As a professional gamer, I've been closely following the buzz around Monster Hunter Wilds this year, and Capcom's recent statements about the PS5's high price point really hit home for me. 😮 It all started with the game's explosive launch back in February—selling a whopping 8 million copies in just three days! 🎮 But now, Capcom's president, Haruhito Tsujimoto, is pointing fingers at the PS5's cost as the main culprit for why sales slowed down unexpectedly. Honestly, as someone who plays on multiple platforms, I can see why this is such a hot topic in 2025. The barrier to entry isn't just about the game itself; it's the whole ecosystem of accessories, subscriptions, and hardware that adds up fast. For younger gamers like my friends in Japan, where the PS5 costs around 80,000 yen, the total can easily exceed 100,000 yen—that's a huge chunk of change! 💸 It's frustrating because Wilds was a masterpiece at first, with record-breaking concurrent players on Steam, but now it feels like the excitement is fading due to these external pressures. Let me dive deeper into what's going on.

The Initial Success Story

Monster Hunter Wilds burst onto the scene in February 2025 and immediately shattered records. I remember the hype—within three days, it sold 8 million units, making it Capcom's fastest-selling game ever! By April, it had crossed the 10 million mark, and on Steam, it peaked at 1.4 million concurrent players, outpacing giants like Elden Ring and Dota 2. 🚀 As a player, I was blown away by the immersive world and thrilling hunts. The game felt like a true evolution of the franchise, and critics were raving about it. But here's the twist: Capcom revealed last month that despite hitting their initial target, long-term sales fell short. Tsujimoto explained that Wilds didn't boost older titles as much as Resident Evil or Devil May Cry games usually do, which got me thinking—what went wrong?

The PS5 Price Barrier Explained

Short and sweet: The PS5's price is a massive hurdle. Tsujimoto called it "unexpectedly large," and I couldn't agree more. In Japan, the console alone costs about 80,000 yen ($540), and when you factor in essentials like controllers, games, and PS Plus subscriptions, the total easily tops 100,000 yen ($675). 💥 That's not pocket money; it's a luxury for many. Sony even raised prices in key regions this year due to economic issues and exchange rates, making it even tougher for budget-conscious players. Capcom's financial reports back this up—only 477,000 copies sold from April to June. As a gamer, I've seen friends hesitate to upgrade because of the cost, especially in overseas markets where inflation is biting hard. This isn't just about Capcom; it's a systemic problem affecting the whole industry.

Player Sentiment and PC Woes

Now, let's not ignore the elephant in the room—player feedback. While the PS5 price is a big deal, Capcom also needs to look inward. Recent Steam reviews for Wilds have turned "Mostly Negative," with players (including me!) complaining about persistent issues. Here's a quick rundown of the main gripes:

• 😡 PC performance problems: Frame drops and crashes that ruin the experience.

• 😴 Lack of endgame content: After the initial thrill, it gets repetitive and dull.

• 🛠️ Promised fixes: Capcom says updates are coming later this year, but trust is waning.

As a dedicated hunter, I've faced these myself. The game launched strong, but the endgame grind feels unfinished, and on my rig, it stutters like crazy. This combo of high hardware costs and gameplay flaws has dampened enthusiasm, leading to slower sales. Capcom has to balance external factors with internal improvements to win us back.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for Gamers

In 2025, this situation highlights a bigger trend. As consoles like the PS5 get pricier, developers and players need to adapt. Capcom's case shows that even blockbuster games can stumble if accessibility is low. For us gamers, it's a call to push for more affordable options and better optimization. Let's hope Capcom's upcoming updates turn things around—I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for a resurgence! 🤞