With Microsoft announcing its new interface (which will allow Xbox Live users to make custom avatars) and Final Fantasy XIII for the 360, while Sony unveils God of War III for the PS3, many expected Nintendo to answer back with a fierce rebuttal.
But Nintendo fell short of any grand announcements. While it did mention how well the Wii and DS were selling (obvious facts) and declared new titles for the Wii (Pikmin) and DS (Grand Theft Auto Chinatown Wars), most of Nintendo’s focus seemed tailored towards the "Casual" Gamer.
With the success of games such as Brain Age and Wario Ware, Nintendo seems to be happy with just cranking out games that can be played easily and do not have to be dedicated hours of time in a sitting (or as I like to call them "Subway Games").
Although these games do serve a purpose, many were disappointed when Shigeru Miyamoto came out and instead of announcing another Zelda or Mario title, announced Wii Music (A Guitar Hero with no skill or pride required).
Many were disappointment with this marketing tactic, and if Nintendo doesn’t assuage their fan boys’ fears that they are more worried about kindergarteners and moms and dads playing their games than die hard Metroid or Pokemon fans, they will lose out to Sony and Microsoft in the upcoming year.
And as fans' comments show on the E3 website, I am not the only one who feels this way:
Targeting Casual Gamers
Nintendo Overlooking Hardcore Players
Trend Themes
1. Rise of Casual Gaming - Opportunity for developers to create more games that are easy to pick up and play, targeting a wider audience.
2. Disappointment with Marketing Tactics - Opportunity for companies to differentiate themselves by focusing on the wants and needs of hardcore gamers.
3. Competition Among Gaming Consoles - Opportunity for companies to innovate and offer unique features that attract both casual and hardcore gamers.
Industry Implications
1. Gaming Software Development - Opportunity to develop games that cater to the growing demand for casual gaming experiences.
2. Gaming Console Manufacturing - Opportunity to create consoles with features that appeal to both casual and hardcore gamers.
3. Video Game Retail - Opportunity to provide a diverse range of gaming options to meet the needs of both casual and hardcore gamers.