One of the big challenges facing Nintendo and its Wii U system is to encourage more third-party developers to commit to major projects on the system. While Wii had a diverse library — perhaps more so than many think — it arguably lacked a lot of big-hitting titles from third-parties that utilised the system and achieved success. While some notable exclusives in Wii U's launch window bode well, Nintendo will clearly want to keep that momentum going for years to come.
As part of his evolving role, perhaps away from leading development teams himself, Shigeru Miyamoto seems to have been tasked with recruiting more development studios to the Wii U cause. In an interview with IGN, the father of Mario explained that he's working to show developers the creative opportunities of Wii U, and dispel myths that only Nintendo can produce the best games on its systems.
I am trying to meet with the game developers individually for this matter. The real subject is whether I’ll be able to - we’ll be able to - convince developers inside of the licensing publishers to be excited about the new features of the Wii U, so much so that they’ll be enthused towards making brand new entertainment that I couldn't come up with myself.
When it comes to technologies and techniques and skills necessary for working on Wii U, [and] what we can provide, I can count on them that they already have that. They know how to do that. They are always skilful, and actually they must have some different know-how from what we have. There might be some misunderstanding - as if Nintendo alone had some special know-how, and because Nintendo has not shared those unique, secret protocols with other, third-party publishers have not been able to create the exciting, unique gameplay on Nintendo hardware. But that was not the case.“
The fact of the matter is that most third-party licensees from a business point of view, had to create multi-platform titles – and because Nintendo has been trying to create very unique hardware, oftentimes it was not considered the first choice for them to work on multi-platform software. So it’s the entire company decision-making process that is hindering developer’s ability from making unique titles on Wii U hardware. Once again, my job as one of the developers is meet with the individual people and convince that they’ll be able to create brand new entertainment that they really wish to realise. My job is to try to assist them in that fashion.
I do not think that providing any special technologies, know how or skills would be able to change the situation, because I understand that most third-party developers already have those things.
Encouraging major publishers to develop software that makes the most of Wii U — not just multi-platform ports — will likely be one of many important factors that determine the console's success. Ubisoft in particular is a strong presence in the launch window, while Platinum Games will eventually bring Bayonetta 2 exclusively to the system.
What do you think of Shigeru Miyamoto's comments, and do you think Nintendo will be able to coax high-quality software from third-parties? Let us know in the comments below.
[source uk.ign.com]
Comments 24
I believe Mr. Miyamoto will be able to pull this off. It will be great to see what sorts of games will come to Wii U if he is successful.
I hope Miyamoto is successful. I can't wait to see what types of games developers think of for this unique system.
Go Miyamoto!...But finish up Pikmin 3 first so I can play it already, lol
if miyamoto cant...no one can.
i hope he pull's this off... imagine warren spector, peter molyneux, keiji inafune or hideo kojima making multiple games for the wii-u =D that would be awesome!! xD
Getting a visit from Shigeru Miyamoto would certainly give me the impression that Nintendo is serious. Now you're playing with power.
Getting a visit from Shigeru Miyamoto would certainly give me the impression that Nintendo is desperate.
Miyamoto is now the Gordon Ramsey of game development. He just needs his own show "Development Nightmares", cussing out dev teams for bad development and then gives them a new "menu".
@TheHermit Peter Molyneux would fit better.
This really does help proof that Nintendo is stepping up and trying to correct the problems that were seen on the wii.
I think we'll do a lot better this time around.
I beleive he will succeed. I would like for GTA V to come to Wii U!
Nintendo needs to work a lot more with 3rd parties and encourage them. 3rd party companies need to feel welcome on the WiiU. This is a step in the right direction.
I personally don't like very many multi-platform games. I think developing games for multiple consoles downgrades the experience from what would be a much better game if they focused on a single system and what it has to offer. Also multi-platform games tend to have more glitches than exclusives(skyrim).
i agree him going over there and trying to get support is a big step so hope it works and that we get more games and that they take advantage of the tech the wii u has
Please talk to Kojima-San so we can get MGS4 on the WiiU
Miyamoto will hopefully make the third-party devs a deal they can't refuse.
Nintendo should farm out it's properties to various third-parties for a one-shot game. All under different levels of supervision from Nintendo themselves, depending on the IP.
That way Nintendo could focus on new IP's of their own. I'm willing to see what third-parties come up with.
@ThreadShadow: Metroid: Other M. That is all.
I hope that providing examples on about his developer view, with like Pikmin 3 and the new misterious IP, will help other developers to understand better if the system it's something they want to test.
I think the first lil' while will be great for the Wii U, than like ever Nintendo system since N64, the support will go down incredibly fast, and in it's last year of life, it will basicly be non-existed This seems to be Nintendo's life cycle for consoles.
Anyway, this is essentially the strategy Nintendo employed during the beginning of the NES era, and look how that worked out. Miyamoto's re-visiting the company's roots and it should pay off.
I'm studying programming, and I would like to develop a game, and if I do, I'll make sure for it to be exclusive to Nintendo! In fact, after reading this article it made me want to contact Mr Miyamoto myself but then I realised I had nothing to offer
@Gamelord08
No, sorry. Metroid Other M while not as good as the Prime series, featured great gameplay, and good graphics. Music was nice, but forgettable. The weak point, was all Nintendo's fault. The story concept was weak, and the execution of characters was poor. Doesn't sound like it was Team Ninja's fault on that one. Gameplay good, story weak, characterizations poor.
In any case, I'm willing to take hits and misses to see fresh takes on Nintendo IPs, whilst freeing Nintendo up to be creative and make new IPs.
Tap here to load 24 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...