One of the lead producers of the Dynasty Warriors series, Tomohiko Sho, recently shared that the long-running franchise has yet to achieve true success in Western markets. In an interview reported by VGC, Sho acknowledged that although the series has a loyal global following, its core fanbase remains heavily concentrated in Asia—particularly in China.
The Dynasty Warriors franchise from Koei Tecmo has been a staple of the action genre since the early 2000s. Known for its large-scale battles inspired by China’s Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the hack-and-slash series has spanned ten main entries and numerous spin-offs. The most recent title, Dynasty Warriors: Origins, aimed to overhaul the formula and rejuvenate the franchise.
A New Direction with Origins
Launched earlier this year, Dynasty Warriors: Origins represented a major shift for the series. Unlike previous entries that covered the entirety of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Origins focuses only on the first half of the novel. The game introduces a customizable protagonist and RPG-like progression, allowing players to upgrade and develop their character throughout the campaign—features designed to appeal to modern gaming audiences.
Sho acknowledged that despite this evolution, the franchise still has not resonated strongly with Western gamers.
“It’s difficult to say Dynasty Warriors is a success in the West,” Sho said. “Our audience is still primarily Chinese players. But I believe there’s potential—we’re working on it.”
Hope for the Future
Even though the franchise has faced challenges in Western markets, Dynasty Warriors: Origins had a strong debut, selling over one million copies worldwide within its first month. This marked a notable comeback after Dynasty Warriors 9, released in 2018, received mixed reviews for its attempt at open-world gameplay and lackluster storytelling.
Koei Tecmo ultimately canceled plans for a tenth numbered title, shifting focus entirely to Origins—a decision that appears to have paid off.
A Cult Classic with Room to Grow
Dynasty Warriors continues to influence action and hack-and-slash game design worldwide, despite its uneven reception in the West. With Origins marking a clear step forward in terms of narrative, structure, and gameplay systems, there’s optimism that future entries could finally broaden the franchise’s appeal.
As Sho and his team consider how to evolve the series, one thing is clear: while Dynasty Warriors may not yet be a mainstream hit in Western markets, its potential remains far from exhausted.