[farnham]

 
 
 
Q. What is the timeframe of the new software you were mentioning? What about the development structure?
 
Iwata : we are not thinking about a long timeframe. We are thinking about Mid year up to End of the year 2013. We also have games that are slated for end of the year that we havent mentioned yet.
 
Miyamoto : It takes time to understand the charm of wiiu. We are currently offering a few titles but we are aiming for games that sell steadily for the next 3 years not for games that stop selling after a few weeks. We have a lot of ideas for 2 screen play. We definately need more employees internally and externally so we are strengthening our development teams.
 
 
Q. Cloud gaming is becomming popular. What about a unified platform?
 
Iwata: there are things you can do with cloud gaming and there are things you cant do. We dont agree that cloud gaming is the future and we are trying to work hard on a future where gaming only consoles are not gone. Unified platforms are for us not platforms that are one but rather platforms that have the same development architecture. This also means that there could be more platforms.
 
Mizamoto: We needed to create new development environments for wiiu and 3ds unlike wii which reused the gamecube architecture. We are unifying our development teams to accomodate this challenge and minimize the losses while preparing the shift. I think handhelds and consoles will coexist as the aim is different.
 
 
 
Q. Asymmetrical multiplayer and pikmin 3
 
Iwata : I hear a lot of people saying that Nintendoland was great, so we think asymmetrical gaming is not a bad thing. However it is hard to get the message out, that this is a fun way to play.
 
Miyamoto: Pikmin3s greatest charm is to look at the Pikmin in HD. I think it is a great strategy game that has a constant minimap displayed on the gamepad. There is also OffTV play.
 
 
 
Q. Isnt the WiiU architecture too much focused on the GPU?
 
Miyamoto : For High End graphics there is a hurdle, since we have to reeducate our people. The development itself hasnt changed but we are recruiting specialists that can become core members in each specialized area. External Developers are used to shader techniques and we are collaborating a lot with external companies nowadays so we have a very good development structure.
 
Iwata: Every gaming hardware has its specialities. There is a timing of hit and miss before the functions can be used fully. We were not able to provide development kits that get out all the power of wiiu until mid of last year. With other gaming consoles firms had 6 to 7 years to experiment but our console has a different balance so it is easy to see who has adapted and who hasnt. However this is something time will heal so we are not too worried.
 
Takeda : WiiU is a machine that has a lot of performance compared to its power consumption. The GPU is definately more pronounced than the CPU . There are people saying that the CPU is weak but that is not true. It is a trendl that the cash memory is whats getting biggrr with CPUs not the processing power. i do not think at the CPu is underpowered. Its just a design where the memory is more stressed.
 
 
 
Q. What about NFC
 
Iwata : there are two trends. one is with figurines or cards. We are currently working with developers on this and we will see various games this year.

The other one is E-money payment. we are also working on this.

Source:
 
http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library...0131qa/03.html

Summarized by Loycuter from Ruliweb
 
 

[Blades64]

Takeda : WiiU is a machine that has a lot of performance compared to its power consumption. The GPU is definately more pronounced than the CPU . There are people saying that the CPU is weak but that is not true. It is a trendl that the cash memory is whats getting biggrr with CPUs not the processing power. i do not think at the CPu is underpowered. Its just a design where the memory is more stressed.

If developers adapt to this, then there can be improvement, so this is potential good news. :)

[BDGAME]

Payment using NFC is a good new!

[OryoN]

Iwata : we are not thinking about a long timeframe. We are thinking about Mid year up to End of the year 2013. We also have games that are slated for end of the year that we haven't mentioned yet.

This happies me. :D

[TalesOfWin]

This happies me. :D

wait for E3.

[squid]

Wow, some interesting answers there. So does that mean that 3D Mario, Mario Kart and Yarn Yoshi are all 2013 releases?

[SolidSnakex]

Wow, some interesting answers there. So does that mean that 3D Mario, Mario Kart and Yarn Yoshi are all 2013 releases?

They better be.

[Doogdogg]

This happies me. :D

Retro Studios game......man I can't wait to see their HD work.

[AniHawk]

i think the wind waker is a lock for this year, and maybe yoshi too, but is he also talking about fire emblem and xenoblade ii in that statement? even if both made it out by august next year, it would be pretty wild.

[Exterminieren]

Wow, some interesting answers there. So does that mean that 3D Mario, Mario Kart and Yarn Yoshi are all 2013 releases?

With the increased push for profitability next year they will be, by hook or by crook.

[speedpop]

Whatever the case, the next 12 months for Nintendo and their consumers are going to be highly interesting.

[gtj1092]

Well I hope this ends the myth that nintendo would magically be the only developer not to have issues with transitioning to HD based simply on the fact that wii games looked good on dolphin.

If all those games drop this year might have to get a wii U this christmas and push off orbis purchase to next year.

[Captain Smoker]

Sounds good.

[ColdBlooder]

i think the wind waker is a lock for this year, and maybe yoshi too, but is he also talking about fire emblem and xenoblade ii in that statement? even if both made it out by august next year, it would be pretty wild.

Windwaker was confirmed for fall this year at the Nintendo Direct.

[tkscz]

We were not able to provide development kits that get out all the power of wiiu until mid of last year

That explains so much.

[Ken Masters]

Fall looks very good to me for Wii U, but until then it's going to be quite bad

[Randomizer]

That is some rough translating, where's Cheesemeister when you need him.

[thefro]

If developers adapt to this, then there can be improvement, so this is potential good news. :)

Yeah, I actually trust Takeda on this (the guy who's been around long enough to build circuit boards from scratch), over some of the other people who've been commenting.

I guess the proof will be in what we see from Nintendo's internal teams since most 3rd parties don't seem remotely interested in maxing out what the console can do.

[Tratorn]

Wow, some interesting answers there. So does that mean that 3D Mario, Mario Kart and Yarn Yoshi are all 2013 releases?

Mario + Mario Kart are a lock for this year imo. They'll try the same strategy as with 3DS in the end of 2011.

[Galang]

If fall for Wii U is as good as it seems then I'll definitely be picking up a Wii U at the end of this year.

[test_account]

Is NFC payment used actively anywhere in the world? What is the advantage of using this instead of using a creditcard or entering a redeem code?

[pestul]

Very nice tidbits of information there. It's nice to hear confirmation about the late dev kit advancements, which does explain a lot in regards to the 3rd party launch title woes.

[Linkstrikesback]

It's a shame Mario kart U is probably going to come out this year. I feel like MK7 was rushed and U is going to get the same treatment.

I'm wondering is MKU is going to end up with DLC. I do semi hope so, because 32 tracks (where only 16 are new!) isn't really enough nowadays, but I feel like the base package should be bigger too.

[tkscz]

we are recruiting specialists that can become core members in each specialized area. External Developers are used to shader techniques and we are collaborating a lot with external companies nowadays so we have a very good development structure.

This also should kill that "Nintendo brings the best out of their system upon release" bullshit I tend to see on gaf. They themselves can't really use programmable shaders, going to hate to see them trying to use compute ones.

[Opus Angelorum]

So in summary:

- Unannounced games releasing this year
- Strengthening in both development and technical teams
- GPU focussed console
- Final development kits only made available Q3 2012
- Possible Skylander's type games coming this year

[gamergirly]

Good stuff. If Nintendo can show off the 2 screen charm and adaptability with 3D Mario U(and maybe a Miyamoto niche title), consumers will eat the system right up! Might not even need a price drop. I believe in Nintendo. Always. Wait....that sounds like Mariah Carey lol

[farnham]

That is some rough translating, where's Cheesemeister when you need him.

Its japanese -> korean (done by loycuter) and then korean -> english done by me on my ipad

Sorry for that

Is NFC payment used actively anywhere in the world? What is the advantage of using this instead of using a creditcard or entering a redeem code?

Say they have prepayed nfc cards. You wouldnt be needing to put a 25 letter code in.

[H_Prestige]

Yeah, I actually trust Takeda on this (the guy who's been around long enough to build circuit boards from scratch), over some of the other people who've been commenting. I guess the proof will be in what we see from Nintendo's internal teams since most 3rd parties don't seem remotely interested in maxing out what the console can do.

What else is he going to say? "Yes, the critics are right, our CPU is pretty bad".

[AOC83]

Loads of damage control.

[farnham]

What else is he going to say? "Yes, the critics are right, our CPU is pretty bad".

I think so. He would stress that GPU is good or that they are making a cheaper hardware or something like that.. I think he feels that the architecture is misunderstood

[schuelma]

I think the most holiday lineup is 3D Mario and Wii U Sports, with Mario Kart coming out by March 2014.

[Always-honest]

Retro Studios game......man I can't wait to see their HD work.

Yes. It can only be something glorious. Since they are saving it for later.

[Sadist]

March: Lego City Stories
May: Pikmin 3
June: The Wonderful 101
August: Yarn Yoshi
September: Retro Studios game
Oktober: Windwaker HD/Wii U Party
November: 3D Mario

Mario Kart U, Bayonetta 2, Smash Bros. 4 etc. for 2014.

[Zeer0id]

Can't wait to slap my credit card against the GamePad and have it actually do something, for once.

Iwata: ...We also have games that are slated for end of the year that we havent mentioned yet.

Retro, Retro, Retro!

[Coolwhip]

I'm not worried at all that my Wii U will become a very worthy purchase. But it's good to see Nintendo has to really work for it.

[Diddy Kong]

i think the wind waker is a lock for this year, and maybe yoshi too, but is he also talking about fire emblem and xenoblade ii in that statement? even if both made it out by august next year, it would be pretty wild.

I think X could make it in Japan by the end of this year

[JWong]

If developers adapt to this, then there can be improvement, so this is potential good news. :)

It doesn't change the fact that it's more difficult to work on, and sales can be found somewhere else.

[Somnid]

March: Lego City Stories May: Pikmin 3 June: The Wonderful 101 August: Yarn Yoshi September: Retro Studios game Oktober: Windwaker HD/Wii U Party November: 3D Mario Mario Kart U, Bayonetta 2, Smash Bros. 4 etc. for 2014.

I'd say:

March : Lego City Stories
April : Game and Wario
May : Wii Fit U
June : Pikmin 3
August : Wonderful 101
September : Yarn Yoshi
October : Wii Party U
November : Mario Kart U / Windwaker HD

The first few have to be spread out by month to keep a pace and eliminate gaps. July is a typically loser month where nothing releases. Mario Kart comes first because it sells better so any staff will be devoted to that. I imagine there is at least 1 more game we don't know about.

[thehypocrite]

Q. What is the timeframe of the new software you were mentioning? What about the development structure?   Miyamoto : It takes time to understand the charm of wiiu. We are currently offering a few titles but we are aiming for games that sell steadily for the next 3 years not for games that stop selling after a few weeks. We have a lot of ideas for 2 screen play. We definately need more employees internally and externally so we are strengthening our development teams.

 
This is worthy of concern, It confirms that Iwata & Miyamoto were sleeping at the wheel, it also looks like Miyamoto is throwing Iwata under bus for his own failings.

Q. Isnt the WiiU architecture too much focused on the GPU?   Miyamoto : For High End graphics there is a hurdle, since we have to reeducate our people. The development itself hasnt changed but we are recruiting specialists that can become core members in each specialized area. External Developers are used to shader techniques and we are collaborating a lot with external companies nowadays so we have a very good development structure.

So only now they are hiring specialists? The results from this intiative are not going to be obvious until the 3rd year of the Wii U.

Bad news in my eyes.

[hunnies28]

Miyamoto: We are doing crazy shit, but we can't tell you about it.
Iwata :(laughs)

[radcliff]

I though Wii U Party was announced for summer? I'm thinking:

April: Game & Wario
May: Pikmin 3
June: Wii U Fit
July: Wonderful 101
August: Wii U Party
September: Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker Reborn
October: Retro's title
November: Mario
December: Yarn Yoshi

Bayonetta 2 & Mario Kart for first half 2014, Smash Bros for holiday 2014.

Japan will get X this year and SMT X FE early next year.

[gamergirly]

Miyamoto: We are doing crazy shit, but we can't tell you about it. Iwata :(laughs)

Hehe

[farnham]

This is worthy of concern, It confirms that Iwata & Miyamoto were sleeping at the wheel, it also looks like Miyamoto is throwing Iwata under bus for his own failings. .

I dont think Miyamoto is Head of Nintendos M&A team or their HR team. Iwata is the chief of the whole company and therefore has control over the M&A and HR department.

[DaBoss]

I though Wii U Party was announced for summer? I'm thinking: April: Game & Wario May: Pikmin 3 June: Wii U Fit July: Wonderful 101 August: Wii U Party September: Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker Reborn October: Retro's title November: Mario December: Yarn Yoshi Bayonetta 2 & Mario Kart for first half 2014, Smash Bros for holiday 2014. Japan will get X this year and SMT X FE early next year.

Sounds reasonable, but I don't think X will come this year, but sometime next year. I think 3D Mario and Mario Kart are interchangeable, or Yarn Yoshi is early next year. Retro's game is a total mystery.

[DrWong]

This is worthy of concern, It confirms that Iwata & Miyamoto were sleeping at the wheel, it also looks like Miyamoto is throwing Iwata under bus for his own failings. So only now they are hiring specialists? The results from this intiative are not going to be obvious until the 3rd year of the Wii U. Bad news in my eyes.

I don't think so, they've been regularly hiring people and expanding since at least 2 years (source: GAF).

[thehypocrite]

I dont think Miyamoto is Head of Nintendos M&A team or their HR team. Iwata is the chief of the whole company and therefore has control over the M&A and HR department.

True, but it's his job to communicate as the head of software the required resources to work on the company projects, that way the CEO can authorize the staffing/facility/budget changes. It seems that Miyamoto failed to properly measure the changes/challenges that having 1 HD console to develop along side the 3DS required. It was his job to express the increased resources needed in order to comply with the forecasted schedule for the software projects.

I don't think so, they've been regularly hiring people and expanding since at least 2 years (source: GAF).

If that was the case then why is Q1 empty?

[farnham]

I don't think so, they've been regularly hiring people and expanding since at least 2 years (source: GAF).

yes but its not enough. they have been getting record profits and they are still at under 5000 employees.

they had the chance to buy eidos, midway, thq, tecmo, taito to name a few but missed the chance.

thats why i think nintendo should consider headhunting wada yoichi. he might have failed at keeping final fantasy relevant but he was succesful with three big M&A projects (Square Enix merger, Taito Acqusition and Eidos Acquisition)

[Penguin]

Why are folks assuming Retro's title is the mystery title?

I'm expecting smaller games.. maybe a Wii Play 3 or something. And another smaller game to fit into Oct.

Maybe something that works with Pokemon X/Y

[Exterminieren]

Why are folks assuming Retro's title is the mystery title?

We don't know that it is, but equally, we don't know that it isn't. If the rumours that it was in presentable form at last year's E3 were true, it's not a spectacular leap to guess it may be ready for year's end.

I do think a Gen V/VI Pokemon Battle Sim is a likelihood, though.

[NeonZ]

i think the wind waker is a lock for this year, and maybe yoshi too, but is he also talking about fire emblem and xenoblade ii in that statement? even if both made it out by august next year, it would be pretty wild.

Fire Emblem Awakening was released in Japan back in April 2012. If SMT x FE is an actual collaboration, with developers from both, rather than just an Atlus project (in that case, it's hard to guess), I think they might be able to finish it by year's end - in Japan, only, of course.