Having an established fanbase is one thing, but creating a more open dialogue with them is a whole other ballgame. And it’s something that more game companies — particularly ones based in Japan, need to make a stronger push for.

One example of increased fan outreach is Capcom and the transformation its USA branch has undergone over the course of eight years. Capcom USA created a website entitled Capcom-Unity, which serves as a hub where fans of the company’s long line of games can read up on its regularly updated news blog, chat about its games in a forum and even use it as a grounds for voicing requests.

This model didn’t come at the drop of the hat. It required a lot of conversations with top executives and one employee’s willingness to take matters into his own hands.