- RT @neiltyson: Never liked multiple choice tests. They don't allow you to have deeper thoughts than those of the person who wrote the test. 1 week 1 day ago.
About David: I'm a game producer and cinematic designer. I'm currently working at 2K Marin on the XCOM franchise. Previously, I worked on Mercenaries 2 and The Saboteur. I've also worked on smaller games, producing an unpublished title for Killspace Entertainment and I provide business development for Blendo Games. Looking for a CV? Look no further. Drop me a line? Here.
Nintendo Re-Revolution
Nintendo rumors are running wild this week and Gamasutra is asking 'Should Nintendo launch the next generation now?'. I think so, yes. The time is right and depending on how they approach their next console, it could be great news for gamers, the industry and Nintendo. Here's what I'd like to see.
Nintendo takes a hardware lead: Its been 6 years since the launch of the current gen with the 360 and technology hasn't slowed its exponential cost/performance decrease. This should make it possible for Nintendo's new console to 1) overpower the current HD consoles 2) sell with a profit margin and 3) maintain a small footprint.
With the hardware lead Nintendo could secure an advantage with the core market and discount the Wii for the next 2-3 years. That new energy should give publishers (and retail) a desired bump, hopefully spurring more development. The publishers also get to port & re-release a lot of their 360 titles which could help put their franchises in front of Nintendo gamers.
Being first in the new generation might make Nintendo the lowest common denominator when it comes to graphics and performance, but that may be offset by having the machine in developer hands sooner and might even benefit the industry by keeping development costs down.
Going Live: Having a robust online service is probably the most important, and riskiest area for Nintendo. That's because Nintendo, unlike Sony and Microsoft, is not a technology company. Joining the connected world is not only important for their next console but for Nintendo as a whole. Thankfully, the 3DS is showing promise that Nintendo can do connectivity in creative new ways.
New Control/New Gimmick: Now that Sony and Microsoft have their own motion controllers, accessibility is no longer just a gimmick. But I wouldn't bet against Nintendo innovating their own game. Today there are rumors of a touchscreen controller but, whatever form it takes, I'd say that some new form of interaction is coming. Hopefully it takes a form that is friendly to both the casual and core players.
New interaction isn't just important because it's a gimmick, it's also necessary since consoles are seeing more competition from things like smart phones, iPads and Facebooks. Apple is already a presence in the living room and is coming for your TV too. Whatever Nintendo comes up may with shed some light on how consoles can stay relevant as we move into the pure-digital era.
Last Thought: Nintendo helped re-shape the gamer image with the Wii and since then Facebook and iOS have redefined it further. What I'm eager to learn is whether or not Nintendo's new machine can continue this trend and what form it might take.