Dark Cloud
Member
On topic- interesting article. Glad to see Nintendo allowed them to still creatively do what they want while pushing their level of quality. I look forward to see what they work after X2.
Off-topic- in terms of acquisitions. I don't see Nintendo going out and buying more companies anytime soon. However, to go off in fantasy world and say what I'd like to see:
1. Mercury Steam- I think this development studio is reminiscent of other developers Nintendo has bought out such as Retro and Monolith. I'd also like to see Nintendo diversify its development scene and have a game studio in Europe. They could beef the team up a bit and split it into three divisions. One team that works on Metroid(whether 2D or 3D), Another team that works on AAA new ips or other Nintendo franchises, and a small team that assists other European developers with developing games on Nintendo systems.
2. Expand Retro and NST- Retro capable to work on two ambitious projects at once with a new ip and freedoms to do what they want being encouraged. The other team works on pre-existing Nintendo franchises such as Donkey Kong, Wario, Metroid, or Zelda. Retro, also has a team that works with and oversees projects from Monster Games, Next Level Games and other American game developers that Nintendo is publishing titles for. Retro team can coordinate projects like F-Zero or Diddy Kong Racing with Monster Games while working with Next Level Games on Luigi's Mansion.
NST is staffed back up to take on predominately different twists on Nintendo ips that may appeal to western audiences. Also has two smaller teams, one that develops experimental downloadable titles on Switch/Mobile and the other that works with American indie developers.
3. Platinum Games- about a 1% chance of this ever happening. However, have Sakurai/Sora oversee Platinum. Have Platinum split up into different teams that can take on multiple projects. Have one quarter of Platinum's output be taking on Nintendo ips such as Smash Bros., Kid Icarus, and Star Fox. Another quarter dedicated to new Nintendo owned ips includes W101. The remaining half developing games using 3rd party owned ips such as Bayonetta, Vanquish, Nier, Metal Gear Rising, Megaman, Okami, Jet Set Radio, etc.
None of that would ever happen in a million years but it's nice to dream.
I don't think the expansion of their own teams is something that wouldn't happen in a million years.