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[GDJustin]

That is an interesting point. But it just does not seem very good idea to outsourse PR in an industry like video games unlike, say, soft drinks.

The biggest advantage of outsoursed PR is that you have a ready scapegoat in case of a gaffe. But at the same time, who the hell clings to every word of Coca-Cola PR? Who the hell cares how informed is Coca-Cola about the R&D? It's not that Coke PR does not have a job to do: Coke launches the vitaminated version, they go out to explain it to on talk shows and let the general public know. For this, the PR does not really need to be intimate with R&D and so on.

Now, Nintendo definitely need some PR explaining Wii. I'd say the whole letting the general population play the Wii initiative have been totally underwhelming. Maybe they are holding off till the consoles are actually in stock, but still they felt far short of what they promissed.

At the same time, there is the other function of PR: dealing with very forward looking gamers and managing their expectations. I cannot possibly imagine how outsourcing that would not lead to a total disaster. Have other companies in simarly forward looking businesses done it? Apple, for example?

More videogame companies have external PR than internal, you know...

 

[Wiitard]

More videogame companies have external PR than internal, you know...

Sure, but the task of most publishers is very different from the task of platform holders. In particular managing excpectations about games years down the pipeline is not really all that important to anybody except the platform holders.

 

[a Master Ninja]

So...is this confirmed yet or what? I assume Nintendo would have shot this down pretty quick if it wasn't.

 

[_Alkaline_]

Why? I don't know about NoAus but NoE has never been as succesful as they are now.

Super Paper Mario says hay.

 

[PantherLotus]

Sure, but the task of most publishers is very different from the task of platform holders. In particular managing excpectations about games years down the pipeline is not really all that important to anybody except the platform holders.

I think the point that hasn't been really digested is that Nintendo is definitely solidifying power in Japan first. Just look at their entire strategy and current game design--almost exclusively to what the Japanese public would find endearing. If that shit sells in the States, too...then they've made it easier on themselves.

What they're doing is recentering their base in Japan and fortifying their homeland with an almost disgusting amount of public support and incredible sales. They're moving their US headquarters into two different locations that appear to be based on two things -- relative distance from developers (silicon valley) and proximity to major media (Manhattan).

I think it's a solid strategy, but it is completely dependent on whether the old adage of 'who wins Japan, wins the World' really rings true for yet another generation. My money is on Japan.

 

[Kobun Heat]

More videogame companies have external PR than internal, you know...

Don't: he's one of the people who thinks that Harrison and Kaplan are "PR".

 

[Wiitard]

I think the point that hasn't been really digested is that Nintendo is definitely solidifying power in Japan first. Just look at their entire strategy and current game design--almost exclusively to what the Japanese public would find endearing. If that shit sells in the States, too...then they've made it easier on themselves.

What they're doing is recentering their base in Japan and fortifying their homeland with an almost disgusting amount of public support and incredible sales. They're moving their US headquarters into two different locations that appear to be based on two things -- relative distance from developers (silicon valley) and proximity to major media (Manhattan).

I think it's a solid strategy, but it is completely dependent on whether the old adage of 'who wins Japan, wins the World' really rings true for yet another generation. My money is on Japan.

I was talking exactly about this 20 posts back (post 235).

It does seem to me that Iwata wants to centralize power in Japan. My guess is NOA was always on a pretty short leash but so far they managed to net the partnership with Ubi (a success) and Manhunt 2 (still an unknown). If Manhunt 2 gamble pays off, I think it is possible that NOA will still have some autonomy. If not, it does not look that good.

 

[ThirdEye]

They were responsible for GameCube.

 

[seat]

So now Perrin has all the time in the world to take as many showers as she pleases. Enjoy, lady!

 

[kassatsu]

So what will be left at NOA Seattle?

Localization / Testing / NST / Distrubution / Phone Center (Help Line) I think.

 

[Phife Dawg]

dp

 

[Phife Dawg]

Yeah, perhaps Reggie's role is a bit overstated, but I do consider him more relevant and important to today's NoA than all three of those execs combined. And a new marketing department might not be so bad, especially if they move back home to NY and hire some of our edgy, city bastards!

Well he's the effin' president and chief operating officer of NoA, how can his role be overstated?

Super Paper Mario says hay.

And the point is? Apparently the consumers don't mind. I hate NoE just like the next guy (actually living in Europe) but NoE has seen the biggest gains of all three territories, I'm pretty sure of that.

Plus with Strikers launching here in Europe first they made up for the slow pace they usually operate at. Well at least until they confirm that SSBM won't be released this year in Europe.

 

[NotWii]

Ooooh another positive, we won't be hearing George Harrison's boring ass during the Nintendo E3 Press Conference!

 

[_Alkaline_]

Well he's the effin' president and chief operating officer of NoA, how can his role be overstated?


And the point is? Apparently the consumers don't mind. I hate NoE just like the next guy (actually living in Europe) but NoE has seen the biggest gains of all three territories, I'm pretty sure of that.

Plus with Strikers launching here in Europe first they made up for the slow pace they usually operate at. Well at least until they confirm that SSBM won't be released this year in Europe.

The point is that Europeans and Australians are being absolutely screwed by Nintendo. Not only have they not got SPM or Trauma Centre yet, they also get countless games late (Pokemon, Excite, Eledees, EBA, etc) and will probably miss out on at least one of the big 3Wii games coming out this year.

It shouldn't be tolerated - indeed, the big gains NOE are making with Wii and DS should be incentive to get games over there faster, rather than slower.

 

[NintendoGal]

Ooooh another positive, we won't be hearing George Harrison's boring ass during the Nintendo E3 Press Conference!

Not necessarily since the shift is happening in the fall, they could be staying on board until that time if this proves to be true.

 

[NotWii]

Not necessarily since the shift is happening in the fall, they could be staying on board until that time if this proves to be true.

Drat!

I'd rather have Reggie present sales than George.

George is just simply the worst, guy's never played a videogame in his life!

 

[chespace]

So now Perrin has all the time in the world to take as many showers as she pleases. Enjoy, lady!

Well, that was creepy!

So, why do you guys give a shit about the fate of these gaming executives again?

 

[Kobun Heat]

So, why do you guys give a shit about the fate of these gaming executives again?

Same unsettling, vaguely stalkerish reason they care about Ziff staffers and community managers?

Spoiler

THEY'RE OUTSIDE YOUR WINDOW

 

[Acosta]

Well, that was creepy!

So, why do you guys give a shit about the fate of these gaming executives again?

Che, I´m impressed how you still try to understand what is the reason behind some threads.

 

[chespace]

Same unsettling, vaguely stalkerish reason they care about Ziff staffers and community managers?

Spoiler

THEY'RE OUTSIDE YOUR WINDOW

Whatsa matta, Wired don't have you on the same salary as their real editors?

And for the record, I don't think they care so much about community managers.

 

[Kobun Heat]

And for the record, I don't think they care so much about community managers.

And the reason for the switch finally reveals itself.

 

[Kafel]

I'd like that a Konami PR joins Nintendo. A PR from Capcom and one from T2 too.

You know ... it could be useful.

 

[AniHawk]

I will miss the photoshops.

At least Harrison wasn't cryptic 100% of the time.

 

[Phife Dawg]

The point is that Europeans and Australians are being absolutely screwed by Nintendo. Not only have they not got SPM or Trauma Centre yet, they also get countless games late (Pokemon, Excite, Eledees, EBA, etc) and will probably miss out on at least one of the big 3Wii games coming out this year.

It shouldn't be tolerated - indeed, the big gains NOE are making with Wii and DS should be incentive to get games over there faster, rather than slower.

Ehm we're talking business decisions here, not disgruntled forum users. As I said, NoE is seeing big gains, apparently they capture their audience. Why would they need restructurization more than NoA?

I'm not saying we shouldn't see titles released here earlier, that is a different topic altogether. But the success they're enjoying says they get the marketing right, no need for layoffs.

 

[Annoying Old Party Man]

Super Paper Mario says hay.

TUTUTU, Super Summer Paper Mario *runs out of thread*

 

[Screenboy]

I welcome the loss, with the Wii becoming such a big brand hopefully Nintendo can draw in high profile replacements, maybe even the next 'Reggie'.

 

[Gallagher]

Sad about Kaplan.... the others are worthless

 

[John Harker]

But what comes after this? Assuming it's 'more' than the move, why all of them, why now, why all from the communications team? I have a couple ideas. First of all, the move to NY and SF are huge indicators. They are huge, HUGE, and I mean HUGE, homes of Advertising and PR firms. I'm going to guess that Nintendo will be outsourcing most of their Public Communications (PR--like press releases, announcements, etc; Advertising--like online, tv, theater, and print; and Marketing--both at the point of sale and broader schemes) to the same huge firms that handle Coca-Cola, the NFL, and American Eagle -- basically to firms that have their finger on the pulse of Americans and are a bit more in touch than Perrin and her two infamous gaffes.

 

[ElectricBlue187]

YES! My prayers have been answered! Thanks God!

 

[Region-FreeWii]

Good riddance Perrin, I've despised you ever since your blantant lie.

Spoiler

Which became my username, and now I'm stuck with it

 

[snoopers]

I asked Mathieu Minel, our french Nintendo marketing director, and according to him nothing is set in stone yet. Seems like this "revelation" about the big three leaving NOA is part of some kind of negociation. So, wait and see before celebrating Perrin's departure

 

[Koren]

The point is that Europeans and Australians are being absolutely screwed by Nintendo. Not only have they not got SPM or Trauma Centre yet, they also get countless games late (Pokemon, Excite, Eledees, EBA, etc) and will probably miss out on at least one of the big 3Wii games coming out this year.

Yes and no... I agree that we get most of the games late, sometimes very very late. Still, we get most of them, and Nintendo even helps other developpers by publishing their games in Europe.

For example, the only Tales of we got in Europe were the GC/GBA ones, because NoE published them. So yes, we shouldn't accept all the delays, but I'm still grateful for NoE publishing some games from others here.

 

[AntMurda]

So what will be left at NOA Seattle?

Redmond-Seattle (Staying)
Nintendo Management (like Reggie and Kimishima)
Nintendo Technology Development Inc.
Nintendo Software Technology Corp.
NOA Treehouse
Nintendo Product & Testing Department
Random Nintendo Employees

San Francisco (Leaving)
Sales & Marketing Group (Nintendo)

Adios Amigos???
Nintendo Power

 

[Phife Dawg]

I asked Mathieu Minel, our french Nintendo marketing director, and according to him nothing is set in stone yet. Seems like this "revelation" about the big three leaving NOA is part of some kind of negociation. So, wait and see before celebrating Perrin's departure

Even better, there's still a chance that only Perrin is left behind. Time to cool that champagne :lol .

 

[bill0527]

Pretty bizarre to have all those prominent executives leaving, when the company as a whole is doing so well. What's the primary reason for the company relocating, anyway? Seems like it might have backfired if this story is true.

Not Bizarre at all. I would imagine most of these people have children and spouses who have careers as well and don't want to uproot their families. I realize it may be hard to understand if you don't have a family and you sit around dreaming for a job like this every day, but there are a lot of considerations to take into account when you decide to uproot everyone and move across country.

I wouldn't be surprised to see any or all of these people end up Microsoft since they're practically neighbors.

 

[Zynx]

This makes a bit of sense. Perrin, Beth, and George were all about being the "old guard" at Nintendo. None of them were particularly firey speakers, good with the media, or explosive with the BOMBZALDROPPENSPAUNGS. And here comes Reggie, who in the better part of 4 years has turned Nintendo from the joke of the industry into once again a major player, practically all by his lonesome.

Hrm, being a corporate executive is much more than just what we see at E3 or whatever. That's why I think those that say Reggie is great because he's such a great speaker are missing the whole angle. Sure, it's a bonus, but running the company (managing people, setting the direction, bringing focus, etc.) has far more impact. If the old guard is being ditched, I doubt it's simply because they aren't as good in presenting.

 

[Kafel]

So, who has won ?




I guess that if 90% are involved, it's in order to protest against Nintendo's policy.

Nintendo will never let 90% of its staff leaving, just think about the files that need to be continued, the training courses to be paid ... They can't just hire that many people at once, it's an insane turn-over and I think Nintendo has never planned something like that.


So, with this pressure, who has won now ?

 

[seat]

Well, that was creepy!

I'm still annoyed at her comment about core gamers not showering enough. Nothing more to it.

 

[PolyGone]

honestly, I never heard any info from Perrin Kaplan or Harrison that was worth the time to read. The only time Nintendo actually shows off a new game or system is at an event, and we can hear about it directly from Iwata or Miyamoto. Nintendo's PR < Famitsu scans any day.

 

[Juice]

This whole thing is fishy. The office move was probably a power play by NCL from the start hoping it would open an opportunity to clean house on the marketing/sales side.

If that's what it was (and what else could it be if the NOA executives weren't included in the discussion of the office move?), then I think NCL made a pretty solid call. My semi-insider impressions of all three executives is strongly negative, especially with regard to PR/Marketing. None have been identified as particularly influential in the recent 'paradigm shift' strategizing.

 

[Chris B]

Update: Nintendo weighs in this morning. While confirming that the media and sales divisions are moving out of Redmond, a spokesperson has told various media outlets that "in terms of the execs leaving we have not heard anything regarding that speculation - and it remains speculation [...] We are not commenting further on those rumours at this time." Not a confirmation, but not a denial. We will see how this develops.

Say it ain't so!

 

[nelsonroyale]

oh no, the end of the dream is near??!!

Spoiler

eh

 

[PkunkFury]

OMG Perrin going 3rd party?

 

[Juice]

Update: Nintendo weighs in this morning. While confirming that the media and sales divisions are moving out of Redmond, a spokesperson has told various media outlets that "in terms of the execs leaving we have not heard anything regarding that speculation - and it remains speculation [...] We are not commenting further on those rumours at this time." Not a confirmation, but not a denial. We will see how this develops.

Say it ain't so!

Of course they went to the media first, now they can really push for a bigger severance package

 

[Gallagher]

OMG Perrin going 3rd party?

She will got to MS to **** with Moore

 

[lancubap]

Contrary to the original report that claimed around 90 percent of the Nintendo of America sales and marketing team would depart, President Reggie Fils-Aime has now clarified that roughly 60 percent are leaving. The status of execs Harrison, Kaplan and Llewelyn remains up in the air, however.


Earlier this week there was a major brouhaha when Game Informer broke the story that nearly 90 percent of Nintendo of America's sales and marketing team would take severance rather than moving as planned to either San Francisco or New York. Nintendo remained mum on the subject for a little while, but Kotaku managed to wrangle a statement right from the top: President Reggie Fils-Aime.


He says that about 60 percent have decided not to move and will leave the company. Unfortunately he did not address the part of Game Informer's report which states that three key executives, George Harrison, Perrin Kaplan and Beth Llewelyn, are leaving.


Here's Reggie's statement:


"Virtually all of the employees affected by the relocation plan have now responded with their decisions, and approximately four of every ten have agreed to make the move to either New York or the Bay Area, in keeping with our original expectations.


A transition task force of key executives has been formed to ensure the smoothest process possible, and continuous information and resources will be available to all employees. The rest of Nintendo's strong leadership talent will continue to drive our business objectives forward. It has always been the case that Nintendo employees are resilient and rise to any challenge, and there is no doubt in my mind that we will excel as we continue to tackle new challenges and business opportunities.


Nintendo itself can not discuss the relocation status of any individual involved, but for those who will be departing the company, we have every expectation that they will succeed to the highest degree in their future endeavors. We will miss the talent, energy and experience from those who have chosen not to relocate. Our sales and marketing teams have been key components in returning Nintendo to its current position of market leadership.


Reggie Fils-Aime

President, Nintendo of America"

More if happens. This is an official answer. I wasn't sure to open a new thread, so....Discuss !

 

[Cheerilee]

More if happens. This is an official answer. I wasn't sure to open a new thread, so....Discuss !

There could be some juggling of numbers, since on May 8 Nintendo told newspapers that 80 people were asked to move, and on May 22 George Harrison said that 60 people were asked.

Maybe 20 people quit NOA as soon as they were asked to move, so Reggie didn't count them as people who they were waiting for responses from (leaving a higher percentage of positives).

Or maybe 20 people formed the "moving committee" and started moving instantly, and following that 90% of the people who were asked to move turned them down, so Reggie counted the 20 among the people willing to move but the leaker didn't.

Or maybe it just felt like 90% to whoever leaked, since everyone he knew at the company decided to quit, since 60% is still a lot.

 

[PantherLotus]

Notice how he said "4 in every 10 are staying" instead of "60% are leaving!"? That's public relations folks!

 

[Slurpy]

Wow, talk about being passionate about your work. Can't cry over the loss of Perrin though. She seems like an un-enthusiastic prude in all her intgerviews, and goes out of her way to insult those speaking to and interviewing her. I doubt she really contributed anything special to Nintendo.

 

[Ether_Snake]

Bingo