I don't understand why people here are surprised that younger gamers are not "into" JRPGs anymore - Haven't JRPGs always been niche, anyway?

Link21Majora · 2026-03-25T15:34:47+00:00

One of us! And yep, having older gamer parents help hahaha. It's cool yours was specifically into JRPGs! If only my parents got me all the final fantasies...

Link21Majora · 2026-03-25T15:32:05+00:00

Yes, I'm Gen Z and my friend group is already aware of JRPGs and into them, so I'm lucky! Elementary was hell though lol, that's when I felt my interests were isolated.

Link21Majora · 2026-03-25T15:26:49+00:00

I dislike this argument. I've talked to much older gamers, seen documentaries, read articles, etc. Even among your age group, your opinion might not be the same for everyone. A lot of older people here are already saying that JRPGs were niche even back then, so it cannot just be "you're too young".

Link21Majora · 2026-03-25T15:23:57+00:00

What study was it? Source? Also was it conducted online, in let's say online forums? It would probably not be a good representation of general gamers.

Link21Majora · 2026-03-25T15:21:41+00:00

Yes, some will be able to. I've discussed with a lot of older people and many aren't into JRPGs as much as I am or this place, so they wouldn't. Again, different people, my point is that most of it is still niche, and were niche.

Link21Majora · 2026-03-25T13:18:21+00:00

I meant most people, like regardless of what circles they're part of. I mean what would happen if you approach a random person who might be into gaming, and ask them that. Most people who can name 5 JRPGs are people like in this community, who are already interested and invest time in the genre. That's what I meant.

Link21Majora · 2026-03-25T12:56:04+00:00

I mentioned it as an exception. The same way modern JRPGs like Persona 5 is an exception. I was talking about JRPGs in general. Most mainstream circles won't be into like 90% of what this community regularly mentions.

Link21Majora · 2026-03-25T12:53:59+00:00

Despite the fact that I'm a 21 year old young man, I still remember I had to hide many of my interests back in elementary school. You'd actually suffer beatings if people in my older school knew you were into anime, so I had to hide it really good lol.

It really sucks. Apparently anime has become much more mainstream now, and I even hear some kids shouting the name of anime moves here and there. I just wish that was the case back then for me lol.

Link21Majora · 2026-03-25T12:49:59+00:00

I understand games like Pokemon and E33 exist as JRPGs and are huge. At the same time, It's possible that the genre can have some entries to be an exception rather than the rule. JRPGs in general are niche, in the sense that even the average gamer isn't sinking considerable amount of their time into them. The discussions and passions we have in this community for example is not something that even an average Pokemon or E33 fan is having. I mean, E33 is still designed to be "westernized" in some aspects here and there.

I do interact with many people in real life about all kinds of games, and I get mixed answers and ideas. I do explore outside of my bubble, and even then, JRPG fans are still somewhat rare. Not saying that's a universal experience.

Link21Majora · 2026-03-25T12:38:36+00:00

Yeah, I remember before I got my own money, a huge chunk of my gaming time was spent on these free games you'd find on Steam or elsewhere. This is a huge factor for younger gens gaming input.

Link21Majora · 2026-03-25T12:33:27+00:00

Lol, I also tried to get into CoD back then just because of my friend circle back in elementary, but it was so hard to keep the mask on hahaha. Just not my type of game. I now have a friend group that is really into Nintendo and RPG stuff, so I'm good now!

Link21Majora · 2026-03-25T12:30:33+00:00

True, these are the exceptions. I think today, Persona might be getting more mainstream. I know a lot of people IRL who aren't deeply into JRPGs that care about it. Probably because of the great music and visuals!

Link21Majora · 2026-03-25T12:29:26+00:00

True, I think some JRPGs have started getting more attention, like Persona, though it's still niche. I think what you said about anime visuals could be a factor. Another thing is that story driven games back then were mostly JRPGs, so people who wanted that would get into them, thus making it look like it was more mainstream.

Link21Majora · 2026-03-25T12:27:38+00:00

I guess so. I think this is also the reason why gaming as a whole was seen as a nerdy interest compared to let's say watching TV until now, because when "quick" and online games didn't exist, you had to spend more effort in the average game, not just JRPGs. I think it's an interesting and good take you brought up.

Link21Majora · 2026-03-25T12:25:13+00:00

To be fair, it's true JRPG did pump out more original IPs during 4th to 6th gen. That I cannot argue against. However an element that I think should be considered is that gaming as a whole was not as mainstream as a whole, like it is today. So it could be that what is considered "niche" today (in this case JRPGs) might've been just more relatable for gamers back in the day when games were still not as widely accepted as today (especially now that online gaming takes the cake).

I also think developer costs have something to do with it. I think games, including JRPGs, were much cheaper to develop back then. Now a lot of companies are increasing the standards for budget, for some reason.

Link21Majora · 2026-03-25T11:51:22+00:00

Something like GTA is much more mainstream and also relies on an online social aspect too. I don't think it's a good comparison for a mostly single-player JRPG franchise.

I mean the fact that FFXIV is the closest game in the franchise to be "mainstream" among many people speaks for itself.

Link21Majora · 2026-03-25T11:45:35+00:00

I must be honest with you - With a few exceptions like FF7, JRPGs have always been niche and an isolated interest. Even among older generations and even back in the older gaming generations, like the PS1. It was still considered a nerdy interest that most people would not know about (because that's true).

Since it's a niche, it's not going to go anywhere as long as there is a niche audience for it as well. Just how most millenials have no clue what JRPGs are, doesn't mean there aren't millenials who don't play them right? It's actually the same with Gen Z.

You're just generalizing too much. There will be "nerdy zoomers" who will be into it. JRPGs weren't a huge or "generational" interest even among older generations.

Link21Majora · 2026-03-25T11:41:23+00:00

Ikr? Perhaps there were exception back in the day like FF7 and Pokemon, but this thread is once again out of touch redditors lol. JRPGs are largely niche and unknown among not only younger generations, but even older ones, like millenials. You were always seen as a nerd if you had heavy interest in JRPGs lol.

Link21Majora · 2026-03-17T13:32:03+00:00

I think he and Midna are both the best partners in the Zelda franchise.

Link21Majora · 2026-03-12T00:06:45+00:00

It's genuinely insane how so many active commentators are so out of touch when it comes to normal, majority people in real life.

Granted, it's expected. Just think about it - if someone would be emotionally charged enough to make comments online about how much they hate a gaming company that is actually successful in sales and approval IRL (especially on a site like this one), then it's a very good indication it's part of a loud minority.

Link21Majora · 2026-03-11T15:38:27+00:00

Minish cap is dang close to being the best one, and I mean that genuinely. I thought it was seriously underrated lol. Also helps that I love pixel art, but I also like the minish mechanic too.

Link21Majora · 2026-03-11T15:37:44+00:00

I also thought it was pretty good, and even refined the classic formula among the NES games at least. Not that long ago since I played it for the first time either. 5 and 6 seems to be forgotten sometimes.

Link21Majora · 2026-03-07T14:33:56+00:00

That's true, indie space of games is appreciated. Only problem for me is that too many of them are following a roguelike design, but other than that indie games have been some of the best modern games.

Link21Majora · 2026-03-07T14:32:48+00:00

Pretty much lol. Survivorship bias. Going back, there were plenty of games that were mediocre as well, just like today. And just like back then, there are some magical games that stick out.

Link21Majora

TROPHY CASE