Google Trends on Shmups and whats it called everywhere...

[nasty_wolverine]

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B3drSeP ... sp=sharing

So, I had some free time at work and was fooling around with Google Trends.

[ciox]

Well that doesn't look good.

[nasty_wolverine]

Just to be reminded... these are search densities, so that means which countries search these terms more often.
France is the second country after Japan where shmups seem popular...

Another way to look at it is:
Most of Europe(specially France) calls it either a "shmup" or "2d shooter"
US calls it either "danmaku" or "bullet hell" games or a "shmup"
Japan specifically calls it "STG"

[KAI]

Don't forget matamarcianos.

[nasty_wolverine]

Don't forget matamarcianos.

Ahh... i forgot that, did a quick look up...
Trends says that it was only searched in Spain.
According to trends, the term peaked in November 2004 and has since died down and if i go by the earlier trends result they use shmups or 2d shooters like the rest of Europe.

[BulletMagnet]

I'm kinda curious as to what might show up if you entered "shump."

[pestro87]

In Sweden people say "sjö-mupp" (sorry, bad joke here that only Swedes will understand...)

[alastair jack]

Shmups is probably the worst word I've ever seen.

[rancor]

Shmups is probably the worst word I've ever seen.

try saying it.

[nasty_wolverine]

Well popularity wise i ll say:
1) STG (in its origin country)
2) 2d shooter or shmup comes in second
3) danmaku or bullet hell

And, when your on "shmups" forum, making fun of the word "shmup" seems redundant...

[n0rtygames]

It's hardly surprisingly really. The genre is "dying" in the sense that as players get older - they tend to drift away from computer games. So yeah, as the years go on people will certainly lose interest. Younger players are getting exposed to console FPS and action games before anything else.. they're not really growing up with 2D games. The under 20s that live here are really a minority I guess.

The only thing likely to really re-ignite the genre is for a "humble bundle" to grab a lot of public attention. I've been talking to some other UK based devs about getting things together, but I think to be perfectly realistic about it - unless it contains a very arty game - I don't think it's going to fly.


So yeah, my 2p on why I think the searches for shmups are dying down..:0)

[nasty_wolverine]

So yeah, my 2p on why I think the searches for shmups are dying down..:0)

There is an increasing search trend for bullet hell and danmaku in Canada, US, UK... so its not a complete downhill.
Besides, We have been having pretty consistent releases for quality shmups since 2000. Atleast two good games a year, whether commercial or doujin.

I dont think there is any need for humble bundles, dumbing it down, new take on old formulae... thats bullshit.
What i think is needed is shmups with solid gameplay and good artwork. Be it bullet hell or classic style.
As long as its a well balanced game, people will play.

heres a quote that i really like, particularly for the second line...

I must Create a System, or be enslav'd by another Man's;
I will not Reason and Compare: my business is to Create.
- William Blake