The Tales Series Just Went Global in a Major Way
If you’ve been following the Tales of series lately, there’s some fascinating news coming straight from the source. Yusuke Tomizawa, the producer of the Tales franchise at Bandai Namco, just revealed something that’s reshaping the entire future of the series. Over 70% of Tales players now come from outside Japan.
Now before you jump to conclusions about declining Japanese interest, pump the brakes. This isn’t because the home market is shrinking. It’s a completely natural outcome of global population distribution and where gaming hardware is available worldwide. But here’s what’s really interesting – this shift is fundamentally changing how the development team approaches creating JRPGs for everyone.
What This Statistic Really Means
The 70% overseas statistic tells us something important about modern gaming: the Tales series isn’t just a Japanese franchise anymore. It’s a truly international property. The franchise has always had Western fans, but the scale of that player base has grown to the point where international players now vastly outnumber domestic ones.
Tomizawa explains that this isn’t mysterious or surprising when you think about it. The world population outside Japan is significantly larger, and gaming hardware is distributed globally. It’s simple math, really. But what makes this statement meaningful is what comes next in his thinking about game design.
Redefining How JRPGs Are Made
Here’s where things get really interesting. Tomizawa mentions something that probably sounds obvious but is actually pretty revolutionary in practice. When they deliver JRPGs to the world, they’ve noticed something: there’s no meaningful difference in how people connect with characters and stories regardless of where they live.
An overseas player falls in love with a character in the same way a Japanese player does. The emotional beats that work in Japan work in France, Brazil, or Korea just as effectively. This realization has completely changed the team’s philosophy.
Instead of thinking about what will appeal to Western audiences or Eastern audiences separately, the team is now focused on making games that are genuinely entertaining and true to the Tales series identity. They’re not chasing trends or trying to cater to specific regions. They’re making JRPGs that are simply good games that respect the series’ legacy.
Tomizawa puts it perfectly: their stance is not to think in terms of what will appeal overseas, but to focus on delivering games that are purely entertaining and interesting in a way that’s authentic to Tales. That’s a meaningful philosophical shift for a franchise.
What This Means for Future Tales Games
The remasters are just the beginning. Tales of Xillia Remastered just dropped on October 30, 2025, with Tales of Xillia 2 already in development. But there’s more happening behind the scenes.
Tomizawa confirmed that more than two remastered titles are currently in the works. One project is apparently nearing the end of development, with announcements coming soon. There’s speculation that Tales of the Abyss could be next, given trademark filings and producer interest expressed earlier.
But the most significant news is about the future. The development team is actively working on a brand new Tales game. This isn’t a remaster or an update. It’s a completely new entry in the franchise. Tomizawa was honest that announcements won’t come anytime soon, so don’t expect news tomorrow. But the fact that this is actively being worked on shows the franchise isn’t resting on remasters alone.
Why This Matters for Gaming
This situation represents a broader shift in how major gaming studios approach international releases. Instead of treating different regions as separate markets that need different products, Tomizawa’s team is recognizing that games transcend geography. A great game is a great game everywhere.
It’s especially significant for JRPGs, which have historically been viewed as niche products outside Japan. But the Tales series, along with franchises like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest, has proven that JRPGs have massive global appeal when given proper support and localization.
The 70% international player statistic is really a vote of confidence in this approach. It shows that when you make something authentic and good, people worldwide will embrace it. The Tales team is doubling down on that philosophy.
FAQs About Tales Series Global Growth
Does the 70% overseas players stat mean fewer Japanese players are buying Tales games?
No. Tomizawa specifically addressed this. Japanese player numbers haven’t declined. The shift to 70% international is simply a reflection of global population distribution and hardware availability. More people live outside Japan, and gaming hardware is sold worldwide, so it’s natural that international players outnumber Japanese players.
What remaster is coming after Tales of Xillia 2?
Bandai Namco hasn’t officially announced the next remaster after Xillia 2, but there’s strong speculation it could be Tales of the Abyss. The producer of Tales of Graces f Remastered previously expressed interest in remastering Abyss, and Bandai Namco filed a new trademark for the game this year.
When will we hear about a new Tales game?
Tomizawa said a new Tales game is in development, but it will likely take considerable time before an official announcement. Don’t expect news in the immediate future, but the team is actively working on it.
How many remasters are currently in development?
More than two remasters are being developed. With Tales of Xillia Remastered and Tales of Xillia 2 already confirmed, there are additional projects in the pipeline, with at least one approaching completion.
Does the international player base affect how the Tales team creates games?
Not in the way you might think. Rather than tailoring content for specific regions, the team has concluded that great games resonate universally. Their focus is on making authentic, entertaining games true to the Tales series rather than designing specifically for overseas or domestic markets.
Are the new remasters only for Western audiences?
No. The remaster titles are released simultaneously across all regions, including Japan. They’re global releases designed to reach the entire player base wherever they are.
What platforms will future Tales remasters release on?
Tales of Xillia Remastered is available on PS5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. Future remasters will likely follow a similar multi-platform strategy to reach the widest audience.
The Bottom Line
The 70% international player statistic is more than just a number. It represents a fundamental shift in how one of Japan’s beloved JRPG franchises is being created and distributed. The Tales series is proving that great games transcend borders, and regional audiences care about the same things – authentic storytelling, engaging characters, and solid gameplay. With multiple remasters on the horizon and a new game in active development, the Tales franchise is poised for its biggest global moment yet. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, there’s never been a better time to experience what the series has to offer.