Details from the Nintendo Web Framework GDC session
Posted on 12 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in General Nintendo, News, Podcast Stories, Wii U | 0 comments
A few hours ago, Nintendo held a session at GDC to show off its new Nintendo Web Framework for the first time. Polygon was at the event and has a write-up of the proceedings. We’ve posted a summary of the report below.
– Nintendo first showed Wii Street U
– This is one of the first apps built from the Nintendo Web Framework
– Nintendo Web Framework uses WebKit as a core
– Compatible with existing apps
– Framework can help make apps that run on the GamePad, TV, or both
– Can also be used to port games made using web technology much faster than it would take to port over a game by actually coding it for the Wii U specifically
– Gunman Clive isn’t a Nintendo Web Framework game, but it’s an example of how a game available on other platforms can benefit from being on a Nintendo system and having access to more precise control methods
– Nintendo senior software engineer Ryan Lynd took over the presentation to show off some of the specific steps in the Nintendo Web Framework process
– Simple video-on-demand app was first demonstrated
– This shows the software’s ability to make changes, refresh, and see them reflected on the GamePad or TV screen instantly — the same way a web developer would work on a web app
– Sketch Ball: simple platformer made entirely in Javascript and ported to Wii U with the Nintendo Web Framework
– Lynd showed off the ability to quickly create new stages using HTML backgrounds as well as the option to use the GamePad’s camera and accelerometer
– Sketch Battle will be included in the Nintendo Web Framework SDK as a demo for developers to mess around with and learn from
– Nintendo Web Framework’s codename was Bamboo
– Name was chosen since the plant grows quickly over a short span of time
– In an effort to live up to that name, Nintendo is pursuing some aggressive developer-friendly policies with Nintendo Web Framework
– Devs can obtain the Framework SDK for free after signing an agreement
– Only necessary to purchase a dev kit
– Nintendo will not require concept approval so that developers can choose their own price and release date for apps
– Will also allow for use of freemium models in apps developed in the Nintendo Web Framework
– Nintendo also has plans for Unity game engine support on the Wii U
– More Unity Wii U details this week
Another round of Game & Wario videos
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Lots of Disney Infinity footage
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Photos/slides from Nintendo-related GDC 2013 sessions
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Forgotten Memories: Sixth Sense dev looking to bring game to Wii U
Posted on 12 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in General Nintendo, Wii U eShop | 0 comments
Unity-based “Forgotten Memories: Sixth Sense” could be Wii U-bound. The game’s developer has been working on the survival-horror project for several years, but is now looking to release it on Nintendo’s console as well as iOS and the PlayStation Vita. Given Nintendo’s open policy towards indies these days, there’s a good chance that we’ll be seeing this one on the eShop one day.
Miiverse heading to smartphones and web browsers in April/May, 3DS to follow
Posted on 12 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, General Nintendo, News, Podcast Stories, Wii U | 0 comments
During a session at the Game Developers Conference earlier today, Miiverse producer Kiyoshi Mizuki revealed that Nintendo will make the social network available on smartphones and web browsers in April or May – likely the latter. The previously-promised 3DS support will arrive sometime in the future.
Initially, it will only be possible to get involved with basic Miiverse functions on smartphones and web browsers such as comment posting and image drawing. Viewing as well as participating in communities will be implemented, too.
It’s unclear when exactly Miiverse will launch on the 3DS. When it does release, some existing games and apps will be incompatible with the service.
So what’s next? At the moment, Nintendo is seeking requests and input from different developers in terms of updates to the Miiverse API.
Earthbound-inspired “Citizens of Earth” set for Wii U eShop
Posted on 12 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in News, Podcast Stories, Wii U eShop | 0 comments
The Wii U has gained yet another indie project: Citizens of Earth. Eden Industries will be releasing its game on the eShop next year.
Here’s everything we know about the game thus far:
– Play as the Vice President of the World
– No special powers
– Recruit townspeople to fight for you
– World design inspired by Earthbound/Mother 2
– Can explore the city
– When you bring characters like the town baker (who heals players with tasty treats) into battle they get better at their town jobs too
– Baker will sell you rare healing items when he gets stronger
– Each character has a world ability and battle abilities
– The Barista that works at Moonbucks can scald enemies with boiling hot coffee in battle and sells pick me up power ups at the coffee shop
– Can recruit over 50 characters
– Unique enemies such as a Honey Bear and Toupee Eagle
– Honey Bear: honey filled bear shaped like a bottle of honey
– Will run into a Rastafarian Samurai
– Citizens of Earth puts enemies on the map and you can command your followers to strike mobs first to start combat
– Players have three followers in battle and fight with a turn-based system
– Online versus mode included
– Can bright a team of characters and fight with a friend
Believe it or not, Citizens of Earth has a set release date despite being more than a year away. Eden Industries hopes to have the game ready for May 14, 2014.
A few Nintendo Web Framework bits, a look at Nintendo’s platformer demo
Posted on 12 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in General Nintendo, News, Podcast Stories, Wii U | 0 comments
The newly revealed Nintendo Web Framework allows for some very interesting features. By using the technology, developers can easily create and port HTML as well as Javascript applications for Wii U. One piece of functionality included in the editing tools lets developers send a build directly to Nintendo by simply hitting a button. Even better, it’s possible to convert iOS to Javascript and CSS with an Intel tool, which can, in turn, land on Wii U.
Just to be clear: Nintendo Web Framework isn’t just about apps. Actually, Nintendo has a simple platformer demo at its GDC booth this year – see the photo above.
