Nintendo – Page 5 – Colin McMahon

Top Five Third-Party Developers Nintendo Should Court in 2014

Posted on December 18, 2013 by Colin McMahon

Watching the Nintendo Direct this morning, I was reminded of one thing: how much the Wii U needs games. It’s no secret. Ever since it’s launch last year, the console has been plagued by unfortunate software shortcomings. Pikmin 3 missed the launch window, as did Rayman Legends (which subsequently went multi-platform, causing Nintendo to lose an exclusive it badly needed). Aliens: Colonial Marines, which at one point boasted the “best graphics” on the Wii U, came out and was so horrible that the Wii U version was ultimately abandoned all together. Three big “ifs” that all went ultimately against the big N. But that was a year ago, time to move on and address the new concerns, namely: “where is the third-party support?”

For those of you unfamiliar to the video game industry, a third-party developer is a video game maker that doesn’t owe a specific allegiance to any real hardware. They’ll make games for Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo, Apple – doesn’t matter. As long as there is a dollar value, they’ll sell it. Here is the Wii U’s problem. It lacked the initial launch punch of other platforms (a mixture of non-standout software and miserable marketing campaign attributed to that) so it’s not selling well. Third-parties care about profits (understandably) and don’t want to risk poor sales – poor sales of any one game can mean death to a video game developer.

Ubisoft: one of the few third-party developers who continues to support the Wii U.

So Nintendo needs to convince people to buy, and not just the consumers. They need to sell their product to third-parties. It’s a tough sell, but properly done, Nintendo can accomplish it. Here are my five recommendations for third-party developers that Nintendo should really look to secure relationships with in 2014.

5. Telltale Games

Telltale Games pulled a rarity in the industry. They went from worst (Jurassic Park: the Game) to first (Walking Dead: Season One) in just a year. That is an impressive turnaround and fortunate for a company that could have easily been lost to bankruptcy. In short, Telltale should know what it’s like to be the underdog. Now, it’s smooth sailing with titles like Walking Dead: Season Two and Fables: The Wolf Among Us. These games are heavy on the quality but light on the horsepower, meaning the Wii U wouldn’t need to strain itself to incorporate ports. Telltale has indicated a desire to work with the Wii U in the past but has gone quiet on the console in the past year. If I were Nintendo, I wouldn’t want to miss out on the games coming from this third-party publisher and would even consider a lucrative deal (say rights for Telltale to create the next Earthbound) to secure a partnership.

Telltale is expanding with new franchises and it would be wise for Nintendo to be there.

4. Platinum Games

I know what you’re saying: Platinum Games already creates content for Nintendo. The Wonderful 101 and Bayonetta 2 are arguably the only third-party exclusives that the Wii U has going for it right now. I fully agree. This is a different type of relationship I’m proposing: Nintendo should buy Platinum Games. The two companies currently enjoy a very friendly working relationship. Platinum owes Nintendo a debt of gratitude after the big N agreed to publish their titles (Sega dropped Platinum and the company was in desperate need for a little bit). This past year Nintendo lost the exclusive rights to Ubisoft’s Rayman Legends. Losing Bayonetta 2 to Microsoft or Sony might put the final nail in the big N’s coffin. Purchasing Platinum Games would ensure more quality content exclusive to the Wii U. Something Nintendo strongly needs to secure a relevant place in today’s video game industry.

Don't lose this to Sony or Microsoft. — Don’t lose this to Sony or Microsoft.

3. Crytek

On the surface it doesn’t make sense. Crytek (creators of the widely popular Crysis trilogy) is a company known for packing horsepower into their games. While the Wii U isn’t a weak system, the PS4 and Xbox One are both capable of superior graphics. However, there are indicators to believe a relationship is possible and has even been pursued already. Earlier in the year, Crytek was quick to point out that their new graphics engine functioned on the Wii U. Nintendo also recently hired a a former member of Cyrtek’s staff to a position in their company. Add to that all the rumors of Crysis 3 being full developed for the Wii U, only to be cancelled at the last minute thanks to the Nintendo-EA breakdown. Oh, and also Crytek consists of the remnants of Free Radical, a developer who, at one point, was creating the next Timesplitters exclusively for the Nintendo Wii. It would be wise if Nintendo were to pursue that project into this generation.

This game would be an excellent addition to the Wii U's shooter library. — This game would be an excellent addition to the Wii U’s shooter library.

2. Mojang

Microsoft has lost exclusive rights to Minecraft. The game was just released on the PlayStation 3 with plans to come to the PS4. There have been numerous requests to bring the system to Nintendo consoles. Gamers have created tributes to Nintendo creations in the world of Minecraft. Notch himself, the man behind all of Mojang’s success, has stated in a tweet, that he supports Minecraft created for Nintendo consoles. There is no reason this should not happen. Nintendo: make it happen.

1. Rockstar

It’s funny how most of life’s complicated problems can be solved with simple solutions. Don’t like the person you’re dating – dump them, your dinner is too hot – let it cool, touching a porcupine makes your hands bleed – stop touching the porcupine. If the problem is say, your console isn’t selling and you (for some reason) don’t want to put Pokemon on it – put Grand Theft Auto on it instead. Really, if Nintendo had been smarter in securing a port of Grand Theft Auto V this past year, I believe the Wii U would be in a different position than it is now. Just the impact of bringing GTA to the Wii U would open the door to so many other third-party developers. That impact can still be made if Nintendo can negotiate for a version on its console. Yeah, I know they already have Lego City: Undercover, but let’s be serious here. If Nintendo was serious at all with their plan to “win back the hardcore”, then this game belongs on the Nintendo console. End of story.

So many problems would be solved so quickly.

Animal Crossing: A Unique Game that Can't Be Played All at Once

Posted on June 17, 2013 by Colin McMahon

Everyone knows the feeling of getting a new AAA game. You run to the store at midnight (or first thing in the morning), wait in line, get the game before racing back home. Primary thought on everyone’s mind at that moment: “well, there goes my social life for the next few days”. Maximum a week usually, that game will dominate your time as you seek to complete it. But you will, that’s the point. Even with huge games like Bethesda’s Fallout or Elder Scrolls series, you will complete at least the majority of it in a relatively short time period (you will also become a hermit and your friends and family will begin speaking of you in mythological terms). The Animal Crossing series isn’t like that. Simply put: it isn’t like any other major video game release out there.

For the purposes of this article, the majority of my comments will be directly based upon my recent experiences playing Animal Crossing: New Leaf for the Nintendo 3DS. I have played every Animal Crossing game released so far, but there are a few things in New Leaf that I want to focus on. Plus, it’s the Animal Crossing game that is freshest in my head.

So let me summarize what happens in an Animal Crossing game: you play as a young human who moves into a town full of bipedal humanoid animals. You are given a small house and few possessions. There are stores where you can buy things, clothing stores where you can design new clothes, a museum where you can donate bugs, fossils, fish and paintings. In short, the town feels alive. It is full of things to do. The catch: you’re a broke foreigner. You have to make friends and acquire currency… because you will be in debt in this game. A lot of debt. Hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt.

Tom Nook is the creature you will owe so much money to in these games. He may not be a villain in the traditional sense but rest assured: he has grown fat off your blood, sweat and tears.

So it’s kinda like The Sims. Kinda but not really. There is another catch with any Animal Crossing game: they all take place real-time, whether you’re playing or not. That means that right now in my Animal Crossing game, the town is waking up and starting to move. Doesn’t matter that I’m not playing. Just as it is 8:11 as I write this, it is 8:11 in my game. Kinda crazy when you think about it.

Just like in real life, there are different seasons in Animal Crossing. I will have to wait till December to experience December in the game. No other game does this.

So what does this mean for gameplay? Essentially it means I can binge-play all I want but time is going to prohibit how much I can do. There is only so much one can do in a day, this is true in both life and Animal Crossing. This makes Animal Crossing unique. Even in the Sims series, one can always fast-forward or slow down time. There is that degree of control. Here, no. If you say you’re going to meet someone in the game in eight hours and then forget to show up – that experience is gone. Furthermore, they will remember that you weren’t there and be angry at you the next time you talk to them.

Sounds a little too life-like, doesn’t it?

Good news: it still feels like a game. While certain aspects render Animal Crossing as a second-life simulator, this is still a different life than most of us will ever lead. In Animal Crossing, you spend your days catching fish and bugs. You dig up dinosaur bones. You run errands for friends. You can buy new things at your leisure, even when massively in debt. You don’t need to eat, you don’t need to sleep. Oh and Animal Crossing: New Leaf adds something extra to the formula – you’re the mayor.

As mayor you fund public works and can enact ordinances to shape your town and all of its inhabitants.

This gives more power to the player. Not much more mind you, that damn raccoon is still going to own your money and your soul before you can possibly pay off your debt. Still, it’s nice to see a game changing up the formula and adding new gameplay mechanics. The time limitations come into play here as well. For instance, in my game I have just enacted my first ordinance, which was a desire to increase the amount of money you get from selling items (very useful when paying off debt). I enacted it yesterday morning. It took effect this morning, exactly 24 hours after I enacted it. So I had to wait a day… which makes me want to play today because I want to see exactly what it is that I just did.

The stores in Animal Crossing are not open 24/7. This also slows progress as you can collect so much at a certain time but sell nothing. Being mayor allows you to extend the store's hours, should you so choose. — The stores in Animal Crossing are not open 24/7. This also slows progress as you can collect so much at a certain time but sell nothing. Being mayor allows you to extend the store’s hours, should you so choose.

Playing an Animal Crossing game is incredibly relaxing. Maybe it is the fixed time that renders the effect but I honestly think it’s more than that. Part of it comes from the fact that, even though it is so close to reality, (especially if you’re a recent graduate with debt filling your life), there is no time table. Play Animal Crossing if you want to experience a world run by money but not dominated by it. Despite the passage of time, my character will never die. He cannot get hurt or have his ambitions ruined. Everything he works for: he achieves. In short, that makes the Animal Crossing series the perfect propaganda for capitalism.

If that’s true than that makes Tom Nook the 1%… funny how much shared hatred is in there.

How it feels being several hundred thousand dollars in debt... to a raccoon. — How it feels being several hundred thousand dollars in debt… to a raccoon.

Thoughts? Comments? Am I full of it or onto something? Let me know now in the feedback section of this article.

Who won E3 2013?

Posted on June 12, 2013 by Colin McMahon

Sony. I’m going to go into a breakdown in a second but seriously: Sony. This does not come from a fanboy, I have never owned a Sony console before. It should be pretty obvious from my previous posts that my personal favorite is Nintendo. However, of the three console manufacturers, Sony clearly had the best overall presentation. Does that mean Nintendo and Microsoft sucked: no. This has been a great E3 overall with many exciting announcements. Below are the highlights as well as my reasoning process in determining Sony as the winner.

The Good:

Microsoft highlighted their E3 presentation with what had been sorely lacking at the Xbox One reveal: games. A short list includes Battlefield 4, Call of Duty: Ghosts, Destiny, Dragon Age: Inquisition, Thief and Watch Dogs. Microsoft’s best highlight went beyond just touting their upcoming game library. Without a doubt, the reason anyone is talking Xbox One right now (in a positive light anyway) is to discuss the console’s strong opening list of exclusives. In total, seventeen exclusives were unveiled for Microsoft’s next generation system. True, some games like Titanfall are only console exclusives (the game is also coming to the PC) but still that is a huge list for Microsoft to be proud of. If Xbox One can manage to hold onto these exclusives, they will have no trouble finding people to buy their system… if (talk more about this a little later).

Titanfall comes from the creators of Call of Duty, arguably the most influential game developers of the past ten years. The fact that it is skipping the PS4 is huge and not to be overlooked. — *Titanfall* comes from the creators of *Call of Duty*, arguably the most influential game developers of the past ten years. The fact that it is skipping the PS4 is huge and not to be overlooked.

Nintendo had no surprises for anyone this year. Their upcoming game library is heavy on the 1st party support and light on the 3rd party. Audiences were treated to first looks at Mario Kart 8, Super Mario 3D World, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, Sonic Lost World, Bayonetta 2, and Super Smash Bros. What, I said it was predictable, I didn’t say it wasn’t good. Yes, Nintendo is still looking lousy with the third party support but they have survived on their own development teams ever since the Nintendo Gamecube. With a lower price tag than the other two systems and the most freedom (with regards to used games and no DRM) Nintendo is looking in good shape to finally fix their Wii U selling problem… you know, once the games are actually out.

Mega Man highlighted the first three newcomers to Super Smash Bros. If that doesn't make you want to own this game than I don't know what will. — Mega Man highlighted the first three newcomers to *Super Smash Bros*. If that doesn’t make you want to own this game than I don’t know what will.

The Bad:

I know I’m behind schedule with my next Special Address (focused on rape culture, misogyny and video games) but this needs to be mentioned. During Microsoft’s E3 press conference, the game, Killer Instinct was showcased. Now anyone who has ever seen a Microsoft press conference will know two things are bound to happen: there will be a new Call of Duty game showcased and every line of scripted dialogue that attempts to emulate actual video game lingo will be absolutely horrible. This year took the latter to a new height. It stopped being just horrible in terms of delivery, it became horrible in content. So here is what happened: one of the games’ developers invited a woman on stage to play. Here is the dialogue that transpired:

Man: “Come on you got to practice before you get on stage in front of millions of people.”

Woman: “I can’t even block correctly and you’re too fast.”

Man: “There we go. Just let it happen. It will be over soon.”

Woman: “You have a fight stick!”

Man: “One more. Wow you like those?”

Woman: “No I don’t like this.”

Okay… so I shouldn’t have to say much about why that was unacceptable. But crap like this is the reason I am writing my articles and why millions out there are also writing and educating and trying to make a change. It’s not okay. If you think: “ah, all in good fun” – yeah, it wasn’t meant maliciously but right now that doesn’t matter. Here’s an idea for this guy: how about you teach her to play next time beforehand. Or what – did he not want to get embarrassed by a woman in front of millions of people?

The presentation in question where the incident occurred. Note: this had absolutely nothing to do with Killer Instinct. Not a video game's fault that that guy is a jackass. — The presentation in question where the incident occurred. Note: this had absolutely nothing to do with *Killer Instinct*. Not a video game’s fault that that guy is a jackass.

Okay, last bad thing: no further plans from either Sony or Microsoft to support backwards comparability. Hope you enjoy your PS3 and 360 cause you’re not going to be able to get rid of them. This is the best argument for returning to the PC: every time they upgrade a computer, you don’t have to re-buy all of your old games. Seriously, why is Nintendo the only one supporting this?

Why Sony Won:

I didn’t talk about Sony’s press conference under the good. I would have except it would have made this section redundant. Yes, right now Microsoft is leading with overall video game content (their exclusives can’t be ignored). Sony doesn’t have much in the way of exclusive game content right now… but that doesn’t mean it won’t change. Here’s the thing about exclusives, they don’t always stay exclusive. Remember when Rayman Legends was a Wii U exclusive? That changed before the release. Why: because the Wii U isn’t selling well enough to warrant Ubisoft taking a profit loss to release a game exclusively for it. Game developers want to make money. That’s what drives everything. Right now the Xbox One has a lot of exclusives and some of those it can hold onto (the ones made by companies directly owned by Microsoft) but what about the other ones? They didn’t do a great job of it last generation. Remember Mass Effect? You can enjoy that on the PlayStation 3 now.

Point is, the Xbox One needs to be successful right out of the launch. If it isn’t, Microsoft may very well lose a lot of their “exclusives” to Sony. I should point out that it will be hard to beat PlayStation 4 at launch for two reasons: first off – MONEY! While the Xbox One will cost $500, the Sony PlayStation 4 will only cost $400 (and the Wii U currently costs $350 at maximum). This means the Xbox One will be the most expensive system this generation. Last generation the Sony PlayStation 3 was the highest costing and their launch was… not great.

Here’s the other reason:

Sony's K.O. punch of E3 2013. — Sony’s K.O. punch of E3 2013.

Microsoft has been vague (at best) on their conditions of used game restrictions, need for constant internet and DRM implications. Sony has not been. Furthermore, they have come out as the exact opposite in many of the areas the One has been most criticized for. This does not look good for Microsoft. Not good at all. While Nintendo has (wisely) bowed out of direct competition in favor of their own market, the PS4 and One are going head to head. Right now, there is no reason to own both (anyone who buys both should please send extra money to me, clearly you have it). So, as Optimus Prime once famously said: “One shall stand, one shall fall.”

I know, that was way too nerdy… I’ll stop now.

Sidenote: Project Spark seems to be the most intriguing game that no one is talking about. I recommend everyone go on youtube and check out the videos, it looks really cool! — Side note: *Project Spark* seems to be the most intriguing game that no one is talking about. I recommend everyone go on Youtube and check out the videos, it looks really cool!

Further side note: there is a new Battlefront game coming. Awesome.

Thoughts? Comments? Am I full of it or onto something? Let me know now in the feedback section of this article.