Monster Hunter Wilds boasts numerous improvements 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) during the FFXIV crossover, and the positive player response to the Witcher 3 crossover, directly influenced gameplay elements in Wilds.
Yoshi-P's suggestion, shared during the FFXIV crossover reveal, sparked the addition of attack names displayed on screen in real-time. This feature, briefly glimpsed in the 2018 FFXIV event—which included memorable elements like catchable Cactuars, a Chocobo-themed Kulu-Ya-Ku hunt, and the challenging Behemoth fight—found its full realization in Wilds' updated HUD. The Behemoth fight itself showcased a similar mechanic, with attack names appearing onscreen as the monster performed them, foreshadowing Wilds' innovation. Even the "Jump" emote, unlocked after defeating Behemoth, displayed "[Hunter] performs Jump" on screen, a unique precedent for on-screen attack names in Monster Hunter.
The positive reception to the Witcher 3 crossover in Monster Hunter: World served as a test run for expanded dialogue and a speaking protagonist. The crossover featured Geralt of Rivia, a character known for his dialogue and choices, which contrasted sharply with the previous silent protagonists in the Monster Hunter series. This experiment directly led to the inclusion of more robust dialogue options and a voiced protagonist in Monster Hunter Wilds.
Director Yuya Tokuda, while not actively developing Wilds at the time of the World collaborations, used these events as a forward-thinking exercise, envisioning future possibilities. His personal initiative to secure the Witcher 3 collaboration with CD Projekt Red proved highly influential on the direction of Wilds. This insight comes from an exclusive IGN First visit to Capcom's Japan offices. For a complete preview of Monster Hunter Wilds, including in-depth interviews and gameplay, check out January's IGN First coverage:
- Behind Monster Hunter Wilds' New Approach to Starting Weapons and Hope Series Gear
- 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
