As Nintendo continues to keep the NX behind lock and key, making fans and industry followers sweat over whether it truly is going to hit that target of a March 2017 release, plenty are considering what the system could try to achieve. Beyond guessing the format of the platform, some of the interest is on the audience that Nintendo can target in order to get back to the impressive sales it enjoyed with the DS, Wii and - to a degree - the middle years of the 3DS.
DFC Intelligence, in its latest reports on the gaming industry - via Games Industry.biz - has shared its belief that a major opportunity for Nintendo could lie in the under-12s market. The market research company observes that the current generation of dedicated games consoles have largely ignored this age group - described as a "lost console generation" - and that Nintendo is well placed to target that segment.
One of the ironies of the latest generation of console systems is how children under the age of 12 have been largely ignored. The Nintendo Wii U is the only dedicated system remotely targeted at kids and it has been a failure. Twenty years ago many casual outside observers viewed children as the ONLY market for video games. The fact that console systems can thrive without targeting a younger audience speaks volumes to how the industry has grown. However, it also highlights a major missed opportunity.
Arguably Sony and Microsoft don't need younger gamers and can simply rely on the trickle down effect where kids come on board several years into the lifecycle. Really it is hard to point to major specific new generation games targeted for kids outside of Lego titles and toys to life products. Furthermore, these products play fine on older console generations and do not really justify an investment in expensive new hardware.
Of course, the company that has had the greatest success with targeting children is Nintendo. Nintendo is currently in a holding status until they can launch a new console system but the company has a real opportunity to reinvent the groundwork in the game space by introducing an easy to use system that targets the entire family.
...The original beauty of the console business was a kid could push a button and in seconds be playing games. In the current generation, that appeal has been lost and the immediacy of being able to play games is now found on Apple devices, the Nintendo DS and even PC games. Of course, it is not only kids that want to get in and out of games as fast as possible. Apple, Supercell, King Entertainment and other major growth stories are all about giving consumers quick access to games.
The current hole in the market for accessible high-end games that are NOT on Apple devices could be a real opportunity for Nintendo. Nintendo really helped pioneer the easy in and out accessibility that is a major appeal of Apple devices. Of course, saying there is an opportunity and doing something about it are two different things. The market is ready for an easy to use system that targets the family. The question is will Nintendo be able to capitalize on what is clearly a major vacuum in the game space.
Someone is going to come along and take advantage of the opportunity to make games simple again... Many observers are rightly skeptical of Nintendo's chances. DFC also believes Nintendo is a dark horse... Poor recent execution has not been encouraging but the opportunity to turn things around is clearly there.
It's an interesting and, we'd suggest valid, set of observations. Chatting amongst ourselves this week in the team we were speculating whether multiple SKUs could be a factor with NX, even beyond potential 'home' and 'portable' options. Nintendo has no doubt learned lessons from the 2DS in terms of targeting products at young gamers, so a durable and affordable iteration of a new platform, for example, could appeal to young gamers and their parents. Beyond that, of course, many of Nintendo's games are typically suitable for players of all ages.
Nintendo is clearly going to the effort to appeal to younger gamers, with the 3DS getting a big push to that audience at the moment in Europe and North America. Quite whether the NX will also target that audience will be interesting to see.
[source gamesindustry.biz]
Comments 74
I think the NX is a cake. A chocolate cake. Think about it...none of the current gen consoles taste good at all...
What ever happened to wait and see?!? I know we're all excited but the speculation is out of control....
While I don't know if this is a thing Nintendo can or should be doing, I will say that they're correct in saying "for all ages" doesn't necessarily mean "appealing to people of all ages." They made an excellent point about just how EASY it is to play iOS games, compared to a 3DS or Wii U game.
Sometimes we gamers forget the learning curve on these titles, but even all ages powerhouses like Pokemon still require a bit of familiarity with gaming in general. Not so for Apple games.
But, again, even if Nintendo could capitalize on this market, doesn't mean it should. It's just interesting how true that aspect in the article was.
@bluedogrulez So the NX is a lie then?
From these great news about NX, I wouldn't be surprised if the next guy says it can cure cancer
I don't believe Wii U was aimed primarily at children. But Nintendo have been needlessly censoring some of their games. And these games are rated teens. Then there's Project Zero: Maiden of Black Water which is a mature game.
@bluedogrulez there's actually more evidence it's a cake than a system for 12 year-olds... You could be on to something...
It can also make good coffee or even a pizza with the voice of Mario, Izza Pizza!
Kids are mostly playing Call of Duty these days. Nintendo is hardly going to interest them.
Nintendo are basically the 'Disney of gaming', so this idea makes a lot of sense.
Also, this won't affect the console getting the same level of 3rd party support and M rated titles as the other systems.
It could be a tough sale. I could see a lot of parents reluctant to buy a console for their children if they could just give them their iPad to play on instead.
Just for the sake of argument:
Isn't that age group pretty much playing games on a phone/tablet?
Not sure how you get parents to jump for a dedicated console when an existing device they already own has so many free games for their kids.
@crimsontadpoles unfortunately those are pretty much my exact thoughts.
It's a nice idea but I'm not sure it'll work unless they wrangle a bunch of youtubers who kids really like to shill their product non-stop
This statement is just nonsense.
Kids nowadays play Call of Duty on Xbox 360, or are using their parent's smart devices playing "free" games.
It would be nice if it were a console for gamers.
The Wii U with its Amiibos is the ideal console for children.
@Grumblevolcano: Oh, its not a lie ... It exists somewhere deep within Big N headquarters....and like the continuum transfunctioner (Dude Where's My Car), its power is exceeded only by its mystery......
The desperation for real NX info is so overwhelming that even a major financial investment corporation like DFC has joined everyone else in NX speculation.
They do make a lot of good points, and with the whole widespread retro gaming craze that's been going on for the last half a decade or so I think a lot of adults as well as kids would appreciate having a simpler gaming system to use. There's a lot to be said for just popping in a cartridge, pressing the power button, and be playing a game; rather than try to wade through menu systems, wait to download patches and updates, and have to mess around with all the other unnecessary and often frustrating complexities that modern gaming is so prone to. I don't know how many other people would buy a console without any sort of OS or online connectivity in this day and age, but I do know that I'd sure buy one in heartbeat. Sometimes less is more (fun).
Hey, I'd like a return to simpler times as much as many kids. It just has to be done right though.
Funny, videogame systems never stopped kids twelve and under from playing before. We all played when we were under that age and plenty of kids still do.
Also, just because a kid is under twelve does NOT mean making a game so easy they'll play it for you after you die in a level too many times. -_-
They're not Wrong,......but they're not right either
I wouldn't be surprised if their next system is aimed primarily toward children. Think about it. They can't win back the casual audience due to smartphones. They can never compete with Sony and Microsoft on a feature-by-feature basis and there were all those shallow side games clearly not aimed for the core gamer (Animal Crossing AF and HHD, Tri-force Heroes, Chibi Robo and maybe MP:FF). Kids are the most impressionable and will happily get the next big thing if it's "cool" enough and their friends like it. It's almost like the sure way for their success will be to ignore older audiences entirely. I surely hope not, but I can see them going in that direction.
@crimsontadpoles This is my fear also. It's making me worry that the NX is something you attach or sync to your phone, with optional buttons, a cartridge slot and access to a revamped eShop.
Oh well; rumors, predictions, disappointments about NX are more important that wait patiently and positively about new games and enjoy them...
Kids under 12 only want things for kids over 12.
No "kids" console will sell to anyone, surely it would be an unmitigated disaster.
Adult gamers wouldn't touch it, 3rd parties would only release shovelware and kids already want to play GTAV and CoD, or tablet based tat, sad but them's the facts. Kids don't want things that they think are for kids.
I don't mean to disrespect those children who have taste and are immune to peer pressure, but sadly they aren't a sizeable demographic.
I do miss the ability to pop in a game and play it immediately after hitting the power switch!
Thankfully the Wii U was updated to have the quick launch screen on the GamePad screen.
Hi Nintendo Life,
Just wondering how much money I need to have before any random statements I make regarding Nintendo are reported on the site? Should probably just start telling everyone I'm a 'gaming analyst' just now I suppose?
;p
When did this turn of younger kids away from consoles and handhelds happen? Like after what year of birth does the number of kids who care about console gaming drop off? If dedicated gaming hardware has lost out to phones and tablets when it comes to kids playing games, then it's certainly a sad day.
Wait, what?! I have plenty nieces and nephews under 12 that have PS4'S and XBOX 360's. Come on!
Doesn't Nintendo already do this? Look at the Wii U library for instance:
2 major Mario platformers
Kirby and the Rainbow Curse
Yoshi's Woolly World
Mario Kart
Nintendoland
Game and Wario... And the list goes on. Plus most of the 3rd party content are licensed properties aimed at kids.
It doesn't matter if the games target kids. I know more kids that play COD and go on Snapchat than the few who play Nintendo games.
My son is 5 and he loves my 3DS and all its games. He is very good playing Mario, Kirby, and even Smash Bros. against amiibo Figure Players. I don't think it's hard to play a 3DS game at all for a little boy or girl.
@JudgeMethos but do you have Millions of nieces and nephews with ps4's and xboxes?
Lol... The comments and posts are going to have a blast on this rumor.
@LeRaposa
Tell me about it... Kids these days can cuss/curse better than I can (and I don't even use profanity). Lol
Thankfully my daughters are not the COD/GTA type, nor would I let them be. They are kids and I don't need them being young adults at 13 and 9. They enjoy playing Nintendogs, Animal Crossing, Mario games, Smash Bros., etc... We're a DC, Nintendo, and Disney family and that works for us.
That's what the 3DS was for.
Maybe it's time Nintendo finally revealed NX. At this point I want facts, not speculation.
I think because NOBODY want to introduce Nintendo franchises by themself. I found almost NOBODY bring or play 3DS or Wii/ Wii U in my country because Sony and Microsoft anywhere. I think we need a bit AGGRESIVE tactics by introduce Nintendo things to younger kids. Just easy, bring your 3DS anywhere, show-off to them and try to communicate with them. Introduce them about Nintendo stuffs and i believe at least they will know what it called Nintendo things in their mindset. Just keep going showing how fun to play Nintendo things rather than crappy mobile games. They just don't know yet what it called Great quality gaming such as Super Mario Galaxy, Mario Kart 8, ACNL, etc. They used to play with crappy quality, never experienced yet with what it called Amazing quality. One more thing, doctrine them if Free to play from mobile games is not always a good things. Yeah, freebies but with very Low quality. I think why children keep stick on mobile games, because their mindset has been set for FREEBIES. They will think why should they spent money for Nintendo stuffs while they can get FREEBIES from mobile even illegal copies.
@jmbarnes101
Awesome. I'm so proud to you.
Just keep going your efforts to maintain Family oriented gameplay. I'm sure your daughter will be grown up become a good woman.
@YeshaYahu5417
Yeah. And also i noticed some my students in my school use some profanity words (And they're still in 3rd grade Primary school). Let me guess, they have been contaminated by adult games with TONS of EVIL things.
@mid_55
I think it was Parent's Fault. They should monitoring their kids. Don't even think about let their children like adult contents whatsoever reasons. If their children show an interest about adult things, it's a parent jobs to discourage them to stay away from adult things like that and encourage them to play Appropriate games. Also, parents should be consistence between their words and behaviour. Parents also not allowed to play any kind of adult games if they want to show a good habit for their children. I believe there are some parents that really concerned about nowadays situation. And i'm so proud to them if they can managed their children to grown up properly without contaminated with adult things that can be dangerous for their mind and behaviour. I just want to express my concern about kids nowadays. I think it's our job to break the Demonic Cycle that traps unlucky children into adultery things. Simple by starting to play ONLY appropriate games. Don't give any chance for adult games take over the world. We don't need that for our children.
I noticed something that most here in the comments kinda overlooked, that they weren't talking making Kid appeal games but making more games' UI simple in structure so that anyone could press the start button and be playing without the heavy hand holding tutorials that a lot of modern games have today but at the same time make it the game requires some strategizing once you get past the basic levels without compromising that simplicity. Like to give a example in a current mobile game doing this, nitrome's Magic Touch where the object is to pop enemies' balloon by drawing symbols before they can reach the ground. The game itself has an easy to use interface but as you progress the difficulty increase as more enemies appear and they start having more and more balloons, all without adding or changing from the basic symbols introduced the beginning of the level.
This was my thinking: lower-cost and trying to bring back the younger generation, because there's little point targeting adult gamers who seem to largely spend on twin-stick shooters and third person action titles with a heavy emphasis on violence. The more durable cart format would tend to support the kid market as well.
And yes, I know there's other games out there besides that, but unless you're completely blinkered that's what most of the development revenue gets spent on and these are the biggest sellers, which is why ever year is a sea of sequels.
If kids are playing these games it's because their parents take little interest in their activities. It's nice to think that Nintendo would try to carve out that niche. Making another gaming PC that sits under your TV would be a doomed effort from day one, I don't know who would want one that doesn't already have one. Here's hoping that's the case. It's not a machine I'm interested in, but then it's not really for me anyway. Nintendo needs to take the long view to last another 100 years.
@jmbarnes101
Very good. I don't get how people can let little children play violent games. To me it's quite shocking that this seems almost like the norm. I'd like to know what psychology says about that.
I think what the article is talking about are things like mandatory game installs. Or basically everything that keeps you from inserting the disc and playing it right away. The ease of usage is almost completely gone. It's annoying for an adult, but I think a child appreciates waiting for installs even less.
12 year olds in recent years plays Call of Duty all year.
The kids market today is COD and some other random games.
@HappyMaskedGuy
Congrats on the new job, I shall look out for your first random statement.
Wrong. Majority of kids under 12 just want smartphones and tablets. They don't care about home consoles or PC.
Unless it has Call of Duty!
@Anti-Matter
You ain't lying, I agree. Yeah there are tons of evil things today's games period. As an adult believer in Yah, I'm glad I a have His discernment to enjoy certain games without being contaminated by it. Playing games is one thing, but trying to reenact them is something different. No offense to people who play gta but why play and act something like that when basically you can see gta happening just by walking down the street or watching the news on tv? Lol...
YES! More trustworthy speculation from industry insiders and "experts"! Joking aside, this company's theory is a little preposterous: most little ones and kids I see in public do edutainment and gaming, respectively, on their parents'/guardians' devices whether that be a phone or iPad (yes, I said iPad and not the more generic 'tablet' because I see more of those in the wild for kids than any other tablet brand). Today's gaming paradigm in terms of children might be ~12 and under start out on phones/tablets and then, perhaps, work their way up to consoles (although you definitely see some ~12 year olds chiefly on consoles).
In addition, most kids I know and observe tend to think of Nintendo as a "baby brand" or as a series of systems that doesn't have the "cool games." If Nintendo were smart (which I'm sure they are anymore), they'd stop chasing after what amounts to an invisible cat's tail. I have a hard time envisioning most parents dropping $200-300 for a Nintendo system (which doesn't include the price of games) when there's already a family tablet in the house and games which are either free or McDonald's Big Mac money as opposed to $50-60 a pop.
@brandonbwii Here we go again. Can you give me a thorough explanation for why you feel that Nintendo, without a magic wand, can't achieve all those things you said the company can't achieve? I didn't know the market was that predictable. Or perhaps, is it that your basing your theories on the crippling influence of fanboys? I don't think fanboys have those kinds of numbers.
@dew12333 Thank you so much. I am currently in talks with Emily Rogers herself, with an aim to holding a press conference in my local McDonalds. We may or may not confirm gender selection for the next Mario. Nothing solid yet.
We can however confirm that we will indeed purchase complimentary Happy Meals for all press members who attend. We look forward to seeing N Life there
I think the ship has mostly sailed in regards to kids gaming on consoles, at least as far as the casual market is concerned. My uncle and aunt have two kids kindergarten age, and they've been iPhone and iPad gaming for years. It's a hard sell for a family to get a dedicated game console with 60 dollar games these days, especially when there's a rectangular multimedia device in your pocket that does everything, and also has thousands of free games.
I'm a gamer (soon to be a parent myself) and I'm more likely to just game with my kids on the PS4 than get an entirely different console to scratch that itch. Whether our family owns the NX will depend on whether Nintendo proves to me that it's a good investment. Wii U-level support isn't going to cut it this time.
They absolutely should try to bring kids into their fold. The trick is, not treating them like little children.
Kids game as hardcore as most of us, if not moreso. Kids want challenging, well crafted games, just like we do. Sure, they may be predisposed to mascots and colorful games (many of us are too) but they're not casual gamers by any stretch of the word.
Keep saying it- today's kids are tomorrow's future gamers. Don't ignore them. But again, don't treat them like soccer moms either. Just cause they're kids doesn't mean they don't appreciate well crafted video games.
@FlaygletheBagel
"Wii U-level support isn't going to cut it this time"
Aside from a few key missing franchises (F-Zero, Metroid come to mind) I think the Wii U got a pretty decent spread of 1st party support. Internal support was never the issue I don't think. Could NX do better? Absolutely. But all in all the Wii U got quite the 1st party lineup.
The issue was (and I think most would agree) 3rd party support. Now, I don't think anyone is under the delusion Nintendo Will ever see the kind of third-party support that PS4/X1 has. But even if it got Wii-level 3rd party support, I think most would be ok with that.
The thing is, that really only applies for Nintendo-only gamers. For anyone who owns a PS4 or who owns an Xbox One, third-party support- as far as multiplatform games are concerned- is completely redundant. I'm not sure why anyone would complain about not having these games on a system such as Wii U if they already own another system that has all of those games. Most people aren't interested in buying two copies of the exact same game.
So for myself, the 3rd party support is not an issue because I own a PS4. And an Xbox One. In fact , that's why I have less than a 10 games on my Xbox while I have 50+ PS4 games- I have no need for most of the library since I already have them on PS4.
So for someone such as yourself, the only benefit a Nintendo console can bring you is exclusive games not available on your PS4. And as far as exclusives go, Wii U had a pretty good run. Not the best but it was definitely no slouch in the exclusuves department. I'm hoping NX sees 1st party support more along the lines of 3DS than Wii U, but all things considered Wii U offered a decent spread.
So my question is, when you say you want to see better support, what kind are you referring to? Sure not multiplats since you're not going to buy games twice. Do you mean better 1st party support?
@Lylard NO, just I pick my son up from school and I know of his friends. They talk about basketball, Xboxes, their PS4'S, comic movies. Stuff like that. My sister talks to me about games my nieces play. Only one of them is over 12 but still. My step daughter... same thing. She was a friggin XBOX 360! My whole point is, Nintendo Shouldn't latch their hope on 12 year Olds and under. Kids these days want what the "cool crowd" plays and Nintendo isn't even mentioned. I have a Wii U, PS4, and a hardcore PC. My son and I play the Wii U together. He wanted an Xbox recently for Minecraft until I told him the Wii U has the same game! Anyway, that's all I'm saying. Nintendo should concentrate on great specs, third parties, and their 1st party magic. A cool ass design for their system, great price point, and maybe a Metroid and Mario launch title along with Zelda when the NX arrives!If they have a gimmick, I hope it's something original that gets peoples interest.
@FlaygletheBagel
For me, thousand free games mean NOTHING to me.
Why should i get crappy freebies that i don't need at all ?
That's why i haven't own smartphone yet because i don't like the image of being a people who really addicted with smartphone.
I'm old school gamer and i enjoy my games just straightly from machine that called Video Game, not from smartphone even there are some bonafide 3rd parties like Level-5, SquareEnix, etc. Just BIG NO NO. I would rather show-off my 3DS XL in public than show-off a smartphone.
Seems reasonable. Look at PS4 and X1, outside of the standard LEGO games, the only kids games are Disney Infinity (which is canceled), Skylanders and LEGO Dimensions, all of which require additional investments alongside the core game. Kids don't have disposable income, at least not a lot anyway, and most parents with kids have to manage there money, so these Toys to Life games are really surviving more on "Big Kids" than actual kids.
So kids really only have the Core LEGO games, which is why Mobile is stealing them away. With Nintendo looking into getting their IP's into theme parks, Movies, TV, and Mobile games, it's the perfect time for them to start trying to recapture that market again. And an even better way to do that would be to also have 3rd party games that parents want to play, so that parents will by the Nintendo console for there kids to play in the day, and them at night instead of two separate consoles.
Lol nah at this point in time nintendo needs to compete with sony and Microsoft for the current gaming audience. Before Sony & Microsoft hit the stage nintendo was at the top and had access to 3rd 2nd and 1st party but now
They have been taking a loss at every turn while still managing to churn out masterpieces here and there. They need a console that can out do the competition and still appeal to the casual audience.
It depends on how they do this. Firstly, all we have heard about NX on the internet suggest that NX is going to be a hybrid under-powered platform. Secondly, Wii U ports are unclear at this point, but are plausible if you connect the mobile device to the home device. Thirdly, the new software has to be more impressive than what they have offered during the current generation, if they expect the console to be more successful than Wii U. Lastly, if they are targeting the kids market, they might not compete with One/Scorpio and PS4/Neo, but they would still have massive competitors: mobile phones and tablets.
Because of this, I still believe they should target the hardcore player back without selling specific hardware, that is, developing high quality software for One/Scorpio, PS4/Neo and PC, instead of developing weak apps and games for Google Play and Apple Store and struggling to keep up with the mobile and home console markets.
@Spike6958
Those kids has been fascinated by Western stuffs ONLY. IMO, that's very pathetic. They just ONLY know LEGO, Skylanders, any Western stuffs like that. Their standard of 'COOL games' just limited by those titles. There are a lot of Japanese games that even better than Western games. I'm sure they might never Realized the games that really Unique like ACNL, Mario Kart 8, Fantasy Life, Go Vacation, Dance Dance Revolution series. I believe not every single kids in the world are LEGO mania. Maybe some of them have different taste. What about Pokemon and Yokai Watch ? Japanese branded that really invade Western.
@VanillaLake
I believe Nintendo is Anti-Mainstream type of developer. Who need to compete with Sony and Microsoft that just ONLY provide adult games that really nasty for a high specs electronic devices ? Why should they keep developing very detailed graphic, very high technology just only for one purpose : to expose more brutality, sadistic, demonic themes, ultra violence, profanity madness, everything about demon behaviour ? What a big non-sense for me. Did they use technology to increase the number of immorality ? Such a pathetic people to keep the Demonic cycles repeated. That's why nowadays kids become mature too early. Sorry, just want to be honest about my concern.
@Anti-Matter I agree with you, and I was not implying everyone prefers smartphone games; I'm not even saying I prefer smartphone games. The mobile model is bad for developers and I would much, MUCH rather do console gaming. I'm saying that, to a parent who is not a gamer, letting kids play games on already-existing multimedia devices like smartphones is a far more attractive proposition than buying kids a dedicated, 300 dollar video game machine with expensive controllers, accessories, retail games, etc.
@JaxonH
I actually was referring to 1st party support. Not only were there tremendous months-long gaps where there was no retail software (not helped by a lack of 3rd parties), what did end up getting released on the system was largely predictable. More so than any other Nintendo console. There are great games on Wii U to be sure, but even the great ones are risk averse and formulaic. Consider the majority of first party exclusives:
Mario Kart 8
Super Smash Bros. Wii U
Super Mario 3D World
Wind Waker HD
Kirby and the Rainbow Curse
Yoshi's Woolly World
Twilight Princess HD
New Super Mario Bros. U
Pikmin 3
Mario Party 10
Mario Tennis Ultra Smash
Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze
Star Fox Zero
Wii Sports Club
Wii Fit U
While many of these may be great games (and granted, there were a couple genuinely fresh, innovative entries - Splatoon and Mario Maker come to mind), most play it extraordinarily safe. If they're not remasters altogether, they're entries in pre-established formulas that do little to shake things up. Compare this to the GameCube's lineup, which saw the likes of Sunshine, Luigi's Mansion, Animal Crossing, Pikmin, Wind Waker, Starfox Adventures, Metroid Prime... Games that, if they weren't brand new IPs altogether, took risks with pre-existing IPs and were altogether innovative and fascinating. By comparison the Wii U lineup was significantly more boring. I get that Nintendo wanted to push hardware with familiar software. But the Wii U suffered from this more than any other mainline system, and this, coupled with the fact that retail games were overall few and far between, makes the NX a tough sell for me. That's just my personal stance on the matter.
@Anti-Matter Why should technology equal all the negative things that you have said? Nintendo used to make "peaceful" high-quality games (like Super Mario Sunshine or Double Dash!!) for powerful machines (NES, SNES, N64, GC). Also, violent games have always been part of Nintendo's game libraries, whether as third party games or even first or second party games. You have a recent example in Devil's Third, co-developed and published by Nintendo for Wii U, a gore (and technically poor) game.
@VanillaLake
If... the violence level are still SAFE for watch, it's still okay for me. I like Boxing / Kickboxing / Muay Thai / K-1 / Karate sport, i like to draw my boxers in chibi style and i know those sports are Violence Sports but still okay for me as long not too vulgar. I like Final Fantasy series (except starting from number XIII and later), Street Fighter series (My favorite are Alpha 3 and SF III 3rd Strike) that involved Violence to strike enemies, but those are still SAFE for watch. I still allowed TEEN rating. It's okay for me for Mild Violence but i DON'T tolerate gory, sadistic, bloody, vulgar violence, anything that rated 18+. My concern is there are too much 18+ violence and that make me very worried. So, any kind of violence from Nintendo games, as long still SAFE for watch i will allowed it.
Back to your first question, my concern is about those two gigantic game companies that really boosting their machine only to satisfy gamers that really like 18+ violence. That make me concern about using technology for a wrong purpose. And for consumer, why can't they stop liking such a bad entertainment like that ? That makes me insecure and worried at the same time. Just simple, i noticed there are some wild advertising on internet that really show-off about inappropriate contents such as gambling, 18+ violence games and any bad things. The technology has been used for a such things like that, how ironic.
@FlaygletheBagel
Ah ok. No I was just asking because usually people are talking about 3rd party support, but you mentioned you had a PS4 so I wasn't exactly clear on what you meant.
That's a fair assessment too, I think. I really have a soft spot for a good many Wii U games, and as you say some genuinely are fresh and exciting. But generally speaking "predictable" is a good adjective to sum up the library. Super Mario 3D World is probably the biggest and best example. Superb game- truly it is. But, it's very predictable. You look at a game like Galaxy, and then the 3D series, and the difference is clear.
So actually I do agree with you. There's nothing "wrong" with the library- it's actually pretty stellar (especially for a platform which tanked so hard). But, it is far too "play it safe".
Like, Mario Maker and Splatoon, Xeboblade X and Yoshi's Wooly World, those are genuinely fresh. And games like Pikmin 3 and DKC Tropical Freeze- although similar to their predecessors, are just so perfect in every way I can't hold anything against them.
But as for the rest? Well, ya, like you say... By and large very predictable. I'm hoping for the same thing you are with NX. I'll still buy it regardless because, like Wii U, I'll still enjoy the games, but I agree and do hope they kinda spice it up a bit. Zelda BotW is a good start IMO.
@EXP Good question, and it's good to hear someone ask it. The truth of the matter is this popular theory of gamer migration is just that, a theory. There's been no posted correlative evidence providing proof of its legitimacy. And, if you ask me, The 3DS's underwhelming success and the Wiiu's infamous stumble are both likely the results of misdirection in their research and development phase. The smart device market and the dedicated gaming device market are too different from one another for one to cannibalize the other. Nintendo knows this, which is why they're putting their IP on smart devices, and creating awareness of their brands.
How does one compete against $40 amazon fire?
Kids I'm afraid is not the demographic to go after.
@CircuitWrangler3
Unless Nintendo gets third party support on par with Micro/Sony how do you expect Nintendo to win?
I agree with the article. "Less is more"... I doubt nintendo will go all the way marketing toward under 12 demographic but Nintendo has never really been a Mature gaming company anyway...
As a matter of fact I tell my students I actually have a Wii U and they give me this weird face and ask me, "You like Mario Mr?"... lol
@Sean_Aaron
I agree
@bluedogrulez
I hope not. It woud attract ants and all our games would be full of bugs.
@CircuitWrangler3
I'm not quite sure what your asking. Is this an argument for or against fanbase influence? What I'm saying is that Nintendo will stick with what they know with classics like Mario and Zelda but as far as expansion it's likely they will be more kid-focused. They will have lots of IP that have less challenge and even fewer competitive elements. It will be similar to the Touch Generations of last gen but with more of that Nintendo quirk. I look at "games" like that teddy bear thing as a sign of things to come.
I don't work for Nintendo so of course this is speculation. I'm just playing armchair analyst here and I hope Nintendo is able to find a better balance than that. They can't get the 3rd party support that the others have so I'm just thinking of what would be profitable for them in the long term.
@arrmixer
Lol. Maybe your students have never knew about Mario Bros. or think Nintendo stuffs is a weird thing. Just be confident, introduce your Wii U and Nintendo games that suitable with your student's age. They need to know something like that in their life. Happy teaching.
@Anti-Matter
Thanks for the pep talk but I'm fine. It doesn't bother me one bit I just found it funny 🙂
@brandonbwii I understand what you meant now, and it makes a lot of sense. In fact, I agree with you. To an extent, that is.
Most third-party relationships won't be difficult to build or repair, once Nintendo provides a modern platform. But, then there are the big companies like EA, Activision, or even Ubisoft that will pose a challenge for Nintendo, in terms of bringing proper support. The real dilemma with Nintendo and the modern gaming industry is that the industry has changed. It hasn't grown up like people say; there's always been games for adults to play, it's just that adult themes have nearly come to define the industry. Nintendo is being bold by remaining a family friendly company in such an era, considering that it's costing them a bit of popularity at the moment. Who knows, maybe in time, even they will change.
Which brings me to the point of this comment: I agree with your assumption that Nintendo, in the near future, probably won't get the support that the competition is getting. But, I disagree with your assumption that there is nothing the company can do about it. I think it's just a matter of whether or not the company is willing to do what it takes. Will Nintendo sacrifice its family friendly motto to join the third-party ranks of Sony and Microsoft? Or will the company not have to? Maybe nintendo will become what propels the industry to becoming family friendly again. Only time will tell.
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