Video games have long served as a global medium, seamlessly blending cultural influences to craft compelling narratives and captivating gameplay experiences. Since the late 1970s, Japan has played a pivotal role in shaping the modern gaming industry, producing titles that have won the hearts of audiences worldwide. Over the decades, many Japanese video games and developers have risen to prominence, incorporating Western characters, locations, and themes as part of their storytelling and world-building, further enhancing their international appeal. Some of the Japanese developers/publishers that have represented Western culture in their video games are Square Enix, Capcom, and FromSoftware to name a few.

Final Fantasy is widely considered Square Enix's flagship title, and since its inception, Final Fantasy has been strongly influenced by Western culture from design, fashion, architecture, and environments. One of the most apparent Western influences is the architectural and geographical design of Final Fantasy worlds. Cities such as Deling City in Final Fantasy VIII is clearly based on Paris, France, while Lindblum in Final Fantasy IX clearly communicate a European steampunk aesthetic and the Victorian era.  

The influence extends to character and narrative elements as well. The series frequently incorporates knights, kings, and political intrigue reminiscent of Western medieval traditions. Many protagonists and antagonists draw comparisons to figures from Western mythology and literature. 

The fashion of characters with the Final Fantasy series is also strongly influenced by Western culture. Character design in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth feature fashion inspired by Western military attire, to Western street ware, to European elegance. For example, Barret Wallace's design heavily reflects that of an American action hero, with his muscular build, tactical vest, and heavy duty accessories.

Capcom stands as one of the most influential game developers in the industry, renowned for creating some of the most iconic and successful franchises in gaming history. Its titles span a diverse range of genres, featuring hundreds of unique characters drawn not only from Japanese and Western influences but from cultures across the globe. Many of these beloved characters have transcended their original games to become enduring symbols of pop culture, recognized by players worldwide and cementing their place in gaming history.

Street Fighter 6, Character Roster

FromSoftware is known for its challenging and atmospheric action RPGs. FromSoft's Soulsborne series is its most popular, and each game features extensive worldbuilding, immersive storytelling, and deep lore. Every Soulsborne game draws on inspiration from Western cultures in their monster and enemy design, locations and architecture, story and world, and armor and weapon design.