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GoNintendo 'End of Day' thought - Nintendo's silly, self-aware tone reminds us that E3 should be fun

by rawmeatcowboy
14 May 2015
GN Version 5.0

Did you see this weirdness today? So proud of it. From the minds of myself and the wonderful Austin 'Eggbusters' McLaughlin. Shows what you can do when you're both going out of your minds at 4 in the morning! Maybe I shouldn't do that again tonight! See you in a few, short hours.

Earlier today, we were all treated to a video from Nintendo of America. As Nintendo teased yesterday, today's video detailed all their plans E3 2015. There's going to be another Treehouse Live event, another 'Digital Event' with all sorts of goodies, a Best Buy event to play Mario Maker and the return of Nintendo World Championships! It would certainly take a lot to top the excitement Nintendo had at last year's E3. While announcements the size of Smash Bros. only come around so often, it seems like Nintendo took the challenge head-on with this year's lineup.

Once again, Nintendo took a similar approach to their E3 announcement video. Reggie was the star of the feature, treating us to a training montage for the return of the Nintendo World Championships. There were appearances by other Nintendo bigwigs, including a 'fired' Bill Trinen. Mr. Trinen might have fooled us all on Twitter earlier today, which made us all the more happy to see his firing was just a joke for today's video. From start to finish, the video game us news we can get excited about and laughs to carry us to E3.

I've seen a lot of E3 events in my time. After watching so many from home and attending even more in person, you get a real good idea of how things are planned out. The hype hits a little more than a month from the event, and then it's full-steam ahead for everyone. The show gets more expensive, bigger and louder with each passing year. Everyone attending is in a pissing match to see who can get their head and shoulders above the crowd. It's a constant battle to try and make your noise stand out from the constant drone.

This is what makes Nintendo's approach so fresh. I was worried when Nintendo announced that they wouldn't have a traditional press conference a few years back. Now I realize the decision really was a fantastic one. Nintendo has been honing what they do with their E3 press event and making sure it speaks to the important people. Yes, there will be demo booths at the show for press people to play newly revealed titles, but it's the people at home that really get the best show. From the digital event to treehouse live, it's about as close to wall-to-wall content a fan could hope for.

The other key difference is that Nintendo seems to remember something that hardly any other companies do. Nintendo likes to remind people that video games are about fun. I do indeed take gaming very seriously, but that's due to the fun and wonder I experience with them. Doesn't matter if I'm playing a serious title or a Mario Party. It's those smiles...those experiences I carry with me that mean something. Making games is serious business, but the games themselves are all about creating fun.

Maybe it has something to do with Nintendo's own games. Nintendo crafts games that create smiles. They are bright and colorful, fun and engaging. They want gameplay to speak first and want players to enjoy every single second of their experience. That really pours over into Nintendo's more recent approach to E3. It's not about who's loudest or biggest...who's the most mature or sophisticated. It's about being who you are and being proud of it. Nintendo is no doubt proud of all they've accomplished, and they recognize that while poking fun at themselves and the industry. The thing is, they do it out of love.

I don't know, maybe it's me just getting older. I'm tired of all the loud noises and explosions that are supposed to distract me from what's really going on. I'll play any type of game and potentially love any type of content, be it blood-soaked or family friendly. I'm just way past the point of where I need/want all the pomp and circumstance. I appreciate the lighthearted, fun and silly approach. Nintendo will certainly sneak in some more 'heavy' moments when showcasing games of a more serious tone, but it's the overall presentation that screams fun.

It seems like there are too many gamers worried about looking cool when talking about/playing games. Nintendo seems hell-bent on showing players that games should always be about fun, no matter what the age rating. Their E3 presence absolutely personifies who the company is. They march to the beat of their own drum, aren't afraid to be quirky and absolutely love doing special things for their fans. That's an approach I can really respect.