My First Journalism Article :)

This is my first journalism article that I'm submitting to Game Informer to apply for an internship. I even performed a study of 30 adult males from ages 18-30 to make it official and to gather all of my own information. :.) So proud! Hope you guys enjoy, it's still under some construction to effect the length/flow (that's what she said). Let me know what you think!

  

Nintendo: How to Make it

Better.

Written by: Meghan Marino

Both Sony and Microsoft admitted that the Nintendo Wii has not been a firm competitor in the gaming world. In the beginning of its' release however, the Nintendo Wii was a competitor to look out for, offering a unique style of gaming to its' users: motion-sensed game play. Microsoft soon followed suit by selling the X-Box “Kinect”, while Sony released the “MOVE” motion-controller. 

The release of competing motion-sensor capabilities critically impacted the end of the year sales in 2011. Black-Friday week was ground-breaking for Microsoft as they sold over 960,000 X-Box consoles; 800,000 sold within a 24-hour period. In addition, over 750,000 Kinect motion-sensors were purchased. According to theverge.com, X-box sales during Black-Friday week were , “the best in the console's seven-year run.”

 

But Nintendo has been trying to keep up by slashing the prices   on  it's 3-DS  as well  as introducing new-console plans by announcing the Wii-U. While the Wii-U does provide features such as high-definition, portable game play, and an interactive controller, it is hard to say whether or not the console will impact Nintendo's place in the video game market. A few smart console choices may be enough to change Nintendo's standing: Online game-play, unique title releases as well as original console features.

First and foremost, Nintendo has to expand their online-game play. When video-game designer and producer , Shigeru Miyamoto, was asked about the company's online capabilities , he said, “...Nintendo has always been trying to do something which makes sense from our business perspective, rather than trying to do something similar to other companies.” But online-game play has become a growing vitality for gamers. While many enjoy solo-campaign mode, most gamers are becoming used to the online option. In a 2012 study conducted of adult males (from the ages 18-30), most stated that online-game play is enjoyable. One gamer from the study stated, “ I’m not being challenged unless I am competing against other players online. I get a lot more excitement out of the video game.” Others said that online capabilities are great to connect with friends and to improve playing skill. Additionally, online-game play is a main contributor to Microsoft's success. Study participants claim that X-Box Live is favored within the gaming community because the online database is so large. For Nintendo to make a comeback in the market, they must incorporate online game play in a way that is original, will attract consumers, and will Microsoft nervous. 

 

Aside from online game play, Nintendo has to focus on game-titles. What popular games does Nintendo offer to a mature age group, rather than Mario, Zelda , and Metroid titles? Title releases are being so overused that they aren't capturing attention. What if Nintendo came out with original games that could be compared to Zelda and Metroid? What if Nintendo released a Mario game that was somewhat realistic, dark, and creepy? It may be a drastic move, but it may be enough to put Nintendo on top of the charts. An adult male from the video-game study states, “Nothing on the Wii has ever captured my interest enough to buy,” while another says, “I have a Wii, but I hardly play it. My little siblings play it more than me.” When searching Amazon.com for Wii games, the family-oriented releases become apparent. Various Toy Story, Lego, and Family Game Night titles appear, as well as a few Mario titles. These releases are not enough to attract a mature audience, which is a large portion of gamer-profit. So Nintendo, it may be time to really concentrate on the game titles that are being released. 

 

The last step to reviving the Nintendo name focuses on originality. The Wii had ample potential, offering “Channels” that could easily be compared to the “Apps” used by smart-phones. Unfortunately, Nintendo did not provide numerous “Channels”; only a select few. In the future, Nintendo “Channels” could be used for various age groups, promoting the use of online-gaming while giving the company plenty of room to be original. Channels could also be accessible to both the Wii and DS alike, expanding the Nintendo community. In broader terms: The Wii channels can easily be developed further. With an exclusive and charming interface, the Wii can use both gaming and online/social concepts to make a console unlike any other in the world. 

 

The Wii has been a console that has transformed the gaming world. When gamers were asked about the Wii in the study, most wrote positive comments that recognized the console's affordability, accessibility as well as interaction. In addition, gamers wrote about how Nintendo hasn't been doing enough to match competing consoles. One person wrote, “It seems as if Kinect will soon make the Wii console obsolete,” while another claimed, “ Nintendo's strict online multiplayer is really hurting both its console and handheld platforms. (...) the Wiimote was gimicky and it is uncomfortable.” Other consumers stated that the various accessories required for game play were just too much, and ruined their “Wii” experience. But Nintendo has plenty of approaches that will make Sony and Microsoft question the company's competitive value. The question is: Will Nintendo take the initiative to change the way their console is viewed in the gaming world?