Update 2: Gamasutra has posted a chart which also gives a look at 3DS support… or lackthereof…
Update: Polygon’s report has now been updated, and the initial percentage was off – four percent rather than one percent.
Original: Organizers of the Game Developers Conference have polled over 2,600 North American game industry professions as part of their “state of the industry report.” In it, only four percent of developers surveyed say they currently plan to launch their next game on Wii U. That’s in contrast to the PlayStation 4’s 20 percent and Xbox One with 17 percent with regard to release plans.
Many developers are focusing their efforts on smartphones, tablets and computers. Over half of those polled intend to bring their next game to these platforms.
GDC’s poll also reveals that 64 percent of developers are working on their games independently. 19 percent are working alongside a publisher and 17 percent are working for a publisher. 52 percent of participants said their funding comes from existing company funds.
Forbidden Magna producer Yoshifumi Hashimoto left a message for fans on the game’s new website.
According to Hashimoto, the game came about after development on Rune Factory 4 was completed. He and other people around him shared a desire to create something new. “And that’s how the new challenge of Forbidden Magna came to be,” he said.
You can find Hashimoto’s full message below.
HullBreach Studios is now an official, licensed Wii U developer. The indie team shared the news on Twitter, writing:
It's official: We are licensed Wii U developers! @Emi1yRogers @NINTENthusiast @DSiPaint
— HULLBREACH STUDIOS (@HullBreachGames) February 18, 2014
HullBreach Studios will be bringing its first Wii U title, HullBreach: Uncloaked, to the eShop sometime in the future.
Thanks to PattonFiend for the tip.
On April 1, SEGA Sammy intends to rebrand Index Digital Media as Atlus U.S.A., Inc. Atlus Co. will continue to handle a majority of game development.
Additionally, SEGA will split off a non-consumer game operation of Index into a new subsidiary known as “Index Corporation”. The company will be responsible for overseeing contents and solution businesses like internet marketing and systems development.
The new division, SEGA says, will “ensure synergy” across the SEGA and SEGA Sammy Group businesses. It will also increase growth of “transferring company’s business and to encourage the development of new” ones.
Hey everyone, how was your Valentine’s Day? Maybe you spent the day with your loved ones; maybe you spent it devouring chocolate. Personally I spent the day slaving over a Word document, trying my hardest to convey my true feelings on a truly bizarre romance. No, I wasn’t writing some kind of love letter – I was musing on Konami’s hella heteronormative “girlfriend simulator”, LovePlus. Games tend to stay away from handling romantic relationships, especially when compared to other mediums, so I was curious to see if this Nintendo DS title was really as original (and weird) as I’d heard. So can love truly blossom between a grown man and a DS cartridge?
The answer to that question is no. Absolutely not. But as someone who is fascinated in the potential of games to blend narrative and gameplay in developing fictional relationships, LovePlus is an incredibly interesting, albeit flawed take on interactive romance.
This week’s Famitsu review scores are as follows:
Bakumatsu Rock (PSP) – 9/9/8/9
Deception IV: Blood Ties (PSV) – 8/9/9/8
Geten no Hana: Yume Akari (PSP) – 9/8/9/8
Fossil Fighters: Infinite Gear (3DS) – 9/8/8/8
Harvest Moon: Connect to a New Land (3DS) – 8/8/8/8
Valhalla Knights 3 Gold (PSV) – 8/8/7/7
Shiei no Sona-Nyl Refrain: What a Beautiful Memories (360/PSP) – 8/7/7/8
Satomi Hakkenden Hachitama no Ki (PSP) – 8/7/7/7
Infinite Stratos 2: Ignition Hearts (PS3/PSV) – 7/7/7/7
Taisho Mebiusline Portable (PSP) – 7/7/7/7
Iza, Shutsujin! Koisen Dai-ni-maku – Echigo Hen (PSP) – 7/7/6/7
Iza, Shutsujin! Koisen Dai-ni-maku – Kai Hen (PSP) – 7/7/6/7
Not only will the crowdfunded remake of this Sega Genesis RPG be hitting the Wii U in just a few months, it looks like a 3DS version of the game could be on the cards. In an interview with Nintendo Enthusiast, WaterMelon President Tulio Goncalves said that the company was hoping to release the Wii U version of the 90’s-JRPG-inspired title in April. Of course, the game was originally intended to release in December of last year, and then in “Q1 2014” so we’ll see. The Wii U version will make use of the console’s second screen, a feature that will be exclusive to Nintendo’s console – although Goncalves teased that it wouldn’t be exclusive for long if the game eventually made the jump to the 3DS. It might be a while before we see a 3DS version, though, as the game is already being ported to the Wii U, PS3, PS4, PC, Mac, Linux, Android, Xbox One, Ouya and Dreamcast. Phew.
Along with this image of Super Smash Bros.’ new bottle item, director Masahiro Sakurai posted the following message on Miiverse:
Hey look, a bottle!! This is a special item that can even heal fighters who have accumulated over 100% damage.
What is it with Bowser and fairies trapped in bottles lately?
This week’s 3DS eShop charts are as follows:
Software
1. Bravely Default
2. Retro City Rampage: DX
3. Pokemon Dream Radar
4. Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
5. Super Mario Bros.
6. Donkey Kong Jr.
7. Animal Crossing: New Leaf
8. Attack of the Friday Monsters! A Tokyo Tale
9. Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX
10. EDGE
11. Zelda: Oracle of Seasons
12. Liberation Maiden
13. Inazuma Eleven
14. Super Mario Bros. 2
15. The Legend of Zelda
16. Pokemon Y
17. Zelda: Oracle of Ages
18. Pokemon X
19. Witch & Hero
20. Gunman Clive
Videos
1. The LEGO Movie Videogame Trailer
2. Super Smash Bros. Champion of the Ring
3. Nintendo Direct: 2/13/14
4. Mario Kart 8 – Koopalings Trailer
5. Super Smash Bros. – Rosalina Reveal Trailer
6. Inazuma Eleven – Episode 1
7. Mario Kart 8 Trailer
8. Retro City Rampage: DX Video
9. Hyrule Warriors Teaser Trailer
10. One Piece: Romance Dawn Trailer
11. Kirby Triple Deluxe Trailer
12. Bravely Default – Gameplay Trailer
13. Yoshi’s New Island – Egg-otic Locales Trailer
14. Pokemon Battle Trozei – Announcement Trailer
15. Mario Kart 7 Video
16. Super Mario 3D World Trailer 3
17. Yoshi’s New Island Trailer 6/11/13
18. Retro City Rampage: DX Trailer
19. Steel Diver – Announcement Trailer
20. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Launch Trailer
Source: 3DS eShop
