So, are Wii Indies called Windies?
Nintendo today announced a new indie developer platform for its widely successful Wii console, likely to launch inearly 2008. Dubbed WiiWare, the service is said to enable developers to create smallish, new games via download on the motion-controlled system.
Nintendo president Reggie Fils-Aime said in a press statement. “Independent developers armed with small budgets and big ideas will be able to get their original games into the marketplace,” he added. Details about the upcoming projects and prices have yet to be determined.
The news is significant for several reasons. First, it reminds us that you don’t need the most technically advanced product to build a loyal community; only one that interests people. As a result, Nintendo will now be able to create a new sub-economy of users on top of its existing 8.5 million Wii base. Second, it shows that Nintendo appreciates the current trend of nano-type projects like MySpace Widgets, Facebook Apps, and any other company that sells to a community of a million plus members.
As I’ve mentioned before, I’m not a gamer. But, it surely is fun watching a company that knows how to market and sell.
My 2 favourite companies… Nintendo and Apple. Both at the top of their game in marketing.
Chanderpaul is my hero
Yeah, XBLA is easily the coolest thing about the 360. It makes sense that Nintendo would follow Microsoft and get in on the minigame micropayments scene.
Maybe they will do movies and tv shows as well?
#1
Apple did made a videogame console called the Apple Pippin, unfortunately two things happened:
1.- It was overpriced (as usual with everything done by Apple)
2.- It was loaded with plenty of features/services such as internet surfing BUT they were forcing the customer to use an specific company in order to enjoy it.
The irony is that the iPhone has the same two flaws.
Nah, I’m going to mess with Microsoft XNA, by combining my company Dot Net Framework with XNA functionality.
I’ll bring cool 3D graphics to the dull 2D traditional Windows User Input interface, w/o requiring Vista.
Expect a public announcement sometime near 2014 to coincide with GM’s Volt delivery of the first car to the general public.
This WiiWare will be fun for the average game tinkerer – but Microsoft’s XNA means gaming to Windows and XBox 360 – at the same time.
So we can expect Duke Nuke’em Forever circa 2014…
WiiWare? Isn’t that a diaper?
#6
I intend to play with XNA someday. But more and more Boom Boom Rocket calls out to me. Ohhhh pretty colors, all in HD.
Funny thing is I was a HD non-beleiver until my 360.
But don’t get me wrong, I hope Wii and Sony are wildly successful with their minigame download systems, as well as movies. Ouch XBL is and expensive habit to have.
#9
Also it looks like we have a winner for the next gen video format war. Who is the winner of hddvd vs bluray? Nintendo!
I expect they refresh the hardware shortly and add hd graphics.
Wii has the early lead in fun gaming because of the wiimote, but you have to wonder when the other gaming systems and PC makers catch up.
Why someone hasn’t come up with a wiimote type device for the PC is beyond me.
#10
I’m hoping to expect a wiimote that you can wear so they can make an awesome dance game.
But in the mean time I’m guessing a HDD for the wii is going to be the next upgrade.
#11
I’m sure there are BUT chances are that the reason it didn’t flew was because it was near/over $1,000 and for CAD/CAM applications.