A recent debate on Japanese forums revolved around the
question, “ Why has Fate failed to be like Kimetsu no Yaiba , both being
produced by Ufotable? ” This comparison arose because both
series, while sharing the same animation studio, have experienced very
different trajectories in terms of success and mass acceptance. Below are some
of the comments and perspectives from users.
One of the most discussed points is the difference
in origin between the two franchises . One user pointed out that “ Kimetsu
no Yaiba comes from a Jump manga, while Fate started as an eroge game ,”
suggesting that a series’ popularity is influenced by its source medium .
Shonen Jump titles, such as Kimetsu no Yaiba , have a mass
reach and are more easily accepted by general audiences.
Another relevant comment criticized Fate's story
focus: " At the end of the day, Fate is a series made for a niche
of loyal fans, while Kimetsu no Yaiba is made for a broader
audience." .” This highlights the perception that Fate is aimed
more at a niche audience of loyal fans, whereas Kimetsu no Yaiba has been
designed to appeal to the majority, even among people without a prior interest
in anime.
Fate's theme, based on historical and fictional
characters, was another aspect pointed out. " Fate could never
reach the level of Kimetsu no Yaiba because it uses historical figures
instead of original characters ." Although Fate features
a deep and complex narrative, some believe that its reliance on historical
figures may limit its appeal. , especially for younger audiences who
prefer more accessible stories.
Another compared the success of different installments
in the Fate franchise: “ The Fate/Zero series was very popular, much
more so than the UBW series produced by Studio Deen ,” and noted that
not all Fate adaptations have had the same level of success.
One important point that emerged was the ability of
animation studios to attract younger audiences and create accessible
franchises. Comparing the Fate/Grand Order (FGO) game to the Kimetsu no
Yaiba game, one user noted that financial success does not always reflect
success in the general market. “ FGO has a high-spending player base,
but that doesn’t mean it’s popular with the general public .”
Finally, some comments suggested that the success of a
franchise can also depend on the economic power of the publisher. In this
context, one user explained that: “ Kimetsu no Yaiba is backed by
Shueisha, a publisher with enormous resources, which allows for greater global
promotion and distribution .” This implies that, while Fate has a
solid base of loyal fans, Kimetsu no Yaiba has achieved a much greater reach
thanks to investment and promotion in international markets.
Source: Yaraon!
