Xseed Games, the California-based game publisher and distributor, brings Japanese titles to the North American market. Easier said than done.
Over on the Xseed Facebook page, action role-playing game Zwei!! was requested for U.S. location and release. Zwei!! was originally developed for the PC, but later ported to the PS2.
"Zwei is a well-made charming game, but the retailers aren't too crazy about the cutesy graphics," replied Xseed, "which makes our job a little more difficult."
As game site Siliconera points out, "cutesy graphics" are common in established Japanese franchises. (Hello, Nintendo!) But Western retail might feel more reluctant to take a gamble on unproven games with them.
Because if it's a choice between a heroine with pink hair and blue eyes or a bald space marine, American retail is going to pick the bald space marine. Every time.
Dear Xseed! [Facebook via Siliconera via インサイド via 痛いニューズ]