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Nintendo on working with indies, wooing consumers, exclusive deals and more
Coming from a Game Informer interview with Nintendo's Damon Baker...
“It is true that we’ve got a really loyal and passionate fan base for Nintendo-developed content, but it also drives them to go to the eShop to check out what’s new – to see if there’s new DLC for some of those first-party games or new releases, and while they’re there, they’re seeing this independent content being highlighted right next to Mario and right next to Zelda and right next to all our major franchises. So we do a pretty good job of keeping it in the same light.
You look at our hardware, it’s unique, it’s different, and it allows for different experiences. It allows for developers to utilize the features and functionality in a unique way where they can use the touchscreen, they can use a second screen, they can use 3D and they can use that to realize their vision differently than they can on any other platform. We have the same mentality from a first-party perspective as well.
Sometimes we’ll be proactive in reaching out to different developers and publishers to say, ‘Hey, this is a great idea. What do you think about utilizing it on our platforms? It would be perfect to use a second screen, or it would be awesome with a touchscreen to be able to manipulate these characters or movements.’
We’re not known for exclusive [indie games] in particular, and that’s because we’re not throwing around a lot of cash. We also don’t see a huge benefit to developers in driving exclusive deals with platforms and consoles. They need to do what’s right for them from a business perspective, and we want to help complement that and make sure that they’re making the most from the experience on our platforms.
We very much encourage all of our development partners to release simultaneously across all platforms. We’ve seen the data that proves that the developers are the ones that are going to benefit from that versus going with an exclusive arrangement. We’re certainly not going to frown upon those people that are bringing exclusive content over to us, because we will make the most of it and make sure they are doing a great job with it. I think that we have a strong focus on multiplatform content, and that’s because we do have a point of differentiation with our control schemes and what these developers can create in a unique environment.
The fans are familiar with Nintendo content; they’re familiar with some of those retro games, so when they see a game that is inspired by that or takes things to the next level, I think they’re willing to jump in because it feels trusted or something that’s familiar to them. I think that can work to the advantage of developers and to Nintendo in general, but in the end, it always comes down to that gameplay experience.
I think it always comes down to what the fans are looking for and what drives them to purchase. You can’t just rip off something and call it good. People, especially in this day and age, they demand more and they’re a lot more savvy. And that‘s why titles like Shovel Knight, Guacamelee, and the Shantae series have done incredibly well on our platforms, Mutant Mudds, things like that. They’re inspired, but they take things to the next level, and I think the fans appreciate that different take, and it’s why they’re hungry to see what else is coming."