EA's on-off relationship with Nintendo has become so epic that it could be turned into a Hollywood romance, but the pair appear to be at the stage of exchanging furtive glances across the room at the moment, with the massive American publisher indicating that while it is supporting the Nintendo Switch, it is going to do so in as cautious a manner as possible.
Speaking at the recent Credit Suisse 2016 Annual Technology Conference in Arizona, Electronic Arts Chief Competition Officer Peter Moore had very much the same tone as we've heard previously:
Nintendo has always been and will always be an very important partner in this industry. They have some of the best first party development studios in the world, and some of the most valuable intellectual properties in the world. We have announced publicly that we got a partnership with them on their new platform, the Switch, we haven't talked in detail on what's that about. You can imagine, as you heard, that a major game will be distributed on that platform.
We're huge fans. We have a relationship that goes many decades back. They've had some difficult times as if recently obviously, but never, ever, ever discount Nintendo in this marketplace, and their ability to leverage their superb game development opportunities. Their intellectual properties, whether it's Mario, whether it's Zelda, whether it's Metroid Prime, we could go on forever about what they can do… obviously Pokémon, we've seen more recently.
We're gonna watch with interest and you can rest assured that EA, just like every major publisher, is in regular conversations with Nintendo.
What could this "major game" be? FIFA or Madden are both obvious choices, and it's worth remembering that both were present for the launch of the Wii U, a console EA unceremoniously dropped when it became obvious that bumper software sales weren't going to be forthcoming. Perhaps EA is working on something entirely new for the Switch? Let us know your predictions - as well as your thoughts on Moore's comments - by posting your opinion below.
[source dualshockers.com]
Comments 90
It seems odd that they would do Fifa or Madden and not both so I'm starting to wonder if they're going for something different.
Unlikely to be an exclusive either.
Mass Effect would be nice but it's probs Plants Vs Zombies unless they're holding back and it really is multiple games.
EA fans should buy the Switch then
Waw- FIFA and Madden?? I'm SOOOO excited!
In case you didn't notice, I'm being sarcastic.
Is it the Mass Effect Trilogy that we should have gotten on Wii U?
Also note the sycophantic, ass kissing U turn in rhetoric from EA now that the Switch is looking like it's a potential winner.
Dump em like they dumped you Nintendo. They don't love you, they just want your money.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE Darn it SLIGEACH don't put hopes and dreams in my head. I will only get them ripped to pieces.
EA take notes. We want the full trilogy in HD and beautiful. Just do it.
Something other than FIFA, please.
I know FIFA sells but come on EA, you have a wealth of franchises that would be great on Switch.
Def Jam was a good laugh, bring back Krazy Ivan only make it decent, an Oddworld Strangers Wrath sequel, surprise me, anything other than the obvious would be great.
"Perhaps EA is working on something entirely new for the Switch?"
There are new games from EA? No, I don't think so. They will take a heavy-hitter like FIFA, maybe beef it up with some additional functionality to account for the Switch's special MacGuffin (whatever that might really be), and release it without too much marketing effort behind it.
After seeing the basketballers in the Switch reveal EA are looking forward to seeing grid iron players take off their helmets and set up the Switch and Madden next to the field post-game!
I'd like a new Boom Blox game. They were brilliant and underappreciated by most.
It'll probably be a shooter(SW:Battlefront keeps popping up in my mind although I'd rather play Titanfall or Battlefield), FIFA seems like a save bet as well(biggest international appealing sports game). Mass Effect on the other hand would be so much more exciting.
Man I wish it was mass effect 3 but they already confirmed that's not happening, most probably it will be a sports game , maybe the one we saw in the switch trailer, still I like that they admitted Nintendo has the most valuable IP s that's a really big nod of respect
@ollyander Did they? I don't recall them ever deconfirming anything
Sorry I meant mass effect Andromeda, I'm Australian so you understand I'm drunk
@HappyMaskedGuy you know, I'd be trying to urge you to sound less negative and cynical but because you're absolutely right, I can't really say anything. It's sad that some companies treat their relationships like pubescent high school love dramas, instead of faithful life-long partnerships... well, at least the length of a console generation please, ho hum.
I just can't trust EA. I hope the Switch is successful and they get a lot of their fans on it, buying units, games, and all, but I don't even like seeing their name, anymore.
On the bright side, though, little more than a month now to have a better idea if those companies really mean what they say about the Switch.
Honestly more than anything I'd like the see Madden 17/18 or Battlefront 2 on the switch. I think these are some of the ea's most fun titles. Or a new title exclusive for Switch would be cool...
At grand pi el
Sorry man it was one of their tweets. They named the platforms Andromeda will be on and switch was not on the list , though if switch sells well I think we can still hold on to hope of a port
@Flauber I feel your pain on how EA abandoned Wii U, but better yet who as in a third party didn't abandon Wii U. EA has said time and time again how they are great partners with Nintendo, but at this point we see the line of friendship (Wii U) that EA had drawn
NBA Live...no, wait...Rory McIlroy PGA Tour!
People play the big EA franchises on PS4 and XBOX One. That is not going to change. I would rather they put a new game on the switch or a game that takes advantage of the social portable aspect. FIFA on the go is cool. Mass Effect on the go makes less sense. Some people would love it but I don't think it would do big numbers. Plants Vs Zombies Garden Warefare fits the bill perfectly. I would not play it but it would probably sell well to the Nintendo demographic
@Antray1984
Sorry but this guy's first sentence is right
Minions Party Retreat.
EA has the Star Wars licence. The Rogue Squadron games were Nintendo exclusive. We have a new film called Rogue One. Need I say more?
@KiWiiU_Freek
Dude I grew up in motueka NZ, it a great country, which part do you live in?
FIFA 2012 I expect.
@PK_Boss11 I mean, I don't blame them so much for dropping the Wii U, I mean, rats abandon a sinking ship. It bothers me more their "we've been great partners forever" attitude.
But EA's overall practices in the industry are my real problem with them. They just never recovered from the "Worst Company in America" title in my point of view.
OK. Look. You want to play any major ea title in 4K? Get a PS4pro. But I'm not getting one cos Nintendo have the most fun games in every genre, that's why I'm getting a switch and don't really care what ea do
"We're huge fans"
Umm, since when have you been a fan of Nintendo, EA?
I think they're picking their wording carefully with this... they're talking more about Nintendo in general than the Switch itself.
This actually seems to suggest that they may have a much better understanding of Nintendo and their target audience than they have demonstrated in the past, which is promising.
In the past they'd just port over whichever games are popular on the other consoles, assuming them to be just as popular on a Nintendo console, only to blame the console when they are not... but their focus on games and IPs suggests that they might actually be thinking it through properly.
The target audience of Nintendo consoles is not as interested in sports and first-person shooter games as those of other consoles, so just because they're the most obvious choices for ports doesn't mean they're the best choice for their first game on the Switch, and removing them narrows down the possibilities substantially.
If I had to guess, I'd be tempted to go with ME: Andromeda... the graphics will inevitably be reduced, but that's never been a big deal for other ports on Nintendo consoles... and the RPG elements would fit nicely with the target audience.
@DragonEleven
This guy is smart
An Unravel port would be nice. Seriously, just look at it!
This game marked the first time in years the word "arts" in Electronic Arts meant something. It would be a perfect fit on Switch.
Hey, awesome, I was hoping for another MySims game.
My blue haired friend will be making up her 'bull' as we speak.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE I'd actually love to give that series a try, especially if motion controls are a thing for the Switch. Say what you will, but I always felt like I had more control when aiming in Metroid Prime Trilogy and Splatoon.
Touchscreen confirmed! Here comes DeluxePaint Switch!!!
... no?
@SLIGEACH_EIRE What you talking about!? That Wii U exclusive comic book was awesome! /s
FIFA is a must and hopefully it'll be an up to date version,if so I'll buy it day one along with my Switch.I would really like to see Rory Mcillroy Golf though.Tiger Woods 09 with the Wii remote was possibly the finest sports game I've ever played,the motion controls were superb.If the Joy-cons have motion as is rumoured then it'll be perfect for it.As will Grandslam Tennis,the best tennis game ever made.
Sigh. I dislike EA games, but I do admit that Nintendo does need them, specially the sports game for the sports crowd.
A mobile, high definition FIFA would be a plus for the casual crowd I guess.
Can't say anything about Mass Efect - never played it.
@Whitewatermoose I've seen you mention that before.Is that true?Contractually obligated to FIFA to be on any new console at launch?
Star Wars Battlefront 2 would be great.
If it's FIFA you can guarantee it will be one that was released on other consoles a year to six month earlier. Pretty much like what EA did for their rubbish WiiU launch titles.
I'm not into football (soccer for our USA readers) so this lights no fires of passion for me and EA will need to do better before I commit to spend my cash.
Wonder how these will be sent out inferior with missing features for full price while a cheaper compilation exists.
I mean come on, there's bad ports and then thinking Nintendo users are idiots. I know that's the trend on the internet but still.
@HappyMaskedGuy While I completely agree that EA's PR u-turn is hypocritical and sickening, I can't say I blame them for not supporting the Wii U. The only games that sold decently on the Wii U were Nintendo's first-Party titles (and even some of those bombed). With such a tiny user base, the Wii U was essentially a death trap for major developers. And of course EA wants money. Isn't that the reason people run businesses in the first place?
But I digress. I do hate EA; I just don't blame them for backing out of Wii U game development.
Will people buy Fifa 17 6 months after it's initial release when they already have it on another console or PC? Seems like that will not meet expectations right off the bat.
@Grez It might not sell huge numbers but as long as it's up to date and on par with the other versions it's got one big advantage over them both in that it's also portable. "Play local multiplayer FIFA anywhere" is a big selling point.
@OorWullie Agree, portable is a great selling point for the game. I hope they would wait 6 months to release Fifa 18 instead though. That would give the Switch time to sell and if people know some sports games will be coming in the fall, they may be more likely to buy the system
Considering that Mass Effect Andromeda comes out in the same month as the Switch, it's hard to imagine that isn't the title they're talking about. I'd like to think they learned their lesson from the Mass Effect 3 port at the Wii U's launch that launching an old game on new hardware isn't likely to set the world on fire. Considering that the Switch seems like it should be primed for Unreal Engine support, and I assume ME still uses Unreal, it should make porting MUCH simpler this time around. I'm not super into Mass Effect, but it'd be amazing to start the system off with a huge release that's fresh off the presses.
@ollyander I don't want a six month old stale port. If EA has any success on the switch they would do well to start releasing games on the same day as other consoles. They can't expect good sale numbers of games that have been out elsewhere for 6 plus months. It's just dumb business. Obviously some of us that only own Nintendo hardware will pick it up. But like the wii U proved there isnt enough of us. They need to have an option for the switch version on day one. And Nintendo needs standard voice chat on their online games or those switch online multiplat games will get no love.
I think it's Mass Effect Andromeda. It comes out in the same month the Switch launches. If they're really on board, they have to prove it.
sigh Here we go...
As long as it's a major release that doesn't feel too old or too watered down...sports is good if it feels current, Andromeda would let people know they're not joking around. I think Titanfall 2 (or even a some kind of special edition with up-to-date multiplayer) would be good.
I don't really understand this argument about who or isn't Nintendo's target audience and whether or not they would support a Madden or Battlefield. The problem isn't that the audience isn't there. The problem has been that (for third parties) the hardware and features wasn't and ultimately, we are left with half ass ports. I've seen from many people over the years that if the third party support were there (and I mean on par with Sony and Microsoft), they would absolutely consider a Nintendo console.
And I would consider myself their target audience. I am as close to a fanboy (not blindly) as you can get. And outside of first party titles , you want to know the two most played games my friends and I played on the Gamecube? Both EA titles (Madden and MVP Baseball 2005). The last time a Nintendo console had decent third party support
Please EA, give me The Sims 4 Switch edition or somewhat like MySims again. Wanna play cute games with great gameplay from EA again.
"Romance"? More like a romantic murder drama as of late.
FIFA lends itself well to the multiplayer aspect.
I can dream all day of an HD update of SSX3 though.
I hate EA as much as the next guy, but reality is that they're very important when it comes to third party support. Without them there will be a big hole in the "third party support wall".
@HappyMaskedGuy I hope that through your sarcasm you can realize that those games are really good games and a lot A LOT of people play and more importantly BUY them.
I would love to get Either of them. Unfortunately as the EA exec said a Major Game (not plural) is coming. Not Games. Game.
So That's for the great relationship.
I have a need for speed so I hope it's Need for Speed.
@DonBugen
Yes, me too. Love to see cute Chibi MySims again.
I love how EA is praising nintendo, but they were the same ones that left the Wii U in the beginning and put down nintendo at that time. I bet if the Switch doesn't do that good, EA again steps away from nintendo and puts them down again.
That being said, I hope EA does stay on and give nintendo the sports titles (real sports sims) they deserve. If the realistic sports games don't come onto the SWITCH at a regular yearly deal like they do on the rivals, then many people will push the system aside again...it will really be helpful if they do come out, because playing them on the 'go' will be an added bonus for them to sell not just one of the copies on SWITCH, but also have that same consumer purchase the exact copy on the PS4 or XBONE. I know I'd pick up Skyrim on PS4 and Switch...PS4 to get the trophies and Switch to play on the go! I have double copies of the same games on Gamecube and PS2 so why not?
@Anti-Matter My Sims and My Sims Kingdom were good...the rest kind of went weird and crazy. I'd also love to see Sim City make a return or even a sequel to Create. It would also be nice to get The Sims 4 out on the platforms too, but I fear that's never going to happen.
Wouldn't mind seeing Madden on the Switch. I understand that you could arrange your plays on the gamepad, but it never came to UK...
I don't care. EA can crash and burn for all I care. Their titles - while popular in the mainstream (and believe me when I say I appreciate that)- kinda suck. Port this, port that, it's like they've been re-releasing their games for the past few years. Just with a different skin or two. And I certainly want no part in it.
Fifa wouldnt be a great choice for a March launch when the season almost over, better to focus on the 17/18 version a few months later.
Did EA buy the license to make minion video games? Or why is there a minion? That is a minion right?
Has everyone forgotten that EA is working on a new Star Wars game? That would be my hopefull guess for a "major" release
It will probably be one of the sports games but one of the Shooters would be cool tho.
The attitude from a lot of the people on this post is exactly why Nintendo fans can't have nice things. Just because a game COMPANY doesn't support your ideology for selling games and participating in the market shouldn't mean that you ignore developers who are under the EA banner who put out awesome content. I owned both Need for Speed and Mass Effect on Wii U and they were both top notch ports. Yes XBOX and PS got the Trilogy, but those systems sell way more units of Mass Effect. You can't expect a company to take a risk on a system when the fans constantly complain and won't buy content because they're butthurt over other systems getting special bundles/editions because they have a history of selling well on those said systems. This is capitalism, not gaming socialism, and we need to support good content and stop whining if we want good content on our system. Does this mean we need to support bad games? No, absolutely not. But when we get a game like Need for Speed on our system which was billed as the best version at the time then we need to get over petty gripes that we have with a publisher and support the devs who put in that effort. Medal of Honor Heroes 2 with 32 player multiplayer on Wii was awesome and I didn't care about the graphics because me and my brothers had so much damn fun playing it. Boom Box was also a fun innovative game that I enjoyed on Wii. And if we're being honest here I also miss the Madden's and Fifas on Nintendo systems so this crap with the Nintendo community holding onto grudges has to stop. End rant. Also, if that "major game" at launch could be Battlefield 1, that would be awesome EA. A World War 1 shooter(that I've been begging for) would make much more sense than trying to sell a Fifa or Madden in March.
"We're huge fans. We have a relationship that goes many decades back." That's why you completely screwed them on the Wii U.
@capitalism Agreed. People seem to think EA has some personal vendetta against Nintendo. If I were EA, I wouldn't want to support the Wii U, either. Nintendo has some great first party content and innovative systems and everything, but that doesn't mean they haven't made some truly idiotic and flat out absurd decisions, and continue to do so. The extreme Mini NES Classic shortages is just one example of that.
Regardless of how much I love Nintendo, there is no excuse for their lack of success lately. That didn't just happen by accident. Here's to hoping the Switch can turn things around.
Fifa15
I don't mean to beat on the dead horse, but we know why EA stopped supporting the Wii U and it wasn't because sales were poor. So I don't trust EA on all these praising of Nintendo and the Switch. The only way EA can expect from me to believe they truly support and respect Nintendo, as the claim, is by making games for Switch beyond the launch window.
Sim City 64 on VC
"You can imagine, as you heard, that a major game will be distributed on that platform."
Well a chunk of the game will be released, the rest will be DLC.
EA were good for GC and Wii. Just sayin'
I welcome EA's support of the Switch. More variety is good for everyone
@Rhydas
???
Look, I don't like EA any more than the next guy, but they put out some of the best games in the industry. Just because I don't like them doesn't mean I'm blind to their excellent portfolio of top-shelf games.
I just got a Titanfall 2, for example. Let me tell you I am not really much of an FPS guy. But Titanfall 2 is one of, no it's not one of, it's the best FPS I've ever played. Heck it's one of the best games I've played this generation. And Battlefield 1 ain't no slouch either. Those two games revived the FPS genre for me personally. It had just been so stale and mediocre these last few years.
Dragon Age Inquisition? One of my favorite games this generation. Mirror's Edge Catalyst? Excellent game and truly different than your every day AAA. Just grabbed Burnout Paradise since it was added to X1 BC... wow. Its up there with Forza Horizon. Mass Effect Andromeda? My goodness... that game looks immaculate.
EA may not be very popular, put their games are among the best out there. A console without EA is going to suffer. And I for one will be supporting them nomatter what game they release on Switch. Because it takes giving support to get support. And it's not like they make bad games really anyways so...
@WiltonRoots
"Well a chunk of the game will be released, the rest will be DLC"
Contrary to popular Nintendo-fan belief, most of the major AAA publishers give you well more than a full game for $60. There are times where companies will section off pieces of the game and sell as DLC- Evolve and Destiny come to mind. But by and large, you get complete games, particularly from EA. They might add microtransactions for the multiplayer mode, and you'll definitely see a season pass, but all that is usually far beyond the extent of the main game.
Mass Effect or a new Star Wars, everything else don't even bother.
Mass Effect Trilogy plus Andromeda?
Heh heh, not likely but I'll gladly say so if they prove me wrong.
@ollyander
Originally born in Invercargill, lived all over the South Island, and I mean all over it, name a place and I probably lived there.
I have a brother who lives in the North Island and my parents live in the South.
I live in Australia now, but love going back to see the relatives, great holidays.
Nice to meet you btw.
As a rule I don't buy EA games (I'll only buy them used) because they're such a terrible company who treats their customers like dirt. That being said I'd be tempted to pick up Star Wars Battlefront 2 on the NS.
It'll probably be a port of FIFA 2016 though, just when the other consoles get FIFA 2017.
@JaxonH I was only messing around....seriously I hope something good comes from them. The last title I bought from them was Fight Night Round 2.
@whanvee
I think your comment was a very good one. personlay when it comes to online chat I am thankfull that Nintendo don't do it. the type of crap that most people yell over voice coms nowdays is something my gaming can do without
@SLIGEACH_EIRE Didn't Steven Spielberg steal all the credit for those games?
Give us a brand new, award winning Dead Space as an exclusive and maybe, just maybe, we will talk.
@HappyMaskedGuy It was his idea.
http://www.news.com/8301-13772_3-9937525-52.html?tag=nefd.top
http://kotaku.com/353191/spielbergs-boom-blox-revealed
"I am a gamer myself, and I really wanted to create a video game that I could play with my kids," said Steven Spielberg. "BOOM BLOX features an enormous amount of fun challenges and cool scenarios for your kids to solve or for you to master together."
"My inspiration for this game came while I was playing the Wii for the first time," added Spielberg. "From the initial concept to what the game is today, it's always been built around the innovations the Wii brings to playing games. BOOM BLOX plays on the enjoyment of building and knocking down blocks, something that can appeal innately to kids and adults of all ages."
@SLIGEACH_EIRE I know
I just always had visions of Spielberg saying "Yeah, you throw things at these tower things. You guys can do that right?" Then walking out and having nothing to do with the actual development. Pretty sure he never coded it!
Spielberg once again taking the credit for a lot of other people's hard work 😎
(I do love me some Spielberg by the way. He just seems to slap his name on any old thing to give it half a chance of selling. He is credited in the Transformers films...)
@Flauber Couldn't agree more. Although I was mad for what EA did with Wii U, EA and other 3rd parties presence with the Switch couldn't be more vital. In order for Nintendo to be the major gaming company again, it needs to sway over some of Microsoft's and Sony's fans.
The console wars are so overrated and kind of inaccurate, but if Nintendo wants sales they have to draw people in with what they're used to in order to boost Switch sales. Some of my friends are Madden lovers like me, but unlike me are unwilling to buy a Nintendo console. Nintendo has to target this audience with the NX's hardware.
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