The Nintendo Revolution controller will prove to be an exciting challenge for game developers

Source: NintendoRevolution.ca

Recently 1up gathered a group of game developers together for a roundtable discussion on the Nintendo Revolution. Among the various topics discussed, the group explored the idea of Nintendo moving away from “fun” mini games like the Mario Party, and moving in the direction of full length games with the help of the new controller.

In general, all agreed that the Revolution has great potential for full-length games, opening up all new possibilites to gamers.

“I see the potential for serious full-length games. For example, one of the most common ideas is using the analog stick to run through the hallways of an FPS while shooting enemies with the controller, or “pointer” as I’ve seen it called,” said Tom Fulp of Behemoth.

The group all agreed that as with any new concept, there is going to be a period of adjustment with figuring out what will work and what wont.

“I think the learning curve will map roughly similar to that of game designers learning to design for the DS touch screen. At first the device will seem gimmicky as designers start out creating some simple applications. But as they get used to the mindset of developing for the Revolution controller, you will start to see more sophisticated game designs. For developers, programming the controller shouldn’t be all that challenging. Now, coming up with a great game design — that will be challenging!” explained Karthik Bala of Vicarious Visions

In reference to the idea the controller can be used for games such as sword fighting, Eric Holmes of Radical said “I am also sure that some of them will suck in some capacity, just because it’s going to take time, effort and mistakes for people to figure out if and how it can be done in a fun way”.

All the developers agreed that Nintendo is moving in the right direction with innovations such as the new controller. As well, all understand that the Revolution will no doubt go through a period of fine tuning. For the revolution to be a success, game developers will have take the initiative to create games that capitalize on not only the new controller, but the all features the Nintendo Revolution will offer.

Source: NintendoRevolution.ca

Recently 1up gathered a group of game developers together for a roundtable discussion on the Nintendo Revolution. Among the various topics discussed, the group explored the idea of Nintendo moving away from “fun” mini games like the Mario Party, and moving in the direction of full length games with the help of the new controller.

In general, all agreed that the Revolution has great potential for full-length games, opening up all new possibilites to gamers.

“I see the potential for serious full-length games. For example, one of the most common ideas is using the analog stick to run through the hallways of an FPS while shooting enemies with the controller, or “pointer” as I’ve seen it called,” said Tom Fulp of Behemoth.

The group all agreed that as with any new concept, there is going to be a period of adjustment with figuring out what will work and what wont.

“I think the learning curve will map roughly similar to that of game designers learning to design for the DS touch screen. At first the device will seem gimmicky as designers start out creating some simple applications. But as they get used to the mindset of developing for the Revolution controller, you will start to see more sophisticated game designs. For developers, programming the controller shouldn’t be all that challenging. Now, coming up with a great game design — that will be challenging!” explained Karthik Bala of Vicarious Visions

In reference to the idea the controller can be used for games such as sword fighting, Eric Holmes of Radical said “I am also sure that some of them will suck in some capacity, just because it’s going to take time, effort and mistakes for people to figure out if and how it can be done in a fun way”.

All the developers agreed that Nintendo is moving in the right direction with innovations such as the new controller. As well, all understand that the Revolution will no doubt go through a period of fine tuning. For the revolution to be a success, game developers will have take the initiative to create games that capitalize on not only the new controller, but the all features the Nintendo Revolution will offer.