Here are another round of comments from Iwata, who was responding to questions at the Q&A session of Nintendo’s investors briefing last week…
Iwata on whether there will be a jump in development costs in moving from 2D to 3D…
“If a game is originally made as a true 3D space, you make the 3D image by drawing two lines, one matching the left eye and one matching the right eye, so converting a game that already takes place in a 3D world into 3D is not all that difficult. If you try to make something that’s not in a 3D world into 3D, you’ll probably have some cost. However, I don’t really feel that there’s any substance to that. Naturally, you won’t make a game interesting by just making the visuals 3D. It’s when you offer an interactive experience in the 3D visuals as part of a set with something that is interesting that you first have value as entertainment. Regarding this, there’s still no foundation, and it’s an area that requires trial and error. It is that trial and error alone that could see an increase in development cost. However, the trial and error is there for any development where you try to make new entertainment experiences, and not just 3D.”
Iwata on whether there will be surprises at E3 other than the 3DS…
“I can’t say if there will or will not be surprises. If, for example, I said, ‘there will be a surprise,’ there wouldn’t be any meaning, as everyone would be disappointed because of anticipation being exceedingly high.”
Iwata responding to 3DS rumors…
“When we made the 3DS, we wanted to make it into a platform that would attract a wide variety of things, from high end games to extremely casual games.”
Iwata on decreasing Wii sales…
“The target of 18 million units that we gave for this term is itself a high target when you consider that four years have passed since the system’s release. If, in the games that we release this year, one were to make it big — explode like we hadn’t expected, it is, of course, possible that we’d exceed last year. However, making announcements of earnings forecasts on the basis of the assumption of such an explosion would be irresponsible for the management of a public company.”
Iwata on the possibility of Nintendo limiting Wii resources in favor of the Wii’s successor…
“We are in no way thinking the Wii is near the end of its platform cycle so we will limit our investments.”
Iwata on the 3DS’ real name…
“We’ve said that it will be released during this term, so the announcement of the formal name will not be too far off.”
Iwata also commented on software prices/space for the 3DS. Nintendo’s President stated that prices are determined by third-parties and details can only be provided over time.
Additionally, Iwata provided an explanation as to why the 3DS was announced before E3. Apparently Nintendo is interested in having other companies showcase their software for the system at the event. Because of this, other developers outside of Nintendo would become aware of the portable’s significant features. Before information was released to the public and speculation ran wild, Nintendo revealed the 3DS.
Last but not least, Iwata noted that is is possible that consumers will be hesitant to purchase a DS as a result of the 3DS announcement, especially in North America. However, he does not believe it will have a huge impact because the current DS buyers are not similar to people who immediately go out to purchase a system like the 3DS.
Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands – 8.0
Trauma Team – 8.0
Sam & Max: Beyond Time and Space – 8.0
Picross 3D – 7.5
Dementium II – 8.0
Pirates Plundarrr – 4.0
All Star Karate – 7.0
Attack of the Movies 3D – 4.0
Thanks to Thomas N for the tip!
The following information comes from the Q&A session of Nintendo’s investors briefing last week.
Iwata on the Wii’s successor…
“As soon as a new system is complete — from the very moment it is complete — we’re thinking about the plan for the next game machine. We believe there’s still more we can do with the Wii.”
Iwata on social gaming…
“If you ask why we make game consoles, it’s because we believe that ‘offering experiences that cannot be done on other devices’ is our life line. With that meaning, offering software for a multi purpose multimedia device is, for us, an area of work that we have least interest in.” And driving the point across further, he said, “If we were to stop and do nothing, the current game system framework would probably become antiquated, but because we continue to offer new things, we don’t feel at all that this will happen. We’ve not once thought things like ‘we’ll be behind the times, so we should enter social games.'”
Iwata on health concerns for the 3DS/turning 3D on and off…
“This isn’t limited to just kids, but we’re aware one in some tens of people, including adults, have difficulty with three dimensional visuals. So, while the 3D image is a special feature of the 3DS, we won’t force the player to use the 3D functionality. By making it so that the player can at all times play with [the 3D feature] off, we believe we can comply with those who have difficulty with the 3D view or those who are worried about their childs’ eyes.
Iwata on the 3DS’ target audience…
“I see no foundation for that statement (3DS targets core gamers). We definitely do not feel that 3D targets heavy users. However, we have a feeling that, until you’ve seen something that makes you say ‘Of course, when used like that, it’s clearly a 3D game that anyone can play,’ you can’t be convinced, so we hope that you’ll make the decision in the future when you’ve seen something solid.”
Chess Challenge! released on both WiiWare and DSiWare – Play at home or on-the-go
GORMLEY, Ontario, Canada – May 10, 2010 – Digital Leisure Inc. a leading developer and publisher of interactive video-based titles and console games, announced today the launch of Chess Challenge!, designed exclusively for Nintendo’s WiiWare™ and DSiWare™ game services.
Now you can play fully Wi-Fi enabled Chess on your Wii™ or use Nintendo DS™’s wireless play on your Nintendo DSi™!
We just wanted to give you a heads-up that today Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS arrives on WiiWare™ for North America!
In Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS, legal eagle Phoenix Wright will face the toughest prosecutor yet as the mysterious hard-boiled “Godot” is gunning for him with extreme prejudice. Get ready for the most intense courtroom standoffs of your Ace Attorney career!
Ace Attorney’s massive popularity and appeal in Japan has caught on in the West and the franchise has now sold well over 3 million units worldwide. For the first time ever, this beloved handheld series is available on the home console, Wii system from Nintendo, giving gamers access to three of the classic Ace Attorney adventures from the comfort of their own living rooms. Fans and newcomers alike will have a chance to star as the most popular defense attorney in videogames, Phoenix Wright – a man driven by principles and his ability to separate fact from dubious fiction. Each game in the series presents twisting storylines and intriguing gameplay with comical anime stylings. Players will collect evidence, weed through inconsistent testimonies and overcome corrupt agendas to ensure that justice prevails! These games can be played via single-player, or with family and friends.
Wedbush Morgan
DS – 525K
Wii – 400K
Xbox 360 – 275K
PS3 – 245K
PSP – 85K
PS2 – 70K
EEDAR
DS – 535K
Wii – 450K
Xbox 360 – 275K
PS3 – 245K
PSP – 85K
PS2 – 70K
