E3: Nintendo’s George Harrison talks about the future of the Wii
Aside from the shortage this coming holidays for the Wii, Nintendo also seems to face a minor case of writer’s block. In an E3 interview by Forbes with George Harrison, Vice President of Marketing for Nintendo, we are given a brief but insightful look into the future of the Wii, post-E3.
In the interview, it was revealed that 32% of Wii consumers are aged 25 and above. Harrison explains that this is because that really was the goal of Nintendo’s early marketing strategies. Part of the aim of the Wii is it’s social aspect and to expand their audience besides the traditional gamer.
However, one of the side effects of developing early games designed to pull in the non-gamer is that there’s a lack of games for the hardcore ones. In fact, the Wii has been experiencing a deluge of Mario games which, although fun and entertaining, won’t sit well with more experienced gamers who want a bit more variety on their plate. Harrison answers this concern:
In terms of a complete breakaway into new IP – the introduction of brain-games a couple of years ago for the DS was a radical departure. You saw Wii Fit introduced – that was the most unusual game unveiled at E3! In terms of fictional stories – we’re augmenting what we do. We’re changing our thinking about what defines a viable piece of entertainment software.
Harrison also addresses the concern about the lack of multiplaying capabilities for the Wii. While he admits that the Wii isn’t the best choice for MMORPGs, and although Nintendo believes that playing should be more about “socializing together in a physical location,” it can still deliver the goods on an “aggressive [multiplayer] game” that is more relevant to the “social aspect in real life.”
Nintendo will soon be releasing FIFA 08, Nitrobike, Guitar Hero III, and Mario Kart, all games with online multiplaying. There will also be a bunch of third-party games gracing the Wii soon.
Aside from the shortage this coming holidays for the Wii, Nintendo also seems to face a minor case of writer’s block. In an E3 interview by Forbes with George Harrison, Vice President of Marketing for Nintendo, we are given a brief but insightful look into the future of the Wii, post-E3.
In the interview, it was revealed that 32% of Wii consumers are aged 25 and above. Harrison explains that this is because that really was the goal of Nintendo’s early marketing strategies. Part of the aim of the Wii is it’s social aspect and to expand their audience besides the traditional gamer.
However, one of the side effects of developing early games designed to pull in the non-gamer is that there’s a lack of games for the hardcore ones. In fact, the Wii has been experiencing a deluge of Mario games which, although fun and entertaining, won’t sit well with more experienced gamers who want a bit more variety on their plate. Harrison answers this concern:
In terms of a complete breakaway into new IP – the introduction of brain-games a couple of years ago for the DS was a radical departure. You saw Wii Fit introduced – that was the most unusual game unveiled at E3! In terms of fictional stories – we’re augmenting what we do. We’re changing our thinking about what defines a viable piece of entertainment software.
Harrison also addresses the concern about the lack of multiplaying capabilities for the Wii. While he admits that the Wii isn’t the best choice for MMORPGs, and although Nintendo believes that playing should be more about “socializing together in a physical location,” it can still deliver the goods on an “aggressive [multiplayer] game” that is more relevant to the “social aspect in real life.”
Nintendo will soon be releasing FIFA 08, Nitrobike, Guitar Hero III, and Mario Kart, all games with online multiplaying. There will also be a bunch of third-party games gracing the Wii soon.