Squeenix on why they think the west only like macho protagonists.

The importance of “believability” is strongly emphasised in the North American market.

Why are American characters always older guys? This can be explained with reference to “believability.”

For a protagonist who triumphs against adversity to be believable in the eyes of players, they want him to be tough and highly experienced.

This isn’t limited to characters – in “Fallout 3″ you see the example of Nuka Cola, which gives health when drunk but also poisons the body with radiation. At first this doesn’t seem realistic at all, but when you consider the setting is post-apocalyptic it becomes “believable.” 

We can probably expect more stuff like the differing main characters as in Neir to happen. Thoughts on this? As long as it doesn't invade my Final Fantasies I guess I don't mind, but when playing a Japanese game I expect Japanese style characters, I like the style. When playing western RPGs I know what to expect with those as well, and they're still good.

Why screw it up Squeenix, why?