[-Pyromaniac-]

I think he was. The peak period for Wii in the USA show that NoA are very capable of hitting the same kind of sales highs as Japan, but they've been consistently under-performing for the past few years. Iwata has made clear that he doesn't want to settle for 'good enough', and if the American branch can't start to compete on NCL's level I see a restructuring on the horizon. The problem is so obvious from this armchair analyst's vantage point. NCL have recognised the need to aggressively pursue enthusiast gamers now that iDevices provide sufficient mobile gaming for the more casual. NoA are still leaning on the casual-skewed 'evergreen blockbusters only' approach that carried through Wii and DS. That isn't going to sustain the platform in 2012.

Indeed. Reggie needs to listen to Kaz Hirai who explained it well that catering to the "core" gamers should always come first, because they'll always be there for you if you take care of them, they are the pillars that prop you up. The other audience won't. NoA definitely mostly pushed things out for that crowd, made little to no effort to build (maybe I mean sustain) that core audience especially in the latter parts. Meanwhile NoE is doing all the work needed to keep people pleased.

[Dash Kappei]

I just realized: - today is my five-year NeoGAF anniversary. Holy crap. - I haven't been banned here yet. (although I'm sure I've come close) And I'm also liking the "next gen gaming on your porch" title for some reason..

Beware, I managed 6 years without bannings and then got three in a row :P

[Krev]

Last Story isn't nearly as amazing though, and Nintendo still makes money from the game even if Xseed is publishing. But it makes much more sense to push Xenoblade as the definite Nintendo RPG and Monolith as Nintendos premier RPG developer, as Xenoblade is not only the better game, Monolith is also their own, wholly owned and 100% exclusive studio, while Mistwalkers next game might end up on a competing platform.

It certainly does, so let's hope they do it. Any success NoA have ran into with Xenoblade is purely accidental.

[ozfunghi]

Alien (1979) Aliens (1986) Alien 3 (1992) Alien Resurrection (1997) Prometheus (2012) Excluding the Alien vs. Predator films, this lists five Alien films (three if you exclude Aliens and Prometheus), not two.

I thought Scott didn't really see Prometheus as a part of the series, even though it takes place in the same universe.

Too bad Resurection ever saw the light of day. Goes to show you can never trust a Frenchman who thinks he's witty ;)

[Krev]

Indeed. Reggie needs to listen to Kaz Hirai who explained it well that catering to the "core" gamers should always come first, because they'll always be there for you if you take care of them, they are the pillars that prop you up. The other audience won't. NoA definitely mostly pushed things out for that crowd, made little to no effort to build (maybe I mean sustain) that core audience especially in the latter parts. Meanwhile NoE is doing all the work needed to keep people pleased.

Iwata made very similar statements in the last investor's briefing. It's amazing how ideologically contradictory NCL and NoA are. Reggie should be Iwata's wingman.
And yeah, NoE under Shibata is wonderful.

[Deguello]

I find it humorous that people still think NoA has any sort of autonomy when it comes to localization decisions.

[-Pyromaniac-]

Iwata made very similar statements in the last investor's briefing. It's amazing how ideologically contradictory NCL and NoA are. Reggie should be Iwata's wingman. And yeah, NoE under Shibata is wonderful.

I don't get why Iwata lets it go on though. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt that he spoke to him behind the scenes and said things have to change with the 3DS/WiiU, so I guess I'll wait and see how things work out. But if we get the same old same old, I would definitely want someone replacing Reginald or replace the person making decisions (or in this case not making any decisions).

[Linkhero1]

Xenoblade possibly being in the NPD gives me hope for more game localizations for the Wii U. :)

[AceBandage]

I find it humorous that people still think NoA has any sort of autonomy when it comes to localization decisions.

From what I understand it's a two part process.

NCL gives NoA and NoE a list of games that can be localized.
Then it's up to the presidents of those groups to decide which get the treatment.

[Rösti]

But why would anyone exclude the best movie in the series?

Well, I bolded the s for if anyone would exclude that based on the name. For if you go by the name, there is Alien, Alien 3 and Alien Resurrection that feature only "Alien" and not "Aliens" or something else in the title. You could also go with the type of aliens featured in these movies, where you have the same type in Alien and Aliens and different types in Alien 3 and Alien Resurrection. What Prometheus will feature I do not know. The "original" alien type is featured prominently in Alien and Aliens thus making it only two Alien films, though it's not entirely correct as far as I care.

But this is off-topic, as long as we don't connect to any upcoming (Wii U) games featuring these corrosive extraterrestrials.

[Spieler Eins]

I find it humorous that people still think NoA has any sort of autonomy when it comes to localization decisions.

lol, there's too many points (games) speaking for NoA being the problem here. It already started before Xenoblade/Last Story.

[-Pyromaniac-]

From what I understand it's a two part process. NCL gives NoA and NoE a list of games that can be localized. Then it's up to the presidents of those groups to decide which get the treatment.

shibata: I'll take all of them!
reggie: I'll take none!

reggie: *snickers*.

[HylianTom]

Beware, I managed 6 years without bannings and then got three in a row :P

Indeed, I'm trying to be extra-careful with my, umm, fanaticism (might as well be honest here, right?) in the lead-up to E3. A healthy of tongue-biting, self-censoring, typing a really smart-ass comment and then hitting the "Back" button.. just trying to be more disciplined in general.

It's much more trying when I stray from this thread. The Wii U STs really are my home on GAF (and thus online), and I think of the folks here as my people - which means that if/when I ever get into an argument, I try extra hard to not get too intensely into it.

[Deguello]

From what I understand it's a two part process. NCL gives NoA and NoE a list of games that can be localized. Then it's up to the presidents of those groups to decide which get the treatment.

Except for games like Fortune Street, which Iwata can force down Reggie's throat, because it has Dragon Quest Characters. Or something. I forgot a lot of what was said during that tumultuous time because the stupid levels were heavy to industrial grade.

In any event, NCL holds all the keys. They have the most power. It is ultimately their decision.

[MDX]

Wii U Speculation thread V: Ev3nt Horizon



Get sucked in

[Linkhero1]

shibata: I'll take all of them! reggie: I'll take none! reggie: *snickers*.

Fucking Reggie. He took all our names and money.

[guek]

I never understood all the Alien 3 hate. Such a great movie. I consider it to be on the same level of Aliens and both of those to be inferior to the original.

I'm a pretty huge david fincher fanboy though haha

[AceBandage]

Except for games like Fortune Street, which Iwata can force down Reggie's throat, because it has Dragon Quest Characters. Or something. I forgot a lot of what was said during that tumultuous time because the stupid levels were heavy to industrial grade. In any event, NCL holds all the keys. They have the most power. It is ultimately their decision.

Right, there are games that NCL mandates, obviously. Like all the main franchises. But NoA certainly does have a choice when it comes to some games, and those happen to be a lot of the nicher stuff.

[Luigison]

I should clarify! There only exists Alien and Aliens. Nothing else!

I think the other things you listed must be from Mystery Science Theater 2000 or something.

[HylianTom]

Except for games like Fortune Street, which Iwata can force down Reggie's throat, because it has Dragon Quest Characters. Or something. I forgot a lot of what was said during that tumultuous time because the stupid levels were heavy to industrial grade. In any event, NCL holds all the keys. They have the most power. It is ultimately their decision.

I'm glad you have shared this. I'll admit.. I've been pretty ignorant of the details of the localization process, so your effort here to educate is much appreciated.

(Also: Any photoshop masters up for a request?)

[Deguello]

Right, there are games that NCL mandates, obviously. Like all the main franchises. But NoA certainly does have a choice when it comes to some games, and those happen to be a lot of the nicher stuff.

So then it is NCL's decision, ultimately. All they had to do was mandate the titles in question. They failed to do so.

[-Pyromaniac-]

So then it is NCL's decision, ultimately. All they had to do was mandate the titles in question. They failed to do so.

Well more recently examples show that NoE obviously had a choice, I can't understand why NoA didn't have the same choices as well.

NCL makes the ruling on what can be done. NoA and NoE have to actually get it done. One of them isn't getting much done.

[sfried]

Wii U Speculation thread V: Ev3nt Horizon

You're reminding me of that movie with Laurence Fishburne and Sam Neil.

Hinting at Eternal Darkness 2 perhaps?

[BlackJace]

I'm glad you have shared this. I'll admit.. I've been pretty ignorant of the details of the localization process, so your effort here to educate is much appreciated. (Also: Any photoshop masters up for a request?)

What is it you request, HT? If its not too much I'd be happy to help.

[Deguello]

Well more recently examples show that NoE obviously had a choice, I can't understand why NoA didn't have the same choices as well. NCL makes the ruling on what can be done. NoA and NoE have to actually get it done. One of them isn't getting much done.

So then it is NCL's decision, ultimately. All they had to do was mandate the titles in question. They failed to do so.

If giving NOA a choice results in NOA rebuffing on certain titles, then it's NCL and Iwata's fault for not forcing the issue. Bashing Reggie and NOA for making sound business decisions based on the American market (JRPG's don't sell. And they don't.) when it's ultimately not up to them anyway accomplishes nothing except high blood pressure.

[HylianTom]

What is it you request, HT? If its not too much I'd be happy to help.

I'll PM you.. hehe..

[Penguin]

What are the chances of like some Wii games that have gone MIA making the jump to Wii U?

Thinking of something like Rodea the Sky Soldier.

[Rösti]

I'll PM you.. hehe..

I'm available as well. As long as it's below or at X20,000 x Y15,000 px at 72-1200 ppi or 300,000 x ≤ 300,000 px at 72 ppi I can do it.

[-Pyromaniac-]

If giving NOA a choice results in NOA rebuffing on certain titles, then it's NCL and Iwata's fault for not forcing the issue. Bashing Reggie and NOA for making sound business decision based on the American market (JRPG's don't sell. And they don't.) when it's ultimately not up to them accomplishes nothing except high blood pressure.

I totally agree that Iwata needs to lay down the fucking law. Which is why I enjoy that he's sending some warning shots at NoA, at least that's what it sounded like to me. Also once again, regardless of whether or not the games sell, it's about sustaining a base. It might not please all gamers to receive a jrpg, but it pleases some, then you bring in another game that will apeal to maybe action fans, platformer fans, etc...slowly start pleasing everyone.

That's how you keep people satisfied and keep them coming to future products. I hope if NoA doesn't please him in the upcoming generation Iwata does something about it, he should definitely put more pressure on em, I'm hoping his comments mean he is beginning to. Localizing niche titles is sound business when you're playing the long game. May not seem like much but the customer satisfaction adds up, consumers value this stuff. Just gotta keep the content coming to all types of gamers. That way they'll all be back. Instead they've kept the content coming back for mostly 1 type of gamer.

[BlackJace]

I'm available as well. As long as it's below or at X20,000 x Y15,000 px at 72-1200 ppi or 300,000 x ≤ 300,000 px at 72 ppi I can do it.

We can split the work to double the awesomeness if need be. :D

And PM away, HT :)

[BurntPork]

Anybody wanna bet on whether I'll make it to E3? if you lose, YOU get banned.

[Krev]

Anybody wanna bet on whether I'll make it to E3? if you lose, YOU get banned.

If you keep making posts like that you'll be banned before E3.

[AceBandage]

Anybody wanna bet on whether I'll make it to E3? if you lose, YOU get banned.

Of course you will.
It's how long after that that'll be interesting.
:P

[ozfunghi]

But why would anyone exclude the best movie in the series?

Wait... what? Aliens the best in the series? Hardly. The original (Alien) is still the best. By far. Resurection on the other hand, barely fits the description of "movie". All kinds of things come to mind, most of which could get me banned.

[BlackJace]

Anybody wanna bet on whether I'll make it to E3? if you lose, YOU get banned.

Drawing attention to yourself isn't the best way to ensure your account's safety, man.

Lie low, go with the flow.

[Linkhero1]

Anybody wanna bet on whether I'll make it to E3? if you lose, YOU get banned.

If it makes you feel better I don't think you'll get banned until after E3. ;)

[11redder]

lol, there's too many points (games) speaking for NoA being the problem here. It already started before Xenoblade/Last Story.

Yup. It doesn't make sense that NCL would suddenly decide that PAL-land deserves all these games to be localised after years of deprivation. It makes even less sense that once translated to English, NCL would then decide that the game can't be released in the US. NOA is definitely to blame for this.

[Deguello]

I totally agree that Iwata needs to lay down the fucking law. Which is why I enjoy that he's sending some warning shots at NoA, at least that's what it sounded like to me. Also once again, regardless of whether or not the games sell, it's about sustaining a base. It might not please all gamers to receive a jrpg, but it pleases some, then you bring in another game that will apeal to maybe action fans, platformer fans, etc...slowly start pleasing everyone. That's how you keep people satisfied and keep them coming to future products. I hope if NoA doesn't please him in the upcoming generation Iwata does something about it, he should definitely put more pressure on em, I'm hoping his comments mean he is beginning to.

I think you still have an inkling of an idea that NoA still has autonomy here. Iwata needs to fire warning shots at himself. It's still his and NCL's decision what games get localized and where. Thus he is the most to blame when localization troubles occur, because he has the most power in the equation. If he and NCL can force localization and chooses not to, then it is their fault. Period. And anger should have been directed at NCL and Mr. Iwata, not toward NoA and Mr. Fils-Aime because they ultimately had no say.

[BurntPork]

If you keep making posts like that you'll be banned before E3.

That would be a double standard.

I would make it an avatar bet, but my next ban is perma most likely.

Does anyone else wonder if N64 VC games will be rendered in 720p? On Wii, the upresed them to 480p, so who knows?

[Anth0ny]

Possible scenarios:

1. NOA realizes the "hardcore" fanbase is large enough to sustain localization of games like Xenoblade. We get the games alongside Europe.

2. "Weeeeeeeeeeeeell, I guess if there's enough fan demand (read: 10 month Operation Rainfall campaign), we'll never say never!" Which gets them a ton of press and exposure, increases sales, but makes us wait a lot longer.

[Linkhero1]

I think you still have an inkling of an idea that NoA still has autonomy here. Iwata needs to fire warning shots at himself. It's still his and NCL's decision what games get localized and where. Thus he is the most to blame when localization troubles occur, because he has the most power in the equation. If he and NCL can force localization and chooses not to, then it is their fault. Period. And anger should have been directed at NCL and Mr. Iwata, not toward NoA and Mr. Fils-Aime because they ultimately had no say.

Uh...if they gave NoA the option to localize it and they chose not to then it's clearly both their faults a not solely NCL's or Iwata's fault.

[MDX]

You're reminding me of that movie with Laurence Fishburne and Sam Neil. Hinting at Eternal Darkness 2 perhaps?

[Skiesofwonder]

Wii-U Speculation Thread V: The Nightmare Before Christmas

[UncleSporky]

The secret is just not to post anything during E3 conferences. You don't need to. The streams of consciousness threads are too massive anyway, nobody will read anything you say except for the quick and decisive mods.

[-Pyromaniac-]

I think you still have an inkling of an idea that NoA still has autonomy here. Iwata needs to fire warning shots at himself. It's still his and NCL's decision what games get localized and where. Thus he is the most to blame when localization troubles occur, because he has the most power in the equation. If he and NCL can force localization and chooses not to, then it is their fault. Period. And anger should have been directed at NCL and Mr. Iwata, not toward NoA and Mr. Fils-Aime because they ultimately had no say.

eh I personally don't believe that NCL has complete power over every business decision that NoE and NoA make. All I see is that NoE has been a lot better, NoA has a history of not doing things. If that's NCLs fault, I find that to be a stretch. Show me something that confirms that and I'll believe it, because right now I can only believe what I see, and what I've seen over the years is NoA not doing as well as they should. I'm not saying NCL doesn't control everyone in some way, they surely are the brain of it all, but I think each division has a level of autonomy that allows them to do the things they think they should do to make business in that region better. And I'm upset that NoA has a history of being close minded on what would make business better.

The fact that we have NoE doing things is just an example that clearly NoA isn't interested. Could Iwata force them? Yes. So yeah he is partly to blame, but please, Reggie is the president of NoA, he is to blame as well. And he will continue to shoulder it until shit gets done.

[Linkhero1]

The secret is just not to post anything during E3 conferences. You don't need to. The streams of consciousness threads are too massive anyway, nobody will read anything you say except for the quick and decisive mods.

True. I tend to not post at all during E3 conferences and wait until the conference has finished to discuss or make a comment.

[muu]

I think you still have an inkling of an idea that NoA still has autonomy here. Iwata needs to fire warning shots at himself. It's still his and NCL's decision what games get localized and where. Thus he is the most to blame when localization troubles occur, because he has the most power in the equation. If he and NCL can force localization and chooses not to, then it is their fault. Period. And anger should have been directed at NCL and Mr. Iwata, not toward NoA and Mr. Fils-Aime because they ultimately had no say.

I don't think most people have worked in American offices of Japanese companies. If they have they'll have more of an understanding of what you're saying, as my experiences are similar and I've heard it's the general scenario that's played out in most similar companies.

[bgassassin]

True. I tend to not post at all during E3 conferences and wait until the conference has finished to discuss or make a comment.

Same for me. I decided to focus more on watching with occasional refreshes of the actual thread.

[Krev]

I think you still have an inkling of an idea that NoA still has autonomy here. Iwata needs to fire warning shots at himself. It's still his and NCL's decision what games get localized and where. Thus he is the most to blame when localization troubles occur, because he has the most power in the equation. If he and NCL can force localization and chooses not to, then it is their fault. Period. And anger should have been directed at NCL and Mr. Iwata, not toward NoA and Mr. Fils-Aime because they ultimately had no say.

NoA 'ultimately had no say'? What a load of crap.
Do you think it was the guiding hand of Iwata that caused NoE to release NPC Pikmin 2 in 2009 and NoA to wait until this coming June?

[-Pyromaniac-]

NoA 'ultimately had no say'? What a load of crap. Do you think it was the guiding hand of Iwata that caused NoE to release NPC Pikmin 2 in 2009 and NoA to wait until this coming June?

YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE WORKING IN AN AMERICAN OFFICE FOR A JAPANESE COMPANY

lol