Nintendo ditches main E3 conference, still there with games, press events, N-Direct

Gleethor said:
And the conferences are what, exactly? The presenters are the same, the content is the same, we just won't have Geoff Keighly telling us how to feel immediately afterwards.
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Not too mention after every Nintendo Direct the press reposts all the info discussed. Also, Nintendo still plans on having their titles showcased at E3. From the sounds of it, this will still be the first place people can play playable versions of the 3D Mario, Mario Kart and possibly SSB.
 
BlastProcessing said:
I think CNN wants to be able to put together a nice reel of interesting video to run. You need to feed them a little zazz to get them to run with things.
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And there will be video, plenty of it, or do you mean they need video of Iwata and Reggie tumbling on a stage? because this is basically the only thing we won't have compared to previous years. I really don't think is that important to see Iwata struggling with english and arranging his hair except for Gif potential (now THAT is a big loss).

nubbe said:
Nintendo Direct's just preaches to the choir and we know that choir ain't big anymore.
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and is there any difference with E3 conferences? they only ones who tune in are the same people tuning in for the Directs, the enthusiasts fans and the press.
 
Having a smaller event exclusive to each distributors and press is a good thing. Private events are a much better way to get closer relationships with the people reporting on and selling your products.

If they release a one hour Nintendo direct a week ahead of E3 that shows all the things playable on the show floor, and some new reveals, they can make sure their content gets its moment in the sun before the other major presentations.
 
IDK man, this feels weird. You'd think a company in Nintendo's position would want to blow the doors off this year on the biggest stage possible instead of segmenting the reveals into smaller presentations and a Nintendo Direct. It's like like they're turtling up against the ropes getting ready for the body blows from Sony & Microsoft when they should be coming out swinging.

But maybe this will be successful depending on when they put out the Nintendo Direct(s) and what games are revealed. Time will tell.
 
I'd love to get some data on people who were randomly watching CNN for 30 seconds during a tech segment that mentioned E3, and bought a console because of it.

I get that E3 trickles down to mainstream media outlets, but Nintendo's success (especially with the Wii and the DS) didn't come from E3. It came from word of mouth, significant mainstream exposure
E3 is not mainstream
and having a library of really good games. (And motion controls)

I suppose next people are going to tell me that Kinect's success was due to terrible performances by actors at an overbudgeted E3 presser and not because of the enormous advertising budget dedicated to it.
 
I'm surprised at how many people are genuinely confused about how important e3 press conferences really are.

It's astonishing. I guess anything to take a stab at Nintendo now, eh?
 
I know some people were joking about Iwata being in penny pinching mode - but I think that might be the case

My sense is that MS/Sony will likely spend upwards of about $40M each during E3 and all the days preceding it and afterwards, including parties, sponsorships, and attempts to capture press attention - Nintendo doesn't want to bother trying to outspend them and then not getting the kind of Press attention they really want

Hence, I'd rather Nintendo spend a very low-key $5-10M for their floor kiosks - and then put another $5-10M to work in awesome Nintendo Directs and smaller events as they mentioned

The $20M they save can fund an exclusive game that will actually capture more attention and get them more press.

As for whether Nintendo might be concerned about not having the fire power or being compared to the other three console companies - I'm sure that is true as well - regardless of motive, it still logistically makes sense to do what they are doing and save money in the process

The one thing that bothers me: as CEO of NoA, for Iwata not to be present at any of these smallerish events isn't a good way to kick off his new position - if I were gonna skip E3 - I'd at least show up at the smaller events rather than send deputies - same thing about GDC - where Nintendo desperately made a plea for indie devs - but then sent no one of importance there - I remember asking the reps questions and they were essentially clueless about the licensing process - if the goal is to not have a real presence at these events - don't half-ass it in the process - just don't have anything at all - otherwise it just looks sloppy
 
as long as there's a booth and they don't skip out on the show entirely, i know i'll be happy. some people are speculating over e3 demos playable at home, which would be smart. replacing the big shiny e3 conference with a nintendo direct loses a lot of impact. even when the e3 show isn't good, it still gets some attention. i suppose part of it is that they don't want to have to go over sales numbers in public since they know they won't be good this quarter.
 
Zeer0id said:
Based on the length of this thread, I'm going to assume it's pretty controversial. I'm pretty happy with the decision to be honest; I think it's been a long time coming. E3 conferences are a balancing act in which both sides are continually adding more weight.

This seems like a confident step towards far less unwanted extravagance and other bullshit, and that can only be good thing.
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Yeah. Who would want people to actually get excited about their products? All anyone needs to buy stuff is a just the facts IGN or New York Times article.

I don't know why all those other marketers try so hard anyway.
 
This may actually work out for Nintendo.

Besides the implication that this E3 may have a more Nintendo Direct approach for us at home, it seems by hosting smaller more direct-access sessions- including behind closed doors - they can better convey their software to the press.

This doesn't sound like a plan that skirts the press, as some implied. Rather, this sounds like Nintendo hoping to encourage more positive press by facilitating smaller, more intimate sessions/hands-on with their software, "away" from the commotion/distractions of the show floor.

E3 - particularly the showfloor portion - serves as a powerful platform to grab media attention, but it's really not a desirable way to showcase a game. Attention spans are at their shortest, distractions are at their highest, and the noise drowns out much of the game's audio, and tarnishes any mood the game is trying to invoke.

During E3 a person's senses are mostly tuned to sight, more than any other sense. That's part of the reason why most of the "hot" games on the E3 show floor, are mainly - especially initially - visually stunning games(technically or stylized). But then, in the following days, once journalists are able to get more private moments with certain games, we start hearing about the quiet "gems" of the show.

If I remember correctly, Nintendo 'experimented' with these contrasting approaches last E3, particularly with NintendoLand. The results were pretty interesting. While initial impressions of the game from the show floor didn't sound very exciting, later impressions from journalists who were invited to more intimate sessions - were almost unanimously positive. Nintendo must have taken a hint from that.

This change could also point to the type of games and/or content Nintendo is hoping to showcase. It's hard to demonstrate & appreciate the dynamic between two screens in the "hit-&-run" distraction-filled setting of E3. This move suits Nintendo very well, IMO. Hopefully, they can execute the whole thing flawlessly.
 
ArkkAngel007 said:
As I said, shows like Regis and Kelly, The Today Show, and Late Night shows did more for the Wii than E3 did. The floor demos did more than the press event.

In all my years paying attention to the event and interacting with the general populace afterwards through several jobs in just as many areas, I have yet to see an E3 press conference do more than maybe clue in someone that there's a new system or maybe their kid mentions a new game of a sort that they easily can see from Reddit or Twitter.





Other than console announcements, I don't remember any other news reaching the CNN frontpage that was game related (outside of shootings and COD being the biggest money-maker that is). CNET will have things, but I doubt those who go there don't also go to other sites with the same/better info.
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Not talking about CNN.com, talking about TV.

The video of people racing to get in line to try out the Wii was huge for Nintendo, so I agree that floor demos are important, but the keynote is a proven way to get attention and frame your product in the best way. Going into uncharted territory is definitely a risk for them.

Just because Regis and Kelly and Late Night and Ellen et all did more for them is no reason to stop doing something that was also beneficial. It's not a zero sum game.
 
thepotatoman said:
So what? People that play games don't buy video game consoles?

Yeah, people are coming for the spectacle. Again it's an advertisement, you want as many people to come as you can, for whatever reason. It's actually probably a good thing if people walk away only remembering that the Wii U E3 thing was a spectacle. That's exactly the type of connection between a product and a feeling that you want from an advertisement.
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The spectacle only matters to those who watch it. The people you are talking about aren't watching it, but getting second hand info that is still going to be present whether there is a press event or not.

As I said to Blast, I've never seen mainstream comment on anything other than a new primary product announcement, shootings, and sales for those select games that become entertainment blockbusters.

And also as I said earlier, the E3 press conferences never helped in that area for Nintendo before. Instead, it was dedicated demo opportunities that reached those audiences the best.

So no huge sale figures, no new console or makeovers, and Mario isn't accused of being an influence for the Ricin-letter situation.

Where's the headline? It sure as hell isn't Pikmin, Retro, Mario Kart, LoZ, or any software.

They will still have a significant presence as a whole there. Just because they don't have one giant event to posture about over absolutely nothing to that crowd doesn't mean they aren't there at all and are done.

Edit: Blast, other than GameTrailers having dedicated demos and floor coverage, Nintendo has no tv presence. I have never seen news stories about E3 aside from the same blurbs I already mentioned about new consoles. You're right though that it isn't a zero sum game, and I'm overall indifferent towards this. I don't see it as an advantage or a failing at the core. There are points to each end, but nothing really tips the scale.
 
I think it makes sense. They know they can't 'win' (by win I mean get as much attention/buzz/publicity) on their conference as MSony due to the new hardware reveals. And Nintendo E3s are for the most part..bad. Last year was a real mess and they botched their Wii U unveiling two years in a row. I think this makes much more sense
 
You guys realize that Nintendo over the past year has been busting it's chops getting the info about directs out far as humanly possible right? They used the Pokemon X and Y announcement as a bit of a springboard to that, TONS of people watched that 10 minute direct because Nintendo posted it on pretty much EVERY social media outlet and people spread the link. X and Y info has almost been exclusively given via directs (or japanese announcements) and yet a lot of casuals know that's coming.

I've spoken to people who at least know about E3 and are keen enough gamers to take interest in the pressers or their local expos - but mostly for Microsoft and Sony, Nintendo barely shows up on their respective radars, because they just simply do not consider Nintendo being within the same league and it was pretty apparent that was the case even last year. It's the wrong tail to chase really, Nintendo shouldn't be aspiring to what Microsoft and Sony already offer, they do better doing their own thing
 
gofreak said:
Does this mean no booth? :
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This is what I'd like to know, and what we don't have confirmation of yet.

What we know:
- Nintendo will attend E3 with Wii U and 3DS games.
- They will not be doing a traditionally big press conference.
- At least two separate closed events will be held, primarily focusing on the end-of-year US software line-up. Consider: "...we are planning to host a few smaller events..."
- One event for American distributors. Another event for Western media, focusing on hands-on previews.

What we don't know:
- If Nintendo will still have a presence on the show floor, with demo stations, as per usual. Consider: "...we also plan to make it possible for visitors to try the games immediately."
- What capacity they will be screening Nintendo Directs. Consider: "...we are continuing to investigate ways to deliver information about our games directly to our home audience around the time of E3."
 
The only thing that seems to be honestly changing is they want a new way to talk directly to gamers.

The press will get its usual meetings and presentations and so will the retailers etc.

We the Gamers are the only one going to see a drastic change
 
B.O.O.M said:
I think it makes sense. They know they can't 'win' (by win I mean get as much attention/buzz/publicity) on their conference as MSony due to the new hardware reveals. And Nintendo E3s are for the most part..bad. Last year was a real mess and they botched their Wii U unveiling two years in a row. I think this makes much more sense
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I think the first mistake you can make is assuming This is a reactionary move.

They've been moving toward this for a long time.

This is the equivalent of saying that the reason Nintendo generally doesn't attend the Tokyo Game Show is because they can't compete! Space world and after, their fall conferences were them hiding from the competition even when they were in first place!

Basically, there is just this weird venom waiting to escape at the release of any Nintendo news, no matter how neutral, for who knows what reason.
 
jeremy1456 said:
I think the first mistake you can make is assuming This is a reactionary move.

They've been moving toward this for a long time.
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Yep. Basically, it's Nintendo's blue ocean strategy in action. Besides, didn't Miyamoto recently say that Nintendo Direct is about announcing games, whereas E3 should be more about letting people play them?
 
I really don't understand what the big deal is. Are people reading the OP? They aren't completely abandoning E3. They are going to have games for people to play. They will have a "booth". Instead of a big stage event we will have Nintendo Directs instead. As a gamer the Nintendo Directs have given me far more information that I actually want then Nintendo's E3 shows. The gaming press doesn't give a shit about Nintendo anyway and they certainly won't when MS and Sony are showing off new hardware.
 
I wake up to this?! What the fuuuuuuuuuuck Nintendo?

Feeling confident enough to ditch a huge press event and to rely on quirky Nintendo Directs that barrly anybody watches? Wow.

Ok now I want Iwata gone.
 
I expect Nintendo will have demo stations because Nintendo realizes they need to get the console in the hands of more people. It's naturally the best way for them to best communicate what Wii U is about.
 
Chie Satonaka said:
I'd love to get some data on people who were randomly watching CNN for 30 seconds during a tech segment that mentioned E3, and bought a console because of it.

I get that E3 trickles down to mainstream media outlets, but Nintendo's success (especially with the Wii and the DS) didn't come from E3. It came from word of mouth, significant mainstream exposure
E3 is not mainstream
and having a library of really good games. (And motion controls)

I suppose next people are going to tell me that Kinect's success was due to terrible performances by actors at an overbudgeted E3 presser and not because of the enormous advertising budget dedicated to it.
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I loved those football "players". They have been aweso... special.
 
Veitsev said:
I really don't understand what the big deal is. Are people reading the OP? They aren't completely abandoning E3. They are going to have games for people to play. They will have a "booth". Instead of a big stage event we will have Nintendo Directs instead. As a gamer the Nintendo Directs have given me far more information that I actually want then Nintendo's E3 shows. The gaming press doesn't give a shit about Nintendo anyway and they certainly won't when MS and Sony are showing off new hardware.
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New hardware is launching soon.

Logic is hitting the usual lows in such events.
 
Doesn't this just indicate that they want to focus, specifically, on the Wii U or software in general?

Maybe they realized that, since 2 other consoles will most likely get all the attention and focus, they would have to reduce the amount of stuff they could show off -- only the most important stuff (Relative to their sales.). A bunch of additional apps and peripherals would just dilute their presence even further.
 
I don't think you need to tell Nintendo of all companies of the mainstream media influence of E3 press conferences. Ever since about 2007 their conferences were aimed at that part of the press moreso than any other -- they know what a conference achieves.

However, they do have the data to compare their conferences with the reach of their Directs. If they feel that those appeal to their target audience better than their previous strategy, then so be it. I doubt anyone of us has the data to disprove their point. Having a constant flow of announcements people keep talking about on Twitter etc might be as important as a 10 seconds segment on a news show or a small article in the news paper in today's connected age.
 
The wording in how Iwata mentioned finding new ways to reach the home audience, I wonder if that means they are exploring TV options along with online. Spike will be there of course, but I wonder if they will try something more mainstream.
 
ArkkAngel007 said:
The spectacle only matters to those who watch it. The people you are talking about aren't watching it, but getting second hand info that is still going to be present whether there is a press event or not.

As I said to Blast, I've never seen mainstream comment on anything other than a new primary product announcement, shootings, and sales for those select games that become entertainment blockbusters.

And also as I said earlier, the E3 press conferences never helped in that area for Nintendo before. Instead, it was dedicated demo opportunities that reached those audiences the best.

So no huge sale figures, no new console or makeovers, and Mario isn't accused of being an influence for the Ricin-letter situation.

Where's the headline? It sure as hell isn't Pikmin, Retro, Mario Kart, LoZ, or any software.
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My point is that E3 press conferences goes beyond just getting info out to the press.
 
?oe?oe said:
I can't believe so many people can't even read the thread title, let alone the OP. Ignorance everywhere.
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I never realized Neogaf loved watching Wii Music level game presentations and economic spreadsheets so much. I'd rather watch a Nintendo Direct than have to wade through 30 minutes of shit before I get to see games.
 
B.O.O.M said:
I think it makes sense. They know they can't 'win' (by win I mean get as much attention/buzz/publicity) on their conference as MSony due to the new hardware reveals. And Nintendo E3s are for the most part..bad. Last year was a real mess and they botched their Wii U unveiling two years in a row. I think this makes much more sense
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yea and with Nintendo out of the picture, people won't be as eager to talk and brag about who the winner is. it wouldn't matter if nintendo came out with everything they had, all Sony/Microsoft would have to do is stay competent and nintendo wouldn't win that press talking point. that was huge last year. i must've heard 'ubisoft won E3, but sony did great as well' a thousand times. it even got some more mainstream coverage. now unless nintendo makes their Nintendo Direct similar enough in format to the others, that won't be as much of a talking point.
 
The data isnt the point though. In a year when 2 huge companies release new hardware with guns blazing, you dont go experimenting with skipping a big press event at the biggest game show.. But it fits in the list of mind boggling decisions that Iwatas replacement hopefully reverses.
 
Chie Satonaka said:
I'd love to get some data on people who were randomly watching CNN for 30 seconds during a tech segment that mentioned E3, and bought a console because of it.

I get that E3 trickles down to mainstream media outlets, but Nintendo's success (especially with the Wii and the DS) didn't come from E3. It came from word of mouth, significant mainstream exposure
E3 is not mainstream
and having a library of really good games. (And motion controls)

I suppose next people are going to tell me that Kinect's success was due to terrible performances by actors at an overbudgeted E3 presser and not because of the enormous advertising budget dedicated to it.
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Haters don't need data, sir.

Look at the thread XDDD
 
GAF before E3 announcement: Nintendo needs a new strategy to improve their relationships within the industry.

After Nintendo announces new strategy of smaller events to cater to various industry groups: Fuck! Why didn't you do it the way you've always done it?
 
wrowa said:
I don't think you need to tell Nintendo of all companies of the mainstream media influence of E3 press conferences. Ever since about 2007 their conferences were aimed at that part of the press moreso than any other -- they know what a conference achieves.

However, they do have the data to compare their conferences with the reach of their Directs. If they feel that those appeal to their target audience better than their previous strategy, then so be it. I doubt anyone of us has the data to disprove their point. Having a constant flow of announcements people keep talking about on Twitter etc might be as important as a 10 seconds segment on a news show or a small article in the news paper in today's connected age.
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This is a very good point. Nintendo rented this little thing called the freaking Kodak theater, which also hosts the oscars, for their latest events, they placed their bet on big and live and if they move away from that they obviously have a reason to.
 
Wow. At least that's helped me make up my mind as to whether I get up for E3 this year (I won't). Real bummer, but no major surprise I guess. Nintendo don't/can't put on a "show" with anything they do, and compared to what I imagine Sony and MS will do, Nintendo would look like a try-hard.

In the end, this announcement feels like a culmination of Nintendo's mediocrity and complacency. They just seem to see it as a cash cow where they churn out the next iteration of their software, placate the fans as much as possible and try and hit the mainstream. Us fans and enthusiast gamers who want excitement are little more than annoying shit on their shoe.

They'll probably announce all their big stuff over Nintendo Directs. With Iwata's stilted english and handicam filming we'll get Retro's new epic game and it will feel so sad.
 
JennyTablina said:
You guys realize that Nintendo over the past year has been busting it's chops getting the info about directs out far as humanly possible right? They used the Pokemon X and Y announcement as a bit of a springboard to that, TONS of people watched that 10 minute direct because Nintendo posted it on pretty much EVERY social media outlet and people spread the link. X and Y info has almost been exclusively given via directs (or japanese announcements) and yet a lot of casuals know that's coming.
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Nintendo Direct sure has not helped them move the consoles, though. That is the problem. I guess they think doing the same thing will eventually work. But hey, at least the core Nintendo base will be happy.

Personally, I think they need to shift gears, re-brand the Wii U, throw a ton into marketing and get it out front where the attention is going to be. Add a nice line-up of software to that and it would make it much more appealing.

Instead, it looks like they are sitting on the sidelines in order to pander to the base they already have sold, while Sony and Microsoft run away with all the coverage. Nintendo stepping out of the spotlight in order to do things 'their way' is not making a case for strength these days.
 
guit3457 said:
Haters don't need data, sir.

Look at the thread XDDD
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I guess. God. It's like they're damned if they do and damned if they--

Schnozberry said:
GAF before E3 announcement: Nintendo needs a new strategy to improve their relationships within the industry.

After Nintendo announces new strategy of smaller events to cater to various industry groups: Fuck! Why didn't you do it the way you've always done it?
Click to expand...

Oh. Right.
 
Chie Satonaka said:
I'd love to get some data on people who were randomly watching CNN for 30 seconds during a tech segment that mentioned E3, and bought a console because of it.

I get that E3 trickles down to mainstream media outlets, but Nintendo's success (especially with the Wii and the DS) didn't come from E3. It came from word of mouth, significant mainstream exposure
E3 is not mainstream
and having a library of really good games. (And motion controls)

I suppose next people are going to tell me that Kinect's success was due to terrible performances by actors at an overbudgeted E3 presser and not because of the enormous advertising budget dedicated to it.
Click to expand...

I'd like to get the info on who buys a freaking 10k dollar car based on a 30 second ad, but for some reason advertisers still pay tons of money on advertisements.

Guess what, advertising is fucking tough, which is why its so strange that they would give up any ground at all on it.
 
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