In a recent update, Monster Hunter Wilds has discontinued its unique Monster Hunter Language voice option, opting instead to support only real-world languages. This shift emphasizes the game’s enhanced narrative focus, aiming to provide players with a more immersive storytelling experience. Despite this change, elements of the original language remain subtly woven into the game’s environment.
Previously, the Monster Hunter series allowed full immersion through its constructed language, fostering a distinct connection between players and the game world. This move signifies a strategic shift towards deeper character development and more emotionally resonant dialogues within the franchise.
Why Did Monster Hunter Wilds Remove the In-Game Language?
The development team prioritized the story’s depth, leading to the removal of the Monster Hunter Language to better support human language dialogues.
“I’ve put a lot of focus on the story this time around, and right from the beginning of development, we’ve had discussions about how the storylines were developed,”
stated Kaname Fujioka, executive director of Monster Hunter Wilds, during Gamescom last year.
How Will This Affect Players?
By using human languages, the game can deliver more nuanced and emotionally expressive dialogues, enhancing character interactions and overall narrative engagement. This change allows for a richer storytelling experience, making the plot more accessible and relatable to a broader audience.
Is Anything of the Original Language Still Present?
Yes, the Monster Hunter Language continues to exist within the game’s world through background conversations and daily greetings.
“That said, it’s still present as an element of this world. So you might overhear those slip into conversations or daily greetings being said by characters, so there’s still, in that sense, the original language of the Monster Hunter universe,”
Fujioka added.
This balanced approach allows long-time fans to retain a sense of familiarity and connection to the series’ roots while providing new narrative depth. The integration of human languages is expected to make Monster Hunter Wilds more engaging without completely abandoning the franchise’s unique linguistic charm.
Implementing real-world languages without entirely removing the Monster Hunter Language demonstrates Capcom’s commitment to evolving the game’s storytelling capabilities. Players can look forward to a more emotionally driven experience while still enjoying subtle nods to the series’ original linguistic elements.
Maintaining a blend of both languages offers a bridge between nostalgic elements and new narrative ambitions, potentially attracting both long-time fans and newcomers to the Monster Hunter franchise.
Balancing tradition with innovation, Monster Hunter Wilds ensures that the essence of its unique language is preserved while embracing more expressive storytelling techniques. This strategy not only enhances player immersion but also broadens the game’s appeal across diverse audiences.