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[Doc Holliday]

http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20050928/hong_01.shtml

Because all player actions are mediated through a controller, it would be difficult to overestimate the importance of a well-designed innovation here can have on the experience/form of a game. Of course, it might also be difficult to underestimate our ability to take something so promising and squander it; novelty doesn't preclude banality. It hasn't been since the introduction of the original Dual Shock controller that a console controller has been this exciting though the promises this device would seem to be making are much greater. If we assume that they are kept, then there is no doubt that game designs will benefit and, with them, all the rest of us.
-Isaac Barry, Secret Lair Studios

I honestly don't see who doesn't benefit from this. Microsoft and Sony get to battle it out for the existing market, and if all goes according to plan, Nintendo gets to create a new one. If the Revolution content checks out, as a gamer on a budget, you'll be left with a choice. Which 'other' console to pick up?
-Mike Kasprzak

Absolutely [beneficial]. As I was reading the press release I was imagining in my head what it would be like to control a current game (I'm playing through the modern Prince of Persia right now), and I could envisage how easy it would be to use this control for that sort of game. It's intuitive, and that's the key. Nintendo claim anyone could pick this up and start playing, and I'm inclined to believe them. At the same time, it should open up the possibilities for a whole new range of game mechanics. We've all seen how much fun EyeToy is. And with the Revolution controller shipping with the console and every Revolution game supporting it, it's going to be amazing.
-Anonymous

This new control system really differentiates Nintendo from its competition and should allow them to position the Revolution in the marketplace very clearly. IDG did a study that shows that more households will go multiconsole when the next-gen systems hit. Gamers may consider the Revolution as a good companion system to their more mainstream consoles (Xbox 360 or PS3). There's a lot of potential with the controller as far as game design, I'm sure designers all over the world are probably thinking of ways to exploit this technology. We could see some really amazing games and possibly new game genres making its debut on the Revolution. How much support the Revolution gets is entirely up to Nintendo. Software sells hardware and the launch line-up for the Revolution and clever marketing from Nintendo will determine if this gamble pays off. This is a chance for developers to break out of the mold of "formulaic game design" and really explore what games can be, possibly expanding the audience at the same time.
-Carlo Delallana, Ubisoft

More in the link...

 

[jman2050]

33 positive comments ranging from absolute euphoria to slightly cautious optimism

vs

1 jaded non-imaginative negative response that sounds like it came from GAF.

 

[WarLox]

.. but will they commit to making a game for it ??

 

[bitwise]

33 positive comments ranging from absolute euphoria to slightly cautious optimism

vs

1 jaded non-imaginative negative response that sounds like it came from GAF.

hahaha.

 

[jman2050]

hahaha.

Your avatar rocks. Nintendo and their silly artists :lol

 

[littlewig]

.. but will they commit to making a game for it ??

They were commited to the Xbox, and that was way more a risk than the Revolution is.

 

[Robobandit]

A lot of big folks in there.. if half that many people and their companies develop software for the Revolution, Nintendo will be doing very well indeed.

 

[..pakbeka..]

wow, a bunch of developers I don't care about or don't know (with one exception)

I wonder why won't they ask some larger developers or some japanese/european ones

 

[NintendosBooger]

We could see some really amazing games and possibly new game genres making its debut on the Revolution. How much support the Revolution gets is entirely up to Nintendo. Software sells hardware and the launch line-up for the Revolution and clever marketing from Nintendo will determine if this gamble pays off

.

Bingo.

A Mario game at launch is a given. Nintendo also needs to use Mario to introduce the possibilities of their new and unique controller and to draw a blueprint for other developers to follow. Along with that, they need to release a FPS either at launch or during the launch window (e.g., SSB:M) to illustrate the controllers superiority in handling existing genres.

 

[jman2050]

wow, a bunch of developers I don't care about or don't know (with one exception)

I wonder why won't they ask some larger developers or some japanese/european ones

Gamasutra receives and compiles responses from its members at their discretion. The users control whether they say something or not, not the site.

Heck, I'm a registered member at GamaSutra. I could've responded if I liked.

 

[..pakbeka..]

Gamasutra receives and compiles responses from its members at their discretion. The users control whether they say something or not, not the site.

Heck, I'm a registered member at GamaSutra. I could've responded if I liked.

OIC

ingore my rant then

 

[Spike]

This is a chance for developers to break out of the mold of "formulaic game design" and really explore what games can be, possibly expanding the audience at the same time.

And that right there is why I'm interested in the Revolution.

 

[Drinky Crow]

No, developers NOT SUCKING is a chance to break out of formulaic game design -- if, indeed, there is even a problem with "formulaic" game design outside of jaded Nintendo-centric mouth-breathers.

 

[Spike]

No, developers NOT SUCKING is a chance to break out of formulaic game design -- if, indeed, there is even a problem with "formulaic" game design outside of jaded Nintendo-centric mouth-breathers.

Don't worry, Drinky. You'll enjoy the controller when Sony integrates it into the PlayStation 4.

 

[Draft]

No, developers NOT SUCKING is a chance to break out of formulaic game design -- if, indeed, there is even a problem with "formulaic" game design outside of jaded Nintendo-centric mouth-breathers.

No man, you don't get it. The only thing that's been holding back innovation for the last decade was the dual shock. The damn dual shock! The goddamn dual shock.

Damn you, dual shock.

 

[Drinky Crow]

The Dual Shock's second analog stick was a good innovation for 3D cameras and controls; fuck, Nintendo even ripped it off!

 

[Draft]

The Dual Shock's second analog stick was a good innovation for 3D cameras and controls; fuck, Nintendo even ripped it off!

No man, that's not innovation. Fishing games! Playing Metroid Prime with a remote control! More fishing games! That's innovation.

 

[Spike]

The Dual Shock's second analog stick was a good innovation for 3D cameras and controls; fuck, Nintendo even ripped it off!

Isn't that what Sony specializes in? Adding in seconds?

They took the SNES controller, and added in a second set of shoulder buttons.
They took the Analog stick, and added in a second analog stick.
They took the Rumble feature, and added a second motor.

 

[imastalker co.]

No, developers NOT SUCKING is a chance to break out of formulaic game design

be that as it may, and i definitely agree with that.

regardless of whether you end up liking the games or not for the revolution, or the reasoning for designing this type of controller, im sure even you can't argue/disagree that the new interface definitely allows them to do things that simply can't be done on the classic layout. leading to new types of games.

 

[Dez]

The Dual Shock's second analog stick was a good innovation for 3D cameras and controls; fuck, Nintendo even ripped it off!

No one disagrees with that...

 

[Drinky Crow]

These developer responses still smack of passive-aggressive reactions to the increased consolidation and their own potential loss of creative control within the industry, as though a shift in the control mechanism is the Rosetta Stone that will allow their supposed creative genius to become unsmothered by the suits that decide what gets made, how it gets made, and how much funding gets directed their way.

Truth is, you can make awesome original games on a standard Dual Shock; you just have to have the balls to fight for your ability to do so and take some lumps. Conversely, you can gnash your teeth in silence and wait for a personal savior in the form of a magical remote -- but in the end, it won't help you when The Suits tell you to make Splinter Cell Revolution and, oh, if you have the time, to add in a billy club mini-game that uses that wiggly wand thing.

Developers just need to start fighting back if they care about the ability to exercise their creativity when it comes to fundamental game design. Sure, the remote might make The Suits a little more willing to try something a little more out there, but it doesn't address the fundamental issue.

 

[imastalker co.]

you're missing the point dude. no one is saying that you can't make good, or new innovative games on the classic controller layouts. anyone who says that clearly has no fuckin clue what they're talking about.

all these developers are saying is, that this new controller definitely ensures that new types of games will be made because of the new functions.

what don't you comprehend?

 

[mrkgoo]

These developer responses still smack of passive-aggressive reactions to the increased consolidation and their own potential loss of creative control within the industry, as though a shift in the control mechanism is the Rosetta Stone that will allow their supposed creative genius to become unsmothered by the suits that decide what gets made, how it gets made, and how much funding gets directed their way.

Truth is, you can make awesome original games on a standard Dual Shock; you just have to have the balls to fight for your ability to do so and take some lumps. Conversely, you can gnash your teeth in silence and wait for a personal savior in the form of a magical remote -- but in the end, it won't help you when The Suits tell you to make Splinter Cell Revolution and, oh, if you have the time, to add in a billy club mini-game that uses that wiggly wand thing.

Developers just need to start fighting back if they care about the ability to exercise their creativity when it comes to fundamental game design. Sure, the remote might make The Suits a little more willing to try something a little more out there, but it doesn't address the fundamental issue.

I agree with this. I love the concept of the revcon, but I'm afraid most developers will be controlled by their casual fanbase. Most of the big name guys, who have a love for videogames, and the cash to back up a random title, may dabble in an isolated gaming experience like no other (a la DS), but I doubt it's going to catch on as much as Nintendo will hope. Analogue sticks, rumble paks, they were all developments that were going to happen anwyay - I applaud Nintendo for doing them first, but this revcon is a compelte jump in concept. It's like they went all for it - a logical babystep would've been gyros or tilt sensors in a standard controller, but they went even further. Perhaps the leap is too far for people to really copy. It's as if Sony went with an Eyetoy as their primary controller - yes we may be headed down their in the future, but it may just too big of a leap.

I still love it, and will support it. Sounds different and fun.

 

[Akai]

I don't think fanboys can comprehend anything, really...

 

[Drinky Crow]

And I'm saying that if you wanna make and/or ensure new types of games, you don't need a magic wand to do it.

What don't YOU get?

 

[imastalker co.]

if you had read my post, you would've seen that i not only understood what you where saying, but completely agreed with it.

apprarently you just can't keep up with that whole... you know, new interface = new types of stuff bit.

so for the third time now, and im gonna try to be as clear as possible.

classic layout = more than adequate, and still capable of providing new innovative game controls.

new layout = new opporunities to provide new innovative games.

are we square now corky? or is a tommy puett cameo required to help you understand?

 

[Bluemercury]

Well i can clearly see a light saber starwars game being possible with the magic wand and not so possible with a dual shock, creating then a new genre....or better an existing genre where the improvement is only possible with this hardware.....

 

[Spike]

And I'm saying that if you wanna make and/or ensure new types of games, you don't need a magic wand to do it.

Exactly, you don't need it. But, the dual shock has been the standard for 2 generations now, going on a third, and all we seem to get is this "formulaic game design".

The Rev controller, because it is so different, gets devs thinking differently. Maybe this will kickstart some newer concepts on the standard controllers also.

 

[Drinky Crow]

and if you'd read my post, you'd realize that it wasn't a response to you, but an addendum to my original post.

and I'm saying

old controller = new types of games
new controller = new types of games
developers being disingenuous about this because they're looking for a savior, and that any distinction between the old controller and the magic wand is completely academic when it comes to both innovation and overall fun.

so no, we aren't square.

 

[mrkgoo]

And I'm saying that if you wanna make and/or ensure new types of games, you don't need a magic wand to do it.

What don't YOU get?

No you don't, but it's just common sense that if you have a new control scheme, you WILL get new kinds of games. It's not necessary to create innovation by introducing the magic wand, but it sure helps.

 

[Drinky Crow]

and why the fuck do we always get gestural "immersive" uses for the magic wand as far as theoretical implementations go? why always the "lightsaber" scenario?

 

[Culex]

and if you'd read my post, you'd realize that it wasn't a response to you, but an addendum to my original post.

and I'm saying

old controller = new types of games
new controller = new types of games
developers being disingenuous about this because they're looking for a savior, and that any distinction between the old controller and the magic wand is completely academic when it comes to both innovation and overall fun.

so no, we aren't square.

You dream about this at night, don't you?

 

[Spike]

and if you'd read my post, you'd realize that it wasn't a response to you, but an addendum to my original post.

and I'm saying

old controller = new types of games
new controller = new types of games
developers being disingenuous about this because they're looking for a savior, and that any distinction between the old controller and the magic wand is completely academic when it comes to both innovation and overall fun.

so no, we aren't square.

Let's take an example from the Revolution controller video that Nintendo presented at TGS.

In particular, the part where the cook is using the controller to chop stuff, then flip stuff in the pan. How would this be accomplished on the standard controller?

Now imagine that because the Rev can track the position of the "pan" when you're flipping the food, suppose you hold it too far to the left/right and food falls out on the floor. How can this be accomplished on the standard controllers?

 

[Luckett_X]

Just because a magical new interaction control mechanism is there doesnt mean its going to be used. Note that developers themselves have JUST learned of this innovation, same as what happened with the DS. Dunno when Nintendo is shooting to launch the Revolution, but if its still on schedule for a battle with Sony, than 3rd parties will have been making standardly controlled games thus far, and throw in some support for the wavy stick.

I just dont understand why the thing has to be a dvd remote. As designs of the actual hardware go, its utterly rubbish. The 3d movement sensor is a good idea, but layout and implementation is truly a bit rubbish. When a controller NEEDS add-ons to clip in and play games, the design has failed at a very fundamental stage.

 

[Drinky Crow]

mrkgoo, and I'm agreeing, but I'm also pointing out that there are much bigger barriers to developers realizing their creative potential than the Dual Shock and its various flavors.

In fact, I'd argue that improved computational horsepower will still continue to lead to far more interesting and creative games on a fundamental level than the magic wand.

 

[Robert-GCA]

and why the fuck do we always get gestural "immersive" uses for the magic wand as far as theoretical implementations go? why always the "lightsaber" scenario?

oh i dunno, maybe becuase the "lightsaber" is one of the easiest and simplest ways for the masses to get an idea of how it could work.

 

[Goreomedy]

and why the fuck do we always get gestural "immersive" uses for the magic wand as far as theoretical implementations go? why always the "lightsaber" scenario?

Because that's all the rage!

Developers have limited imaginations. They saw Nintendo's video clip of gamers wigging out in front of a TV, and seem to think they've got to cater to that eyetoy audience. Eyetoy is great, but an entire console based around an Eyetoy Play software lineup is going to get dull very fast.

I don't have high expectations when it comes to third parties and Revolution. But I'm quite interested in what Nintendo will introduce themselves.

 

[Drinky Crow]

you mean "nerds who wanna be Luke", not "masses"

 

[Bluemercury]

mrkgoo, and I'm agreeing, but I'm also pointing out that there are much bigger barriers to developers realizing their creative potential than the Dual Shock and its various flavors.

In fact, I'd argue that improved computational horsepower will still continue to lead to far more interesting and creative games on a fundamental level than the magic wand.

i really doubt horsepower is the answer to the lack of any kind of innovation, you just need to look to the latest next gen stuff.....hardly creative and original....of course that doesnt mean the wand will be the second coming but will at least open a few doors to the developers.

 

[Spike]

When a controller NEEDS add-ons to clip in and play games, the design has failed at a very fundamental stage.

And how do you know that all games will NEED the add-ons?

It also give third-parties the incentive to design their own add-ons for the system. I don't know about you but I'd love to see Namco come up with a Negcon for the Rev controller, or a light gun or something.

I like the creative possibilities.

 

[Spastic Colon]

Truth is, you can make awesome original games on a standard Dual Shock; you just have to have the balls to fight for your ability to do so and take some lumps. Conversely, you can gnash your teeth in silence and wait for a personal savior in the form of a magical remote -- but in the end, it won't help you when The Suits tell you to make Splinter Cell Revolution and, oh, if you have the time, to add in a billy club mini-game that uses that wiggly wand thing.

Billy club mini game? Genius!

See how the Revolution is already getting your creative juices flowing! :lol

 

[Drinky Crow]

Really? Some of the virtual world dynamics David Jones and his crew at Real Time Worlds are doing with Crackdown sound utterly frickin' awesome. The Radiant AI that comes with Oblivion sounds neat in theory, although I'll remain skeptical until I've seen it in action. That's all far more interesting in terms of innovation than the chance to trade button pressing for stick wibbling.

 

[soundwave05]

Give it a rest Drinky, jeez.

Anyone with even half a sense of imagination can see this controller will bring some very cool possibilities to the table.

The last thing this industry needs is another Dual Shock (bleh) controller.

 

[Ghengis Cohen]

I like the creative possibilities.

So do I. But I do realize a controller is not the panacea to the glut of mediocre, redundant, shallow, pointless facsimiles that pass themselves off now. I also don't get why some people act like this controller ran over their cat.

 

[Goreomedy]

The last thing this industry needs is another Dual Shock (bleh) controller.

And what's wrong with dual shock?

Imagine a mini-game where you can thumb a girl's nipples. Yes, true immersion!

Logitech's Wireless Dual Shock 2 still ranks as the best controller I've held. I don't want to see it go away, and if the Boomerang is comfortable and keeps that functionality, I'm so there.

 

[Spike]

So do I. But I do realize a controller is not the panacea to the glut of mediocre, redundant, shallow, pointless facsimiles that pass themselves off now. I also don't get why some people act like this controller ran over their cat.

I agree with you, and Drinky. All I've said is that maybe the Rev controller is a kickstart to the dev's asses that'll get them thinking differently.

 

[soundwave05]

And what's wrong with dual shock?

Imagine a mini-game where you can thumb a girl's nipples. Yes, true immersion!

Logitech's Wireless Dual Shock 2 still ranks as the best controller I've held. I don't want to see it go away, and if the Boomerang is comfortable and keeps that functionality, I'm so there.

There's nothing wrong with Dual Shock, but why do we need another Dual Shock?

That layout and design is almost 10 years old now, and I'm not impressed at all that Sony didn't even bother to make any slight improvements to the PS3 pad.

 

[satterfield]

If you don't like it, don't buy it. I could give a crap who else has something I own and enjoy.

 

[Spastic Colon]

Really? Some of the virtual world dynamics David Jones and his crew at Real Time Worlds are doing with Crackdown sound utterly frickin' awesome. The Radiant AI that comes with Oblivion sounds neat in theory, although I'll remain skeptical until I've seen it in action. That's all far more interesting in terms of innovation than the chance to trade button pressing for stick wibbling.

I agree...but the Revolution holds a special place in my heart because it will allow for something I've always dreamed of:

An amazing arcade port of Boong-Ga Boong-Ga!!!

 

[Luckett_X]

I am confused by all the contradictions flying about. On one hand people are saying they love the controller because it will force devs to make new types of games for its new control system, and then others are saying they cannot wait for a slew of add-ons creating the most confusing controller possible (looking in a controller drawer and seeing 20 different clip-on doohickeys isnt what Nintendo wanted since these non-gamers are scared by many buttons!).

Its all well and good daydreaming about all the add-on wonderments, but the reality is that no third party is going to fund a controller add-on for its game as thats a pretty high cost and risk.

I just dont understand why the base controller is so rubbish in design. Its like Miyamoto dreamed up the great idea of the 3d control, but gave the actual plastic design job to someone with 0% imagination and concept of control.

The whole idea behind this new controller is to attract new people that are scared by joypads. These people arent going to be amused by a multi-tude of add-ons and clipping in things. The base controller should be capable of supporting all basic functions from the get-go and all part of the same pad. Theres no excuse for that, and its just bad design work.