It seems that every day we get news that Nintendo is doomed, the WiiU is crap, and we must just forget about it. However, Nintendo is still making tons of profits, and focusing on making compelling games – even if they aren’t considered art by their CEO.
In an interview with Toyo Keizai Online (translated by Kotaku), Iwata explained that the focus of Nintendo games were not to make art, but to make characters and stories that resonate with players. He explains
“Creating is like an expression of egoism. People with a strong energy to create something have a ‘this is the strength I believe is right’ sort of confidence to start from. Their standpoint is that ‘this is the right thing to do, so this must be what’s good for the customer as well.’ But the final goal of a product is to resonate with and be accepted by people. You can’t just force your way through. By saying ‘the point is to be accepted’ I mean, if you go to a customer with your idea and you realize they don’t understand it, it’s more important that they do and you should shift your idea.”
I suppose he means art in the sense of high-brow art that goes over people’s heads? In any event, it’s nice to see that Nintendo still believes in its products. Iwata explains the issues with Wii U sales:
“While we unfortunately had a period in the first half of 2013 where releases were sparse and hardware sales have lulled, I don’t think that the concept and potential of the Wii U have been rejected.”
Nintendo is still doing very well in other sales, though. The 3DS has turned into something of a cash cow, especially with the new StreetPass Plaza. The new feature has brought in ¥400 million… in a MONTH! That’s 40 171 600 Randelas! We aren’t done with the convention season yet – plenty more time for the GamePass addiction to bear fruit.
Last Updated: August 2, 2013
Umar Kiiroi Senk?
August 2, 2013 at 14:37
Give these consoles time … jeez. You hear people crying VITA IS DEAD , VITA IS DEAD… it’s not even two years now. this is 3ds second year and it’s finally picking up, the same will happen with the Vita, the same will happen to wiiU …. Blegh …………
Kromas
August 2, 2013 at 14:45
Every year console fanboys shout that the pc is dead. Tell that to my steam account.
Umar Kiiroi Senk?
August 2, 2013 at 14:47
Nothing is dying out, each has their own time to shine …. meh, one thing about PC games, it’s become home to AWESOME indie games, PC is a great gaming platform
RinceThisAndGingerSmite
August 2, 2013 at 14:54
What’s a VITA? trololo!
Umar Kiiroi Senk?
August 2, 2013 at 15:13
bru, it’s like the best thing ever brru, it’s totally kief
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
August 2, 2013 at 15:15
kief bru! Like lank kief!
Umar Kiiroi Senk?
August 2, 2013 at 15:18
YAAAR brrru, the chinnas don’t know a kief thing when they see it.Jassus, Rince doesn’t know, VITA,bru … is the kiefest
RinceThisAndGingerSmite
August 2, 2013 at 15:26
Oi! Who you talking to about the Mighty and Powerful RINCE?!
Umar Kiiroi Senk?
August 2, 2013 at 15:27
Mighty and Powerful? yar bru you mos don’t know, go play your Virtual Boy china made in china 😛
RinceThisAndGingerSmite
August 2, 2013 at 15:31
This is normal eyesight right? Been this way since the VB…
Umar Kiiroi Senk?
August 2, 2013 at 15:34
Mine is like that too, wait…..is that normal?
RinceThisandholiday
August 2, 2013 at 15:34
It must be! Right?
Xelus
August 2, 2013 at 15:26
You also get a second version, the provita, apparently good for one’s health. XD
RinceThisAndGingerSmite
August 2, 2013 at 15:26
I hear the games can be as boring as cardboard though 😉
Xelus
August 2, 2013 at 15:27
Even if one does add some flavor to it. XD
RinceThisandholiday
August 2, 2013 at 15:32
Ya, but only those with a decent Curriculum vitae know that… Too much? 0-O
RinceThisandholiday
August 2, 2013 at 15:40
Nintendo, they really do show what I learnt in the East. Stick to your same model, even if it’s outdated and is making you bleed from your coffers like @umarbastra:disqus and I used to bleed from our eyes playing the Virtual Boy. Industries need to adapt! Ask Cliffy B…
Winston_from_the_Ministry
August 4, 2013 at 10:34
Are Nintendo “bleeding from their coffers”? (horribly clumsy turn of phrase you have there btw).
No.
RinceThisandholiday
August 4, 2013 at 11:19
How is that a horrible turn of of phrase? They are neither underground, nor is the CEO dead. Do you know what a turn of phrase means?
Winston_from_the_Ministry
August 4, 2013 at 11:53
Not horrible. Horribly clumsy.