Final Fantasy is more popular in the West than Dragon Quest. Square Enix, the owner both series probably knows why.
Square Enix Theory
The Final Fantasy series is both popular in Japan and overseas. The Dragon Quest series on the other hand, is also popular at home but not as much in the West. Square Enix has an interesting theory as to why. Dragon Quest producer Yu Miyake believed that the FF franchise had a more Western exposure.
He explained that Final Fantasy VII on the Sony PlayStation helped popularized the game to Western gamers. There is also the fact that the FF series developers made an effort to localize the game. This is one feature that Dragon Quest failed to do and has regretted ever since.
Dragon Quest Catching Up
Square Enix though is working double time to make Dragon Quest as popular as its Final Fantasy sibling. Recent titles are now being localized and have produced an increase in sales. One such game is Dragon Quest Builders which seems to be making well. Still, Miyake admits that the revenue is not that high compared to an FF game. The latest one, Final Fantasy XV was one of the fastest selling games for 2016. More of the series are coming up in various platforms including mobile devices. In fact, Ariana Grande recently signed a deal depicting her as a playable character in Final Fantasy Brave Exvius.
Dragon Quest Cartoony Animation
Some critics believed that Dragon Quest's cartoony animation is one of the things that turns off Western gamers. The two franchise definitely have contrasting looks but it seems overseas players prefer the FF look.
Dragon Quest Games For 2017
These kinds of criticism have not discouraged Square Enix. In fact the game publisher is releasing Dragon Quest Heroes II on PS4 before June this year. Dragon Quest XI will also have a US release soon.
