Last year, Nintendo eschewed the pomp and ceremony of live press conferences past, and instead delivered a direct video event, coupled with a marketing drive at Best Buy locations all over the US. Many lambasted the whole thing, and concluded that Nintendo would be stupid to do the same this year. They’re doing the same this year.
Nintendo will be hosting a “Digital Event” that’ll see them streaming a pre-recorded stream of their announcements. Last year’s one was…not great. Nintendo’s made a video promising that this year’s will be…interesting.
They’ve produced a head-scratchingly bizarre video with the chaps from Mega64. Check it out.
"We demonstrated last year that we are never afraid to reinvent a proven tactic or to break completely new ground if we believe it will provide the best experience for our fans, followers and partners," said Fils-Aime. "So, whether you’re attending E3 in person or joining online, there’s an amazing lineup of games, experiences and events coming your way."
The company will once again have a game – this time Smash Bros – on display at Best Buy locations all over the US. they’ll also be holding an invitational Smash Bros tournament inside the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.
As the resident Nintendo fan..I have no idea what to think. I’m not a big fan of the dog-and-pony show that E3 has become, but I also feel that skipping the traditional E3 extravaganza gets the company less publicity; it’ll really only be the Nintendo enthusiasts who tune in to watch.
What do you think? Is Nintendo being stupid by skipping the regular E3 conference, or do you like this direct marketing approach they’ve been doing for the past few years?
Last Updated: April 30, 2014
Alien Emperor Trevor
April 30, 2014 at 13:05
Given the way he’s looking at Banana Jim, I would say “lustful” might be a better word.
Kensei Seraph
April 30, 2014 at 13:08
Now that you mention it I don’t remember seeing Banana Jim around recently.
Skyblue
April 30, 2014 at 13:33
I heard he was arrested…
Admiral Chief in Space
April 30, 2014 at 15:40
Quite possibly, since I have not seen him online here or on Steam or anywhere recently…
Unavengedavo
April 30, 2014 at 13:29
It’s all fun and games until shit gets out of control O_o
https://31.media.tumblr.com/5bf0ee13eeaa05cdd70bd64a7426793b/tumblr_inline_mr50z8iCb21qz4rgp.gif
Alien Emperor Trevor
April 30, 2014 at 13:36
Picture the aftermath…
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
April 30, 2014 at 13:38
Is that Harry Potter playing with a banana?
CAE9872
April 30, 2014 at 13:22
I think as one of the big platform holders it would have been essential for Nintendo to have more of a presence (and present!). You start to wonder if Nintendo are slowly turning their back on the WiiU to start concentrating on the next.
I wish them all the best…but in the world of websites, it makes it hard to get excited about. And THAT is what E3 is all about. Excitement…
CypherGate
April 30, 2014 at 13:28
Nintendo is just simply lost. Doubt they will get there act in order any time soon.
Unavengedavo
April 30, 2014 at 13:32
Their*
http://mcdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/FREE-Their-There-and-Theyre-Posters/original-674070-1.jpg
CypherGate
April 30, 2014 at 13:34
Thanks for the fix!
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
April 30, 2014 at 13:38
You need to have physical market presence. Digital is all good and well and is very needed in this day and age.
But it cannot replace physical presence at a place such as E3 for this simple reason: Journalists.
Journos will report that they weren’t there and this type of “marketing” then hurts the business image. They might not like to think so but a lot of any companies image is represented in the media and so you need to be there in physical form.