Interview With Perrin Kaplan

source: gamecloud

Gamecloud recently did an interview with Nintendo’s Corporate VP Perrin Kaplan about the Nintendo Revolution touching base on the controller, hardcore-gaming appeal and more.
“The biggest news of the Tokyo Game Show last month wasn’t the playable Xbox 360 games or even the in-game engine trailer for the PS3 Metal Gear Solid 4. It was the one handed game controller for Nintendo’s upcoming Revolution game console. Gamecloud got a chance to chat briefly with Perrin Kalpan, the Vice President, Marketing & Corporate Affairs at Nintendo of America, to find out more about the controller and other Nintendo topics.

Gamecloud – First let’s talk about the newly revealed Revolution controller. It’s safe to say that no one expected the controller to look much like a television remote control. Can you give us an honest idea on how game developers are reacting to the look and features of the controller at this point?

Perrin Kaplan – We’ve demonstrated the Revolution controller with key folks around the industry prior to unveiling it at TGS, and the reaction was extremely positive. What really hooked them though was trying it out for themselves, seeing how incredibly intuitive it is and how players will be able to experience things like never before – such as sensing depth, using one hand, etc. It really is something you have to physically experience yourself to appreciate the impact the Revolution controller will have on the gaming industry.

Gamecloud – At his keynote speech at TGS, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata stated that the controller was designed to be something that looked liked it belonged in a living room. Why does Nintendo believe this is needed in a video game controller, especially since the current two handed controller design has in some way also become a typical living room fixture?

Perrin Kaplan – With Revolution, Nintendo is looking to expand the video game market to all new players, in addition to keeping current gamers stimulated by something brand new. Though current hardcore gamers are accustomed to the standard joypad controller design there is something to be said for a controller that looks simple and less intimidating for any player. The goal of the Revolution controller is that its intuitive nature will appeal to literally everyone. And its experience is complex enough for even the most advanced game and gamer. We would like to see this controller in the same basket as all the other remotes. Easy to pick up and play.

Gamecloud – While there was a chance for press at TGS to handle the Revolution controller, many people are wondering if Nintendo has tested the controller with people who love to play games for hours at a time. Is Nintendo confident that the controller will be comfortable with hardcore gamers who spent a lot of time playing games?

Perrin Kaplan – Yes, we’re quite sure that even the most hard-core, up-all-night gamers will find great enjoyment using the new Revolution controller. As with any activity, whether it’s typing on a keyboard or using a video game controller, routine breaks are always recommended. And due to the more physical nature of the Revolution controller, perhaps gamers will actually keep their blood circulation flowing a bit longer than previous game play sessions. Either way, we’ve chatted extensively with the journalists who have played with the controller for the first time at TGS – most of them hardcore gamers – and most felt that it would be perfectly comfortable sitting on a couch and blasting Metroids for extended periods of time. This is good news for the equally passionate gamers out there hoping to burn the midnight oil with Revolution.

Gamecloud – Of course it’s ultimately all about the games for the Revolution that will really make the controller and the console stand out. Can you give us an idea of how many first party Revolution games are in development and how they might use the controller in unique ways?

Perrin Kaplan – Our message is for fans to stay tuned because at some point we’ll be sharing more about the games in development. But you can be certain that we’re hard at work on a number of first-party Nintendo Revolution launch titles that will be a gaming experience unlike anything you have ever played before. If I am wrong, anyone can tell me that later. But I think I’ll be right!

Gamecloud – The Revolution may be the final console in the “next-gen” period (PS3-Xbox 360) to launch in the US. Do you believe that the Revolution will still be able to compete with Sony and Microsoft’s new consoles in terms of sales and do better than the GameCube did in this country?

Perrin Kaplan – Until we see PS3 launch, it’s not accurate to say we’ll be last. But frankly, what’s most important is to never rush to market just to be first. Nintendo is all about gaming first and foremost, and the unique and innovative products we’re creating for Revolution will make our system a must-own for gamers both new and old no matter what other hardware is on the market. We’re currently working hard to secure all the necessary elements for a successful launch such as key first-party titles and solid third-party support when Revolution hits next year.”

source: gamecloud

Gamecloud recently did an interview with Nintendo’s Corporate VP Perrin Kaplan about the Nintendo Revolution touching base on the controller, hardcore-gaming appeal and more.
“The biggest news of the Tokyo Game Show last month wasn’t the playable Xbox 360 games or even the in-game engine trailer for the PS3 Metal Gear Solid 4. It was the one handed game controller for Nintendo’s upcoming Revolution game console. Gamecloud got a chance to chat briefly with Perrin Kalpan, the Vice President, Marketing & Corporate Affairs at Nintendo of America, to find out more about the controller and other Nintendo topics.

Gamecloud – First let’s talk about the newly revealed Revolution controller. It’s safe to say that no one expected the controller to look much like a television remote control. Can you give us an honest idea on how game developers are reacting to the look and features of the controller at this point?

Perrin Kaplan – We’ve demonstrated the Revolution controller with key folks around the industry prior to unveiling it at TGS, and the reaction was extremely positive. What really hooked them though was trying it out for themselves, seeing how incredibly intuitive it is and how players will be able to experience things like never before – such as sensing depth, using one hand, etc. It really is something you have to physically experience yourself to appreciate the impact the Revolution controller will have on the gaming industry.

Gamecloud – At his keynote speech at TGS, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata stated that the controller was designed to be something that looked liked it belonged in a living room. Why does Nintendo believe this is needed in a video game controller, especially since the current two handed controller design has in some way also become a typical living room fixture?

Perrin Kaplan – With Revolution, Nintendo is looking to expand the video game market to all new players, in addition to keeping current gamers stimulated by something brand new. Though current hardcore gamers are accustomed to the standard joypad controller design there is something to be said for a controller that looks simple and less intimidating for any player. The goal of the Revolution controller is that its intuitive nature will appeal to literally everyone. And its experience is complex enough for even the most advanced game and gamer. We would like to see this controller in the same basket as all the other remotes. Easy to pick up and play.

Gamecloud – While there was a chance for press at TGS to handle the Revolution controller, many people are wondering if Nintendo has tested the controller with people who love to play games for hours at a time. Is Nintendo confident that the controller will be comfortable with hardcore gamers who spent a lot of time playing games?

Perrin Kaplan – Yes, we’re quite sure that even the most hard-core, up-all-night gamers will find great enjoyment using the new Revolution controller. As with any activity, whether it’s typing on a keyboard or using a video game controller, routine breaks are always recommended. And due to the more physical nature of the Revolution controller, perhaps gamers will actually keep their blood circulation flowing a bit longer than previous game play sessions. Either way, we’ve chatted extensively with the journalists who have played with the controller for the first time at TGS – most of them hardcore gamers – and most felt that it would be perfectly comfortable sitting on a couch and blasting Metroids for extended periods of time. This is good news for the equally passionate gamers out there hoping to burn the midnight oil with Revolution.

Gamecloud – Of course it’s ultimately all about the games for the Revolution that will really make the controller and the console stand out. Can you give us an idea of how many first party Revolution games are in development and how they might use the controller in unique ways?

Perrin Kaplan – Our message is for fans to stay tuned because at some point we’ll be sharing more about the games in development. But you can be certain that we’re hard at work on a number of first-party Nintendo Revolution launch titles that will be a gaming experience unlike anything you have ever played before. If I am wrong, anyone can tell me that later. But I think I’ll be right!

Gamecloud – The Revolution may be the final console in the “next-gen” period (PS3-Xbox 360) to launch in the US. Do you believe that the Revolution will still be able to compete with Sony and Microsoft’s new consoles in terms of sales and do better than the GameCube did in this country?

Perrin Kaplan – Until we see PS3 launch, it’s not accurate to say we’ll be last. But frankly, what’s most important is to never rush to market just to be first. Nintendo is all about gaming first and foremost, and the unique and innovative products we’re creating for Revolution will make our system a must-own for gamers both new and old no matter what other hardware is on the market. We’re currently working hard to secure all the necessary elements for a successful launch such as key first-party titles and solid third-party support when Revolution hits next year.”