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Wii U

:O

 

[BurntPork]

The ULTRA 64 logo was already on the hardware for quite a while its not our fault if it was delayed and name was changed E3 has nothing to do with it

E3 was just starting to become the big shit it became

Just google the logo

The point is that after E3 would be too close to launch to change it. Marketing needs to start right after E3, and changing the name three or so months before launch is just begging for confusion. It's E3 or never.

 

[Nibel]

Wii U Speculation Thread Episode 5: The Nintendo Ninjas Strike Back

Wii U Speculation Thread 5: To E3 and Beyond!

 

[BGBW]

The correct argument in favour of the chance of a name change is that the Wii's name was revealed just days before E3.

I'm still in the camp of "Don't get your hopes up for a name change" however.

 

[fabricated backlash]

The Splinter Cell I played like a maniac on Xbox and Xbox 360 died long time ago. I don't need that horrible Conviction crap.

Same here. The Splinter Cell that I enjoyed back then is dead and it's not coming back.

Modern game design is just too focused on flash and spectacle. Stealth games are like monks among hooligans.

I'd be very surprised to see a new proper stealth game that rewards players by playing intelligently and not by throwing gimmicks at them.

 

[Rösti]

Thread up now: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=472418

 

[Cheesecakebobby]

Why would they change the name? Because some fanboys posted angrily about it on the internet? Didn't change their mind about going with 'Wii' in the first place. Because of possible confusion as to whether it is a new product? In Iwata's lengthy and honest discussions this week, the name of the 3DS has not been suggested as a factor for its early failure to take off, so Nintendo clearly don't believe that factor worked significantly against it.

 

[IdeaMan]

Same here. The Splinter Cell that I enjoyed back then is dead and it's not coming back.

Modern game design is just too focused on flash and spectacle. Stealth games are like monks among hooligans.

I'd be very surprised to see a new proper stealth game that rewards players by playing intelligently and not by throwing gimmicks at them.

Maybe a kickstarted/crowdfunded by old school gamers Thief, with the community having some sort of control on the development to ensure that it would be a real stealth title.

 

[Smiles and Cries]

The point is that after E3 would be too close to launch to change it. Marketing needs to start right after E3, and changing the name three or so months before launch is just begging for confusion. It's E3 or never.

my point is marketing is more viral than it was back then, name changes today take a few hours to impact the masses

look at iPad 3 if you have doubts that names do not matter until the final minute these days, the press did not know the name they all expected iPad 3 some even expected iPad HD, it really did not matter in the end.

The only reason WiiU matters is because of the name Wii part of it Nintendo wants to use Wii somehow to continue its link to casuals

E3 does not have to be the Official end all for Nintendo they can Nintendo Direct worldwide on a moments notice these days. And they do have something WiiU a week after E3 in Japan

 

[HylianTom]

Why would they change the name? Because some fanboys posted angrily about it on the internet? Didn't change their mind about going with 'Wii' in the first place. Because of possible confusion as to whether it is a new product? In Iwata's lengthy and honest discussions this week, the name of the 3DS has not been suggested as a factor for its early failure to take off, so Nintendo clearly don't believe that factor worked significantly against it.

This is true. My hope for a name change has all but evaporated. Not that I'm too upset about it.

Still.. the Nintendo Juicy™.. *sniff*.. what could have been.. such a majestic name!

 

[BD1]

The name is not changing. The trademark case in England will have zero impact. Nintendo refered to Wii U multiple times at its investor meeting. If they were going to change it they would have said something.

 

[BGBW]

Still.. the Nintendo Juicy™.. *sniff*.. what could have been.. such a majestic name!

If they were releasing gum drops.

 

[Nibel]

My main complaint is that "Wii U" feels like "Wii 2.0" - I remember being shocked at E3 2011 because of that name. After "Project Café" I was expecting something entirely new, and while the system's capabilities and features are, the name + white color scheme + the fact that Wiimotes are still essential for a new console didn't really strike me with confidence.

Now after a year and cooling down from the usual E3 hype train I can live with it. It's a new console which will take the vision behind Wii a step further by creating a console for everyone.

 

[Smiles and Cries]

The name is not changing. The trademark case in England will have zero impact. Nintendo refered to Wii U multiple times at its investor meeting. If they were going to change it they would have said something.

this is a good point but as with everything WiiU Nintendo is not giving more hints than they are forced to

If the case turns for the worst they could moneyhat the other company to allow the name in the UK or they can simply call it Wii + "something else"

the hardest battle for us fans is getting rid of the Wii name entirely

 

[fabricated backlash]

Maybe a kickstarted/crowdfunded by old school gamers Thief, with the community having some sort of control on the development to ensure that it would be a real stealth title.

I find it a sad outlook on this industry when publishers completely fail to deliver variety and quality across the board, and the only prospect of breaking this trend is to fund games directly through fans.

I'd say the biggest threat to this industry are monopolistic publishers. I hope that stuff like Kickstarter can establish a viable funding model for mid tier games, but I'm not hopefull.

 

[BD1]

this is a good point but as with everything WiiU Nintendo is not giving more hints than they are forced to

If the case turns for the worst they could moneyhat the other company to allow the name in the UK or they can simply call it Wii + "something else"

the hardest battle for us fans is getting rid of the Wii name entirely

? I have no problem with the Wii name at all. It's a great brand name. I thought they should have called it Wii 2, but I have no problem with Wii U.

Back in 2006 when Nintendo was comparing the Wii name to Google, we all should have realized they were trying to build a lasting, transformative brand name.

 

[IdeaMan]

Now that we go the translated Financial Results Q&A translated, there are some parts really interesting, and reassuring, about the Wii U, for us as gamers

In this one, you can see Iwata analyzing the success (broader audience) and failures (lack of "depth", of content for gamers, they also didn't pushed their new customers to play to other titles than the 1 or 2 ones that they brought the system for) of their current/past consoles, and assuring again that they try to address these problems with the 3DS, and will have the same approach for the Wii U.

Q: My question may sound antithetic, but let me ask you this regardless of whether my idea may fit Nintendo or not. Nintendo’s basic strategy for revitalizing the financial performance has long been “the expansion of the gaming population.” I said my question may sound antithetic because I am going to ask “Is it appropriate to pursue this goal?” In my view, the index of “the number of users per family,” which is something Nintendo management has prioritized as one of the important indices, does not necessarily have a strong relationship with a single year or multiple year profits. The expansion of the gaming population is, so to speak, something Nintendo should carry on eternally.

Iwata: Right now, we are in a tough situation in terms of the financial performance, so it is probably fair for you to wonder whether what Nintendo has exercised was off point. On the other hand, we wonder what would have happened to the video game industry if we had not made efforts to expand the gaming population, and whether you would be able to see a bright future for a kind of entertainment in which the number of new consumers was not increasing. From these viewpoints, my belief has not changed at all. Without making efforts to increase the number of new consumers and make video games accepted positively by society, we cannot expect a brighter future than now, so we will continue to make these efforts.

However, if you ask us whether everything Nintendo has done was right or whether we would use the same tactics if the company’s policy or strategy remains the same, there are issues to overcome. For example, the Wii was able to reach a large number of new consumers who had never played games before by bringing hands-on experiences with its “Wii Sports” and “Wii Fit.” However, we could not adequately create the situation that such new consumers played games frequently or for long, consistent periods. As a result, we could not sustain a good level of profit. Moreover, regrettably, what we prioritized in order to reach out to the new audience was a bit too far from what we prioritized for those who play games as their hobby. Consequently, we presume some people felt that the Wii was not a game system for them or they were not willing to play with the Wii even though some compelling games had been released. In comparison with what we did with the Nintendo DS and the Wii, with respect to your view this time that the introduction of the software that contributes to expanding the user base for the Nintendo 3DS platform is delayed, we are doing along the lines of what we intended to do to a certain extent. Once consumers have a notion that “this system is not for us,” we have learned that it is extremely difficult to change their perceptions later. Therefore, in promoting the Nintendo 3DS and the Wii U, we have announced that we would like “width” and “depth” to coexist. With the Nintendo DS and the Wii, the approach of “width” was well accepted by many people; however, what we did in terms of “depth” was not satisfactory for some consumers. This time, we would like consumers to be satisfied in both aspects. In order to do so, we started to work on the “depth” aspect first, and the current and existing software you can see for the Nintendo 3DS is based on that idea. In the future, the approach will evolve. By exploring the development both from width and depth standpoints, it is our intention to satisfy a wider audience with one gaming platform. Our approach for the Wii U is basically the same. By doing so continuously, we are expecting that the number of game users per household will increase and as the gaming population increases, we believe we can create a sustainable video game market. We would like to materialize what I have said for both the Nintendo 3DS and the Wii U in the future.

 

[M74]

The ULTRA 64 logo was already on the hardware for quite a while its not our fault if it was delayed and name was changed E3 has nothing to do with it

E3 was just starting to become the big shit it became

Just google the logo

That logo was hideous, even for the 90s.

 

[Smiles and Cries]

That logo was hideous, even for the 90s.

true but the N was really nice I thought

this reminds me we never had the WiiU logo on the Hardware or game Pad have we?

 

[Nibel]

"Width" and "Depth" are the keywords here - especially "depth". They understood that they created a console that created an entirely new market and ironically alienated another.

Now they want everything - even the so called "core" gamers. I'm really excited to see how they will approach this and if we will see some early results at E3.

 

[M74]

this reminds me we never had the WiiU logo on the Hardware or game Pad have we?

This is true. Glimmer of hope.

 

[fabricated backlash]

"Width" and "Depth" are the keywords here - especially "depth". They understood that they created a console that created an entirely new market and ironically alienated another.

Now they want everything - even the so called "core" gamers. I'm really excited to see how they will approach this and if we will see some early results at E3.

They basically want to be the new PS2

 

[Roo]

However, if you ask us whether everything Nintendo has done was right or whether we would use the same tactics if the company’s policy or strategy remains the same, there are issues to overcome. For example, the Wii was able to reach a large number of new consumers who had never played games before by bringing hands-on experiences with its “Wii Sports” and “Wii Fit.” However, we could not adequately create the situation that such new consumers played games frequently or for long, consistent periods. As a result, we could not sustain a good level of profit. Moreover, regrettably, what we prioritized in order to reach out to the new audience was a bit too far from what we prioritized for those who play games as their hobby. Consequently, we presume some people felt that the Wii was not a game system for them or they were not willing to play with the Wii even though some compelling games had been released. In comparison with what we did with the Nintendo DS and the Wii, with respect to your view this time that the introduction of the software that contributes to expanding the user base for the Nintendo 3DS platform is delayed, we are doing along the lines of what we intended to do to a certain extent. Once consumers have a notion that “this system is not for us,” we have learned that it is extremely difficult to change their perceptions later. Therefore, in promoting the Nintendo 3DS and the Wii U, we have announced that we would like “width” and “depth” to coexist. With the Nintendo DS and the Wii, the approach of “width” was well accepted by many people; however, what we did in terms of “depth” was not satisfactory for some consumers. This time, we would like consumers to be satisfied in both aspects. In order to do so, we started to work on the “depth” aspect first, and the current and existing software you can see for the Nintendo 3DS is based on that idea. In the future, the approach will evolve. By exploring the development both from width and depth standpoints, it is our intention to satisfy a wider audience with one gaming platform. Our approach for the Wii U is basically the same. By doing so continuously, we are expecting that the number of game users per household will increase and as the gaming population increases, we believe we can create a sustainable video game market. We would like to materialize what I have said for both the Nintendo 3DS and the Wii U in the future.

At least they're conscious about it.
Sad it hit them too late...

 

[MDX]

An interview from Zombie Panic in Wonderland Akaoni studios, with a little tidbit about Wii U

What more could they possibly be able to surprise us with?

 

[-Pyromaniac-]

Now that we go the translated Financial Results Q&A translated, there are some parts really interesting, and reassuring, about the Wii U, for us as gamers

In this one, you can see Iwata analyzing the success (broader audience) and failures (lack of "depth", of content for gamers, they also didn't pushed their new customers to play to other titles than the 1 or 2 ones that they brought the system for) of their current/past consoles, and assuring again that they try to address these problems with the 3DS, and will have the same approach for the Wii U.

it's funny that iwata is basically admitting the problems that some people here over the last few threads have denied are a big deal or called bullshit on.

 

[Akai]

At least they're conscious about it.
Sad it hit them too late...

More like it's sad that those people can't see past a couple "blue ocean" games and realize there's a ton of "hardcore"-oriented games on the system...

 

[IdeaMan]

I find it a sad outlook on this industry when publishers completely fail to deliver variety and quality across the board, and the only prospect of breaking this trend is to fund games directly through fans.

I'd say the biggest threat to this industry are monopolistic publishers. I hope that stuff like Kickstarter can establish a viable funding model for mid tier games, but I'm not hopefull.

Big companies are risk-adverses, and from a financial perspective, we can understand them, why making an expansive AAA stealth game if the sales results will be qualified as "niche", in this environment with developing costs/staff requirements growing, these new, buzz-making, and tantalizing casual & social trends, etc. etc.

We can imagine new models for this industry, a fusion between indie/kickstarting/crowdfunding/huge studios, where giants like EA could probe the market, involve from the start the core gamers in development, secure from the beginning a good balance between the funds gathered or that themselves put on the table/spend, the designing costs, and the expected sales, etc. A really extended version of what Slight Mad Studios are doing with Project Cars.

This could benefit the Wii U, especially for ambitious digitally downloaded games.

 

[Agent Unknown]

That logo was hideous, even for the 90s.

I was glad back in the day when Ultra 64 died. The name/logo were terribly cheesy and it was the right time to finally unify the Japanese and U.S. sides of the console branding and designs. I remember reading the announcement in Nintendo Power and thinking "We get the same name and logo now? Yeah cool, that makes sense!"

 

[Roo]

More like it's sad that those people can't see past a couple "blue ocean" games and realize there's a ton of "hardcore"-oriented games on the system...

I agree.
I think people rushed conclusions about the system pretty soon.
And Nintendo focusing on "casual" games instead of finding a balance between both markets didn't help at all.

 

[-Pyromaniac-]

More like it's sad that those people can't see past a couple "blue ocean" games and realize there's a ton of "hardcore"-oriented games on the system...

blame consumers all you want but this is not a nintendo specific problem, this is a problem that's been around for ages in marketing. Everything is about perception, always has been and always will be. It's nintendo's fault for not realizing that. Nintendo pushed the casual side of the equation endlessly, so they did it themselves.

Never blame consumers, tis the number one rule.

 

[IdeaMan]

it's funny that iwata is basically admitting the problems that some people here over the last few threads have denied are a big deal or called bullshit on.

It's encouraging, that the analysis/acknowledging of past failures are already here. But now, they must act. It's not the first time that Nintendo admit something wasn't good with their soon-to-be-replaced console, but then they either fail to address the problems for the following system, or do it but then other ones appears.

 

[-Pyromaniac-]

It's encouraging, that the analysis/acknowledging of past failures are already here. But now, they must act. It's not the first time that Nintendo admit something wasn't good with their soon-to-be-replaced system, but either fail to address the problems, or do it but then other ones appears.

I'm with you. Anyone can admit their problems, and honestly I think they're being sincere, but I don't buy their words until I see it in action.

 

[MDX]

blame consumers all you want but this is not a nintendo specific problem, this is a problem that's been around for ages in marketing. Everything is about perception, always has been and always will be. It's nintendo's fault for not realizing that. Nintendo pushed the casual side of the equation endlessly, so they did it themselves.

Never blame consumers, tis the number one rule.

The minute your grandparents are playing your console...
then its not your console anymore.

 

[Nibel]

The minute your grandparents are playing your console...
then its not your console anymore.

wat

 

[BD1]

They basically want to be the new PS2

Doesn't everyone want to be the new PS2?

 

[GameplayWhore]

wat

I think he's saying that the perspective of some gamers is that "If it doesn't target me 100%, then I have been totally abandoned". I have seen this point of view expressed now and then.

 

[Akai]

blame consumers all you want but this is not a nintendo specific problem, this is a problem that's been around for ages in marketing. Everything is about perception, always has been and always will be. It's nintendo's fault for not realizing that. Nintendo pushed the casual side of the equation endlessly, so they did it themselves.

Never blame consumers, tis the number one rule.

I can and will continue to the blame the consumer, as well as the gaming media and developers who tried to propagate lies concerning the whole "casual focus" in the first place...

 

[HylianTom]

The minute your grandparents are playing your console...
then its not your console anymore.

That thought pattern strikes me as a bit narrow-minded.. hmm. Can't there be room for all?

I remember when Nintendo fans turned their noses up ay Sony's new cinematic gaming experiences back in the 1990s. Many whined about "their" hobby being taken-over by "those people."

 

[-Pyromaniac-]

I can and will continue to the blame the consumer, as well as the gaming media and developers, who tried to propagate lies concerning the whole "casual focus" in the first place...

it's nintendo's job to navigate the conversation where they see fit. They didn't do it. It happens with every big product...the inevitable backlash. It's about steering things where you want them.

You can continue to blame the consumer, but as a business it should never be done, and I'm glad nintendo isn't doing it.

 

[JoshuaJSlone]

It's also likely their plan of attack for Japan, where console sales are pretty miserable.

It's the rest of the world I'm concerned about. The console market isn't even that big in japan these days.

Home software is down a lot compared to the last few generations, but hardware really isn't. It just didn't blow up alongside portable hardware.

How likely will publishers provide a digital code bundled along with a physical copy?

I would still like to own the case a d disc, but not have to swap the discs in and out.

I could ripping of discs and potentially lower piracy if publishers go this route.

Pretty unlikely, I'd say. That would enable one purchase to give the game to one guy who just wants the disc, and one guy who just wants the download.

 

[IceDoesntHelp]

Doesn't everyone want to be the new PS2?

No, I hate being bought 120+ million times ):

 

[IdeaMan]

The minute your grandparents are playing your console...
then its not your console anymore.

gerontophobia is punished by having to eat your weight^10 of MacBaguette with out-of-date meat in less than 10 minutes, otherwise you're drowned in 1/2 litre of melted m&m's mixed with the cheapest wine.

 

[TheCongressman1]

but as a business it should never be done, and I'm glad nintendo isn't doing it.

This is the bottom line. The fastest way a company can loose my business is to start pointing fingers.

 

[Skiesofwonder]

I have a bad feeling that this whole month is going to be like this; nothing substantial to talk about and trying to stretch/read into what is said in interviews. The only real hope we have this month is a magazine like Nintendo Power/Game Informer having a cover story on a third party title or maybe a Time Magazine in-depth look at the Wii-U and some titles like we got right before the Wii unveiling.

We should get some leaks/news early June, most likely small hardware, partnership, and/or OS details. My main hope is somehow getting small details on ED2 or Retro's new title, like we did with Donkey Kong Country Returns.

 

[Akai]

You can continue to blame the consumer, but as a business it should never be done, and I'm glad nintendo isn't doing it.

I never said that Ninty should blame the consumer. They are far too humble to do so in the first place, as they are willing to take blame even in areas where criticism is absurd and biased. I'm only pointing out the reality that Ninty is unable to (for already mentioned reasons)...

 

[Anth0ny]

I'm with you. Anyone can admit their problems, and honestly I think they're being sincere, but I don't buy their words until I see it in action.

I think 3D Land and Kid Icarus are pretty good examples of "width" and "depth", instead of just width (as we saw with games like NSMB).

 

[Fantastical]

I have a bad feeling that this whole month is going to be like this; nothing substantial to talk about and trying to stretch/read into what is said in interviews. The only real hope we have this month is a magazine like Nintendo Power/Game Informer having a cover story on a third party title or maybe a Time Magazine in-depth look at the Wii-U and some titles like we got right before the Wii unveiling.

We should get some leaks/news early June, most likely small hardware, partnership, and/or OS details. My main hope is somehow getting small details on ED2 or Retro's new title, like we did with Donkey Kong Country Returns.

I'm honestly fine with nothing for a month. We've made it this far, I want E3 to be an info blowout.

 

[Smiles and Cries]

what would you guys do if the WiiU was delayed until Spring 2013?

 

[Nibel]

The BY2K E3 thread gives you a small glimpse of what's to expect from most people when Nintendo's conference hits

 

[Akai]

I'm honestly fine with nothing for a month. We've made it this far, I want E3 to be an info blowout.

I want both! Small information trickles of lesser games leading up to E3, and then an explosion of the big-hitters during the conference...