team.
