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[QuantumZebra]

That sounds horrible. I hope Iwata is president for years to come.

Yea I have to agree with this. The Wii U was bungled in a lot of ways, but Nintendo is still delivering like mad with games. My two GOTY frontrunners are both Nintendo games (MK8 and DK:TF).

If they turn into some mutant version of Sega, or the like, and start making mobile games..... ugh.

 

[Rezae]

From a business perspective it's amazing he hasn't been ousted yet. Regardless of mobile development and all that talk, there can't be many executives surviving what he's going through. They caught lightning in a bottle last gen, can't plan on doing it again. They need a sound shake-up and upgrade to the times in regards to online and account systems, among other things.

 

[Mik317]

They are as big as they are. I dont think they are any bigger then that, but they do have money, and they can spend it. Also, people get pissed at Capcom and ect because they dont produce quality in the console sphere and their mobile games are, for the most part, bad. Nintendo still makes high quality games with their current market, there is nothing that infers that them releasing quality mobile games would effect the other side of their business(outside of releasing pokemon on mobile). I agree releasing pokemon would be a mistake, simply because of how well that game would work on tablet. Other then that though there isn't anything that would say that their other games would suffer if they made mobile versions of titles that would work in the mobile space.

Square has released some solid titles IIRC on IOS and people still get upset because they want it for handhelds or consoles..

I don't doubt Nintendo can make great mobile games (I am buying a Ipad soon to stop being a dinosaur and see what it is about rather than sitting around crying about it) but I am saying I can easily see how it will eventually be the main focus.

It also would be the end of handhelds which, while inevitable, will make me sad.

 

[Laconic]

The day Nintendo franchises appear on mobile devices with shitty touchscreen only controls is the day I pretty much stop gaming, apart from retro consoles.

I have absolutely no interest in anything currently available in gaming apart from the Wii U and 3DS. I don't care for the western trend of cinematic bullshit which is a main factor.

I dunno. I've just become disinterested in it all over the years.

This is pretty much me to a "T".

Except I was never interested in the western trend of cinematic bullshit in the first place.

 

[Elija2]

$50 titles are not going to coexist when you are selling similar content for $0.99. The perceived value of the games would plummet. Why spend $50 on Mario when I can get it for $0.99 on the app store? Even if it's not quite as good. And what are the long term implications of this?

Because the $50 and $0.99 games aren't the same games? Nintendo doesn't have to port New Super Mario Bros to phones, they can port smaller stuff like Pushmo instead. And it doesn't have to be priced at $0.99. $7 games can sell on mobile, especially if they're published by Nintendo.

 

[meltingparappa]

Being a former is a bad thing? The president being hands on with software is a bad thing? Having foresight to see the general race to the bottom of smartphone gaming is a bad thing?

Internal tenure trumping talent is a good thing? Choosing a president based on nepotism is a good thing?

These are oblique solutions to what is mostly the worst marketing mistakes in the history of consumer electronics.

 

[MickeyPhree]

Seriously, what is wrong with Nintendo designing a couple of apps?

You all just seem to think they are going to port Mario or Zelda. If they design as small app that integrates itself with say Pokemon on the 3ds what is so bad about that?

If it somehow enhances the main game and they can make a buck from it, why shouldn't Nintendo do it?

 

[unbias]

$50 titles are not going to coexist when you are selling similar content for $0.99. The perceived value of the games would plummet. Why spend $50 on Mario when I can get it for $0.99 on the app store? Even if it's not quite as good. And what are the long term implications of this?

You wont be getting the same content from a $50 dollar game... Things that are different are not the same. Do you think people who play mobile games are unobservant or something? You can easily see the difference between a mobile game and Mario 3D World.

 

[Nintentoast]

This is operating under the idea that Nintendo still has some sort of great cache in the console space. They don't. If you put 3 systems with similar specs, at similar prices, on the market made by MS, Sony and Nintendo, and even give Nintendo some increased third party support, the console consumer will likely still choose an Xbox or Playstation. These people aren't moved by Mario Kart and Zelda as much as you'd think. They want to play Halo. They want to play Last of Us. They want to play these games with their friends who also have Playstations and Xboxes. Nintendo trying to break that market would be like Microsoft or Blackberry trying to break into the smartphone OS market.

I vehemently disagree. I think in that exact situation you just described, Nintendo would do very, very well. But our perceptions of how much pull Nintendo's franchises have are too different, so we'll have to agree to disagree.

 

[Xpliskin]

Can anyone comment on how credible this journal is ?

I mean, this sounds more like sensationalization of random nintendo employees talk.

 

[Log4Girlz]

Ok. Past 3 gens

Amount of Nintendo published GameCube games in first 18 months (September 2001 - March 2003): 14
Amount of Nintendo published Wii games in first 18 months (November 2006 - May 2008): 21
Amount of Nintendo published Wii U games in first 18 months (November 2012 - May 2014): 24


I may have missed a couple. Apologies if so, but I think that's a complete numeration.

They need more. They have had software drought issues for ages on their consoles as they themselves have stated frequently. The only way to rectify this situation is with sharing handheld and console resources.

 

[JoeM86]

Can anyone comment on how credible this journal is ?

I mean, this sounds more like sensationalization of random nintendo employees talk.

This report is widely considered to be inaccurate.

 

[unbias]

Square has released some solid titles IIRC on IOS and people still get upset because they want it for handhelds or consoles..

I don't doubt Nintendo can make great mobile games (I am buying a Ipad soon to stop being a dinosaur and see what it is about rather than sitting around crying about it) but I am saying I can easily see how it will eventually be the main focus.

It also would be the end of handhelds which, while inevitable, will make me sad.

People get mad at Squre because of their microtransaction stuff, not because of their lack of quality. I actually have all of the available FF games(the re releases) on tablet and they are great, I agree they have solid titles. And ya, there are gamers out there complaining, but that is just because, imo, they view tablet/smartphone games as "lesser". Eventually they will either have to get over thinking the tablet/smartphone is a lesser form of game design or they will have to probably get out of that market. Also, the 3DS still sells a lot, just not as dominate as it used to be, still it easily makes money, so I'm not seeing any indication of it going away any time soon. It will just be more niche.

 

[Draxal]

Now, let's say Nintendo release a $1 Pokémon game. They'd have to sell 508 million copies of that to make the same amount, and that's not counting the 30(?)% that Apple takes.. Yes, IAP are a possibility, but the director of Pokémon, Junichi Masuda, is vehemently against the concept of paid DLC and in app purchases, because he believes kids shouldn't have to pay or ask parents to pay beyond the initial price, so that won't happen with Pokémon.

Yeah, I just see this is being the huge internal fight in Nintendo/Pokemon Company right now.

Nintendo could make shit tons of money that the other IAP whaler games (Puzzle and dragons/Love live) on the IOS right now, but it's very very against the culture to do so.

I think the compromise would just be cosmetic (only new SUPER SHINY skins) and the mainline pokemon games will be on the handheld only.

Because the $50 and $0.99 games aren't the same games? Nintendo doesn't have to port New Super Mario Bros to phones, they can port smaller stuff like Pushmo instead. And it doesn't have to be priced at $0.99. $7 games can sell on mobile, especially if they're published by Nintendo.

Go look at the Banner Saga thread to see why that isn't really true.

 

[catmincer]

I can understand why games are a bad idea.

I don't see though why at least things like the 3d pokedex can't be on mobile app stores?

Things that add to games on other platforms I guess.

 

[Psycho_Mantis]

I think Nintendo/Iwata are incredibly stupid for not putting VC titles on smartphones.

Making new games with Mario Zelda etc for smartphones would be bad both in a quality aspect and hardware sales aspect.

 

[MilesTeg]

3DS was actually sold at a profit initially, but it didn't take off and so they price cut it and was selling at a loss. It then took off at that price (11 million sold between Price Cut and the end of that fiscal year) and thus Nintendo's first ever financial loss was posted.

Taking a loss on hardware is good when you're going to make it up. They took the risk with the Wii U, and unfortunately, the Wii U didn't do well, so it collapsed and hurt their bottom line further, because they weren't recouping the money with software sales and third party royalties.

Microsoft, cumulatively speaking, is still VERY in the red for their Xbox division, and Sony has had some horrific years in their game division. If Nintendo had the years MS and Sony had with their products, despite those products selling, they'd have bankrupt a long time ago.

So you agree then. Nintendo did a poor job this generation releasing profitable hardware at a mass market price. Not typical of Nintendo at all. Iwata bet big on their hardware ideas, disregarding Nintendo's past philosophy of low cost-high profit hardware, and failed. And now they have lost everything they gained with Wii and DS.

 

[JoeM86]

So you agree then. Nintendo did a poor job this generation releasing profitable hardware at a mass market price. Not typical of Nintendo at all. Iwata bet big on their hardware ideas, disregarding Nintendo's past philosophy of low cost-high profit hardware, and failed. And now they have lost everything they gained with Wii and DS.

They most certainly have not lost everything they gained.

 

[MickeyPhree]

They most certainly have not lost everything they gained.

In terms of popularity amongst casuals they have.

 

[Log4Girlz]

I think Nintendo/Iwata are incredibly stupid for not putting VC titles on smartphones.

Making new games with Mario Zelda etc for smartphones would be bad both in a quality aspect and hardware sales aspect.

I don't know how I feel about VC titles on smartphones. I figure they should release titles under a different brand name and create new IP's totally focused on the mobile market. Yeah, that means making F2P IAP type games. If anyone can create a super addictive, satisfying title its Nintendo. Get a presence on there. Obviously the games would have 4DS ports. This is just to broaden their horizons and get some cash in.

 

[Draxal]

I think Nintendo/Iwata are incredibly stupid for not putting VC titles on smartphones.

Making new games with Mario Zelda etc for smartphones would be bad both in a quality aspect and hardware sales aspect.

Well, the problem with the VC is that they haven't fully released all these games on the 3ds/wii u either.

 

[rjinaz]

Yea I have to agree with this. The Wii U was bungled in a lot of ways, but Nintendo is still delivering like mad with games. My two GOTY frontrunners are both Nintendo games (MK8 and DK:TF).

If they turn into some mutant version of Sega, or the like, and start making mobile games..... ugh.

The two games I am absolutely looking forward to the most are XenobladeX and Zelda. There is no doubt that as a gamer, Nintendo is making games I want to play. Even with all the things I see them as doing wrong (the Wii U in general, barren VC, online infrastructure), they are still doing things right, with software anyway. The problem is that people are not digging their hardware, making software sales less than impressive especially 3rd party sales.

How do they turn it around? Well I'm not sure firing Iwata fixes things, certainly not quickly. If anything it may cause Nintendo to be worse off in the short-term. I think going mobile with cheap but fun Nintendo games would be an option to make some supplement profit, sure, but it's just not going to happen anytime soon and people need to accept this. So how does Nintendo turn things around? I honestly have no idea, I just hope Iwata does because he's not going anywhere. Nintendo fans seem to have a lot of faith in the man, maybe they are right and he'll turn things around. I guess we'll know in a couple of years. In the mean time, things are going to keep looking rough for Nintendo. I'm glad that I don't only like Nintendo systems because it would be a rough couple of years ahead for me.

 

[Deleted member 125677]

Seems legit

 

[tengiants]

I don't know how I feel about VC titles on smartphones. I figure they should release titles under a different brand name and create new IP's totally focused on the mobile market. Yeah, that means making F2P IAP type games. If anyone can create a super addictive, satisfying title its Nintendo. Get a presence on there. Obviously the games would have 4DS ports. This is just to broaden their horizons and get some cash in.

I'm not sure new IPs area good idea. I really think they should leverage disposable wario ware style mini games based on the current IP they are pushing on Wii U/3DS. They need to recognize the mobile game platform is just a giant place for ads and trendy disposable crap, and use it to their advantage.

 

[norealmx]

People who don't know anything about the industry they supposedly work on have bad ideas, want people who know out.

News at 11.

The smartphone games is a reaaaaaally bad idea, as someone needs to smack some sense into those "executives"

 

[Fourth Storm]

I don't know how I feel about VC titles on smartphones. I figure they should release titles under a different brand name and create new IP's totally focused on the mobile market. Yeah, that means making F2P IAP type games. If anyone can create a super addictive, satisfying title its Nintendo. Get a presence on there. Obviously the games would have 4DS ports. This is just to broaden their horizons and get some cash in.

I agree. Virtual Console could be something that entices consumers to buy Nintendo hardware, at least until iOS/Android controller details really get ironed out. What Shikamaru was proposing makes more sense. New mobile editions of games like Dr. Mario could coexist along with Nintendo's traditional consoles.

 

[Bizzquik]

While we're conjecturing based on nothing....quick, someone find me a report that says Nintendo is ready to go third-party.

I'd read that article, too.

 

[StevieP]

I agree. Virtual Console could be something that entices consumers to buy Nintendo hardware, at least until iOS/Android controller details really get ironed out. What Shikamaru was proposing makes more sense. New mobile editions of games like Dr. Mario could coexist along with Nintendo's traditional consoles.

Controllers will never become popular for smart devices. And I mean never.

 

[Panajev2001a]

Yea I have to agree with this. The Wii U was bungled in a lot of ways, but Nintendo is still delivering like mad with games. My two GOTY frontrunners are both Nintendo games (MK8 and DK:TF).

True, but was this because of Iwata's decisions or despite them?

I actually do not disagree with Iwata's saying mobile has helped to devalue games and that Nintendo would suffer without marrying their software with their hardware. I am convinced that they are doing a poor job at that though and they leave more money on the table than they realize...

 

[MilesTeg]

They most certainly have not lost everything they gained.

Even if the 3DS goes on to sell 80 million and Wii U 20 million (double lol), that's still 150+ million units less than the previous generation, and basically back to the GCN/GBA days, and sadly it doesn't even look like that is a real possibility right now.

 

[MisterHero]

It would not surprise me that a few disgruntled shareholders, presumably with a lot of money, could manufacture a little drama. Anonymous scheming of a publically traded company doesn't deserve the attention.

 

[TheFLYINGManga_Ka]

Nintendo going mobile isn't such a bad option. Only Nintendo fans buy up their VC stuff on their systems. These same people will double dip on mobile since they won't take their 3DS' to work or social gatherings.

Imagine releasing Pokemon on ios. Micromon, a cheap Pokemon clone is the top grossing game right now on ios! That's saying something.

It'll only benefit everyone.

 

[Broken Joystick]

Can anyone comment on how credible this journal is ?

I mean, this sounds more like sensationalization of random nintendo employees talk.

I could eat alphabetti spaghetti and whatever I shat out would be more credible than this. Source is known for being sensationalist and inaccurate.

 

[Fourth Storm]

I can understand why games are a bad idea.

I don't see though why at least things like the 3d pokedex can't be on mobile app stores?

Things that add to games on other platforms I guess.

Right, and I think that Iwata is already alluding to something like this when he spoke at the Investors May Q&A:

We have been studying how we can best incorporate our video games into the time that people use their smart devices. I introduced our “Mario Kart TV” as an example during my presentation today. Although this is just the beginning of our initial approach with that concept, players of “Mario Kart 8” can spend a portion of the time they interact with their smart devices to connect with the Mario Kart game. In the future, it is possible we will decide that certain elements of our video games should be enjoyed when players use their smart devices. In other words, we will try to ensure that there is more than one device, more than one location or more than one environment where users can access our products and make sure those users can interact with our products in various environments. I also mentioned in January (at the Corporate Management Policy Briefing) that we would change the definition of our platforms from being device-based to NNID-account-based. When our platforms are account-based, we can expand the number of applicable devices. In order to have rich and high-quality game experiences, we always want our users to play with our dedicated game systems that are specifically designed to provide such unique experiences, while at the same time, we may be able to select some portions of these games and make them available on other devices.

 

[ShirAhava]

Nintendo should be reduced to an APP on my IPHONE if Iwata is in the way of this he must GO!

 

[Neff]

Even if the 3DS goes on to sell 80 million and Wii U 20 million (double lol), that's still 150+ million units less than the previous generation, and basically back to the GCN/GBA days, and sadly it doesn't even look like that is a real possibility right now.

They've lost market share, yes, but they've still got the vast majority of the DS/Wii cash.

 

[JoeM86]

I can understand why games are a bad idea.

I don't see though why at least things like the 3d pokedex can't be on mobile app stores?

Things that add to games on other platforms I guess.

It is

Bloody expensive, though.

Nintendo going mobile isn't such a bad option. Only Nintendo fans buy up their VC stuff on their systems. These same people will double dip on mobile since they won't take their 3DS' to work or social gatherings.

Imagine releasing Pokemon on ios. Micromon, a cheap Pokemon clone is the top grossing game right now on ios! That's saying something.

It'll only benefit everyone.

Unless it sells 508 million units at its current price, it won't reach the income that Pokémon is doing at the moment and that's before factoring in Apple's cut.

 

[RedSwirl]

That article sounds dubious to me, but in general rumblings like these combined with the current trend of the Japanese market make it sound like the traditional line of dedicated arcade/console game platforms started in the 70's and 80's is coming to an end.

The ground is definitely shrinking beneath Nintendo's feet right now and they probably will try something significantly different come next hardware cycle. But it judging by everything I've heard from Nintendo in the past and even Sony's and Microsoft's behavior at E3, the console manufacturers, especially Nintendo, are hanging on to a vision of games being made FOR consoles that's evaporating. We've moved to a stage where games are made and then released on pieces of hardware by default. If Nintendo had a successful piece of hardware that people wanted to make games for, people probably wouldn't be asking them to release their software on mobile devices.

Asking Nintendo to do that is probably asking them to basically stop supporting their own hardware and platform. Even for classic titles, Nintendo wants them to be sold on Virtual Console, which is also being handled pretty badly. And of course essentially going third party would cause the company to slice itself down to probably half its current size, and would significantly affect how its games are developed. Third party Nintendo wouldn't be the same as first party Nintendo.

But when you think about it, aren't a lot of the big Japanese publishers like Sega pretty much propped up by Pachinko and other similar coin-op business in Japan anyway? For companies like those are traditional video games alone even a sustainable business anymore? Western companies are staying in with high risk/reward tactics but even that's starting to fail for all but a few successful companies.

I'm just rambling again.

 

[reelbigtink]

The day Nintendo franchises appear on mobile devices with shitty touchscreen only controls is the day I pretty much stop gaming, apart from retro consoles.

I have absolutely no interest in anything currently available in gaming apart from the Wii U and 3DS. I don't care for the western trend of cinematic bullshit which is a main factor.

I dunno. I've just become disinterested in it all over the years.

Right there with you. Video games, outside of Nintendo stuff, don't really bring me joy anymore.

Especially iOS games.

(OK, besides Hearthstone)

 

[Shikamaru Ninja]

They've lost market share, yes, but they've still got the vast majority of the DS/Wii cash.

One of major criticisms, from the outside looking in, is that Nintendo didn't seem to invest those profits back into the company until years after.

Investments
+ Built Kyoto Development Center to house 1500+ hardware/software developers (2014)
+ Increased graduate hires / Mid-Career hires (Development Sector)? (Not sure how significant of a spike)
+ Restructured all Kyoto Development Personnel (2014)
+ Increased world wide personnel (business+logistics)
+ Establishes Nintendo European Research & Development Inc. (2012)
+ Establishes Nintendo Network Services Inc. (2013)
+ Increase main internal development by filling production teams with more contract / support agencies (2012)
+ Buy affiliate stakes into new technology companies like Pux Corporation

Work-in-Progress Goals
+ License IP to non-gaming products for revenue
+ May enter mobile market to leverage IPs
+ Release QoL products (2015)
+ Unified software architecture for next console / hand held releases (2016-2017?)'
+ Experimenting with F2P and Subscription Models for niche IPs
+ Amiibo figurines
+ DLC market
+ Still investigating how to penetrate atypical markets like China and Brazil

I think the consumer will start seeing these concepts with a much better understanding around Q4 2014 - Q2 2015. Nintendo will also start potentially seeing an increase in revenue as well.

 

[7DollarHagane]

God bless iwata.

The last line of defense against the tide of shit that is mobile gaming.

The idea that this would result in anything except Nintendo becoming the next capcom, Sega, or konami (in their current depressing state) is crazy to me.

The idea that people oppose them creating software for their own dedicated hardware is insane.

The idea that people would want their designs to be ruined and watered down to work on phones and the poisonous market expectations on them is pure ignorance and stupidity.

 

[JoeM86]

Right there with you. Video games, outside of Nintendo stuff, don't really bring me joy anymore.

Especially iOS games.

(OK, besides Hearthstone)

I am very much the same. Sure, there's a couple here and there. I enjoy Mass Effect and I enjoyed the AC series until it was run into the ground (though Black Flag was awesome), nothing else is enticing to me. Yeah, they're well made games, but meh...not for me. Especially when some developers are now saying stupid things like "gameplay is second"

 

[Scum]

This sounds like DragonSworne's idea of an erotic fanfiction.

Mr. Iwata holds four concurrent roles:

1) Chairman of the Board of Directors

2) Member of the Board of Directors

3) CEO of Nintendo Co., Ltd.

4) CEO of Nintendo of America


It is possible for the Board of Directors to remove Mr. Iwata from the CEO position.

When Mr. Yamauchi decided to resign it was decided at a Board of Directors meeting where, under Mr. Yamauchi's request, the Board decided to dissolve his CEO position.

In another, non-Japanese example, Steve Ballmer was fired by the Board of Directors who forced him out...despite Mr. Ballmer getting the majority of votes from shareholders year after year.

The question here is how many Board members are loyal to Iwata and how many are "scheming," if any.

Maybe they're scheming to rid him of his CEO role at NoA. He should hand that position over to someone else.

 

[KillGore]

I really don't see why Nintendo IP has to be connected to Nintendo hardware. They continue to make amazing games and then leave them locked to terrible hardware.

This is how I've been feeling lately. I loved Nintendo but their hardware decisions have been strange recently.

I would be okay if Nintendo would keep making portable hardware/games and just develop console games for Sony/MS or any other company who's willing to take Nintendo's position (Amazon, Apple, Google, Samsung, etc.).

 

[StevieP]

This is how I've been feeling lately. I loved Nintendo but their hardware decisions have been strange recently.

I would be okay if Nintendo would keep making portable hardware/games and just develop console games for Sony/MS or any other company who's willing to take Nintendo's position (Amazon, Apple, Google, Samsung, etc.).

Funny, I feel the same way about all consoles. Just imagine the types of visuals naughty dog could put out if they weren't hamstrung by the outdated hardware they're dealing with.

 

[Kai Dracon]

Now, having taken all this into account...

... if Nintendo is going to put actual games on smartphones, wouldn't the perfect thing by the Warioware brand? As in, make Wario - the greedy, amoral CEO with no sense of taste - the face of smartphone gaming?

Perhaps a series of microgames in which Wario desperately tries to generate profits while being pursued by a pack of feral vampire shareholders.

 

[Astral/H3X]

I really don't see why Nintendo IP has to be connected to Nintendo hardware. They continue to make amazing games and then leave them locked to terrible hardware.

Because the ENTIRE REASON that their games are so good is because of the revenue created by the systems -- its why they can afford to actually take their fucking time on a game and not just shit out half done annual franchises. If they go third party, that would cause them to have to abandon their crazy perfectionist OCD level of polish.
And games like Metroid, which exist to broaden the appeal of the system? Bahahahahaha you can forget about ever seeing another one of those.

This is what proponents of Nintendo going third party don't get-- the software is enabled by the hardware, not held back by it.

 

[Duxxy3]

Still shocked he is there. If it was a western company he would be gone.

 

[Polioliolio]

Hm. I like Iwata... but I don't really like the trendy, simple, novelty direction of things Nintendo has chosen lately... was that Iwata's doing?

He ain't bad. At the same time, I'd love to see the old powerhouse Nintendo come back.

 

[KillGore]

Funny, I feel the same way about all consoles. Just imagine the types of visuals naughty dog could put out if they weren't hamstrung by the outdated hardware they're dealing with.

You mean PC?

That will never happen. It's so much easier to buy/install/play games on consoles. You just pop in the disc and you're done. You don't have to worry about if your PC can run it or problems with installations, bugs, etc.

The future for consoles would be streaming services like playstation now. Maybe in 10 years. Open the app, purchase game, stream away.

But I get what you're trying to say.