Topic: Predicting the Amiibo craze Lifespan

Well, each figure only unlocks 15 challenges added to levels already in the game and those give you 5 pieces of rare
gear. Not necesarrily locked content.

I think they've given us a preview with the recent announcements. You might not see massive series any more (unless there's some kind of game aspect that makes sense, a la Mario Party or Smash), but a couple of figures for unlocking content and unusual configurations like the wooly Yoshis will give them extended appeal. I'd also be very surprised if they didn't release an NFC reader for using amiibo with mobile platforms in time.

Ultimately they don't really need to have new games: there's nothing to stop them from doing collectable variants on existing ones with the same functionality: if the quality is there I expect people will continue to buy them. In fact I've suggested that as a possible solution (or continuation) of stock issues for earlier releases: rather than reissuing the old, just put out a new figure with the old functionality. You already see this with the Super Mario series of figures, so they could have another series of currently rare figures called Smash All Stars or something, who knows?

I hope Zelda doesn't use them.

I'd be surprised if it didn't come into play, somewhere, but probably something similar to XB3D where it's something completely removed from the game itself. Zelda has been known to have in-game collectables.

Maybe it could introduce some collectibles to the game. Like golden skultulas?

Its sad how these should be just cute figures... instead of an excuse to lock away content. So, yeah. I hope this craze dies.

Rare gear ? That is another bad mechanic (Presuming it is better). If I have played 50 hrs and somebody else has played 0 the last thing that is needed for an interesting game is my weapons being better.

If the challenges are unlocked by finishing the game (Like Captain Toad) that is ok but otherwise it is still locked content.

People are still completely looking at this the wrong way. The content is bonus. It's not what you get the figurine for and generally speaking, it rarely unlocks content that isn't already in the game elsewhere, or it unlocks content that's purely cosmetic. Considering Splatoon is going for a more competitive experience, I really, really doubt that the Amiibo Gear is any better than anything you can just get in game.heck, who's to say that it's even GOT stats? It could just cover your existing equipment.

I would guess the Splatoon Amiibo unlocks are just reskins of existing unlocks. Instead of type A hat with X stats (normal in game) or type B hat with Y Stats (normal in game) you can unlock type B hat with X stats. (amiibo unlock) I think it will be a cosmetic thing but it will appear to be unique.

They need something much bigger than just downloaded content or skins. That's the kicker.

But personally, even though their original intent was merely to be "extra content," I don't see why they can't have a committed game as well. It could be a game that has its own shindig, but it can be pushed to the furthest extent through amiibo. The amiibo can still be used between games and have a committed one too. I think they can get around it... maybe...