Axe of the Blood God: The State of JRPGs in 2020

JRPGs weren't in such a great place in 2010. Things are better now, but how much better? In the latest episode of Axe of the Blood God, Nadia and I take a closer look at how JRPGs are faring as a new decade begins. [download link here].

Among our scattered observations:

• Main franchises like DQ and Final Fantasy have stabilize
• JRPGs have benefited from the spread of very accessible technology and engines.
• JRPGs have benefited from a generation that grew up with anime
• JRPGs have found a home on Switch, PS4, and Steam
• We have lost some prominent creators to mobile

We talk about all of these observations, as well as the current biggest franchises, the games that have faded from history, and much more.

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Show Description

Having chosen the best RPGs of the 2010s, Kat and Nadia conclude by taking a closer look at where JRPGs stand as the new decade gets underway. They talk about what the return to consoles have meant for the genre; the proliferation of cheap and accessible graphics technology, and the sneaky importance of Steam. Plus, Kat has some hot takes about the Vita. Check it out!

Music from Axe of the Blood God is courtesy of Lena Raine, composer of Celeste. I also use music from the RPG Music Pack over at rpgmaker.net. Check it out!