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?
