Monster Hunter 4 development 60% complete

In a small inteview conducted by Famitsu this week, Monster Hunter series producer Ryozo Tsujimoto told the magazine development on the latest entry in the series is moving at a brisk pace; approximately 60% complete.

In addition to the progress update, Tsujimoto also told Famitsu he is considering other types of media for the franchise.  What this entails isn't clear, but allowing the series to thrive in more story-oriented mediums seems to be an intended option.  With Monster Hunter 3 placing a larger emphasis on story than previous games, this seems to be likely.  However, it doesn't sound like anything is concrete yet, meaning a Monster Hunter anime, manga, live-action film, etc. is probably still a ways off.

Unrelated to anything directly involving MH4, Tsujimoto also noted he is happy when hearing stories of people who became friends through Monster Hunter.  He believes that developing bonds and friendships through video games is a great thing.

Monster Hunter 4 is scheduled to release in Japan next spring.