How World's FFXIV and The Witcher 3 Collabs Inspired Monster Hunter Wilds - IGN First

Monster Hunter Wilds: A Legacy Forged in Crossovers

Monster Hunter Wilds boasts numerous enhancements and new features, but its development was subtly shaped by earlier crossover events in Monster Hunter: World. Specifically, feedback from Final Fantasy XIV director Naoki Yoshida (Yoshi-P) and the positive player response to the Witcher 3 crossover directly influenced key gameplay elements.

Yoshi-P's suggestion, made during the FFXIV collaboration, inspired the inclusion of attack names displayed on screen in real-time within Monster Hunter Wilds' HUD. This was initially glimpsed in the 2018 FFXIV crossover event in Monster Hunter: World, most notably during the Behemoth fight, where the boss's attacks were similarly displayed. The "Jump" emote, unlocked after defeating Behemoth, further exemplifies this influence, mirroring Final Fantasy's Dragoon class.

The success of the Witcher 3 crossover proved instrumental in shaping Monster Hunter Wilds' narrative. The positive reception to Geralt's voiced dialogue and interactive conversations directly led to the inclusion of a speaking protagonist and expanded dialogue options in Wilds. This marked a significant departure from previous Monster Hunter titles, where the hunter remained silent.

Director Yuya Tokuda acknowledged the Witcher 3 collaboration as a valuable test, showcasing the potential for more narrative depth and player interaction within the Monster Hunter universe. His proactive approach in securing the collaboration with CD Projekt Red highlights Capcom's forward-thinking approach to game development.

For a comprehensive look at Monster Hunter Wilds, including exclusive gameplay and interviews, check out IGN First's coverage:

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• Monster Hunter Wilds Interview and Gameplay: Meet Nu Udra, Apex of the Oilwell Basin
• Evolving Monster Hunter: How Capcom’s Belief in the Series Made it a Worldwide Hit
• Monster Hunter Wilds: Gravios Returns in This Exclusive Gameplay