Iwata Speakeths

[Jonbo298]

March 4, 2005 - In a recent interview with overseas trade publication MCV, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata talked about the company's forthcoming home console, codenamed Revolution. Iwata reiterated that the platform would be fundamentally different from other game systems, and said that its unique make-up could potentially alienate third party publishers, or in contrast draw them in.

"If the next generation platforms are going to create even more gorgeous looking games using further enhanced functionality, and if that next-gen market can still expand the games industry, then I'm afraid that third-parties may not support Nintendo," he said.

Iwata once more compared Revolution to Nintendo DS, and said that like its portable the machine could gain the eye of consumers who normally don't care about games. "On the other hand, what we are trying to do is such a different thing, and people have come to realize that the approach we have taken with Nintendo DS can actually expand the market beyond what existing platforms can do. Therefore I believe there should be more third parties who are willing to support Nintendo's new ideas."

Nintendo's president suggested that third party support for Revolution could depend entirely on whether or not publishers find the console appealing. "If we receive the support of the licensees, I believe we will expand third party support," he said. "If our ideas cannot be appealing enough, then we cannot receive third party support."

Iwata indicated that the next-generation is a risky business for all hardware manufacturers and not just Nintendo. "Already publishers are not hesitant in disclosing their concerns over next generation gaming platforms, and development costs are rising. Publishers are afraid... of whether [the next-gen] consoles can appeal to people who are not the avid game fans of today."

Nintendo plans to unveil Revolution at the May Electronics Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles. Stay tuned for more on the machine.

http://cube.ign.com/articles/593/593733p1.html

Interesting news, nonetheless. Sony fanboys are probably going "hahaha, Nintendo will lose next gen without 3rd party, they admit it!"

But all will unravel in a few years, only time will tell.

[GameMaster]

Nintendo stands solid in its beliefs. I respect a company with such bold loyalty to their causes and dreams.

[Dark Samurai]

Nintendo will hold their own in the next generation, no problem, then maybe, they'll take it also...

[Neo]

There they go again with the "this console is totally different" remarks. I fear that whatever Nintendo has come up with will be labeled as a gimmick right from the start. I see Nintendo remaining in third place while holding on to their own cult-like following.

Plus all this secrecy really pisses me off. Developers are already excited about what they can do with the PS3 and Xbox 2 and are throwing their attentions in that direction. If they continue to hear nothing from Nintendo then by the time Nintendo does say something it will be too late. Developers may create revolution games as an after thought but their primary focus will be the other two consoles. If Nintendo plans to launch Revolution sometime in 2006 but not reveal their technology until May of this year then developers will have little time to come up with anything to support the system, especially since they're already busy with PS3 and Xbox 2 projects.

[Jonbo298]

Its fine if Nintendo either stays in third or goes to 3rd place (no one knows ). As long as they try new things, it cant hurt the industry that much, IMO. But I think next gen games aren't gonna be as different looking as this gen. Yes, more solid framerates and more poly's but its not gonna be as large a boost as going from '64 to GC or PS to PS2

[MuGen]

I agree with Neo... Nintendo should reveal at least speculated specs to the system instead of leaving third party developers in the dark.

[Jonbo298]

Thats what E3 is for

But I seriously think that some developers know what Revolution is all about and making games for it, but not saying anything under an NDA or something until E3

[Perfect Stu]

Originally Posted by Jonbo298

Sony fanboys are probably going "hahaha, Nintendo will lose next gen without 3rd party, they admit it!" .

Every PS2 owner I know really doesnt concern themselves with other companies or systems. They just enjoy their games, and the more the better. Personally, I've been labelled as a "Sony fanboy" around here, and I wish Nintendo the best. Nintendo got me into gaming, they've produced some of the best games ever, and I know how important solid competition and quality is to the gaming industry.

I really think most people no longer concern themselves with the "console war" stuff, which is great...as long as their favourite companies are doing well, it's all good.

I mean, if I really was this standout Sony fanboy, I would post console sales all the time in the Dungeon forum, and then say things like "OWNED, LOLZ HOW MANY WEEKS IS THAT? AM I RITE?"