Miyamoto: Nintendo to continue pursuing fixed-cost model with mobile games, subscription-style services a plus
Nintendo has experimented with a couple of different business models on mobile. Super Mario Run is a one-time download, whereas Fire Emblem Heroes and Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp are free-to-play.
Super Mario Run hasn’t generated the same type of profits as something like Fire Emblem Heroes. However, Shigeru Miyamoto has indicated that Nintendo will continue pursuing the fixed-cost model.
Miyamoto stated during his keynote at the Computer Entertainment Developers Conference:
“We’re lucky to have such a giant market, so our thinking is, if we can deliver games at reasonable prices to as many people as possible, we will see big profits. I can’t say that our fixed-cost model has really been a success. But we’re going to continue pushing it forward until it becomes entrenched. That way everyone can develop games in a comfortable environment. By focusing on bringing games to the widest range of people possible, we can continue boosting our mobile game business.”
Also during his speech, Miyamoto said subscription-style services should play a bigger role in games:
“It’s necessary for developers to learn to get along with (subscription-style services). When seeking a partner for this, it’s important to find someone who understands the value of your software. Then customers will feel the value in your apps and software and develop a habit of paying money for them.”
