Nintendo will not host a "large-scale" press conference at this year's E3.
Nintendo will hold one closed event for American distributors, and another closed hands-on experience event for mainly Western media.
Iwata explained that the company feels that its regular Nintendo Direct internet broadcasts already satisfy the demand for new information on its upcoming games.
By holding separate, smaller meetings with distributors and media, he said, Nintendo hopes it will be able to deliver its messages more appropriately and effectively based on the various needs of different groups.
During the E3 period the company will hold special Nintendo Direct broadcasts dedicated to Japan and other audiences.
CVG understands that the company will use Nintendo Direct as the platform for a number of its big software announcements ahead of the traditional E3 week.
Iwata's full statement follows:
"In the past we invited reporters, investors and analysts, industry partners, such as software publishers, and distributors who attended E3 to our large-scale presentations. We also used them as a communication tool in which we broadcast our presentations on the Internet to reach out to video game fans around the globe. I believe that many are expecting us to host a similar event this year.
"On the other hand, since we set out on new endeavors such as Nintendo Direct two years ago in October, we have been paying special attention to the fact that different people demand different types of information from us. For example, as video game fans are looking for information about games, it seems that they are less interested in sales figures that investors and analysts on the other hand attach much greater importance to, and distribution partners are looking for information on how we are going to market our products in the immediate future.
"At previous financial briefing sessions we announced information about our products, showed videos and even uploaded the recording of these events onto our website, but given that we now have an established method such as Nintendo Direct, we feel that we will be able to deliver our messages more appropriately and effectively by doing so individually based on the various needs of different groups of people.
"At E3 this year, we are not planning to launch new hardware, and our main activity at E3 will be to announce and have people experience our software. Many people are certainly very interested in learning more about the Wii U titles that we are going to announce.
"We will use E3 as an ideal opportunity to talk in detail mainly about the Wii U titles that we are going to launch this year, and we also plan to make it possible for visitors to try the games immediately. As a brand new challenge, we are working to establish a new presentation style for E3.
"First, we decided not to host a large-scale presentation targeted at everyone in the international audience where we announce new information as we did in the past.
"Instead, at the E3 show this year, we are planning to host a few smaller events that are specifically focused on our software lineup for the U.S. market. There will be one closed event for American distributors, and we will hold another closed hands-on experience event, for mainly the Western gaming media. Also, I did not speak at last year's presentation, and I am not planning to speak at these events at the E3 show this year either.
"Apart from these exclusive events for visitors, we are continuing to investigate ways to deliver information about our games directly to our home audience around the time of E3. We will share more information about them once they have officially been decided.
"During the E3 period, we will utilize our direct communication tools, such as Nintendo Direct, to deliver information to our Japanese audience, including those who are at this financial briefing, mainly focusing on the software that we are going to launch in Japan, and we will take the same approach outside Japan for the overseas fans as well."
Comments
87 comments so far...
shiwayb on 25 Apr '13 said:
Microsoft and SONY will own E3, Nintendo has made a mistake to not try and challenge them at E3 and convince people to take the Wii U seriously.
I mean under powered hardware with no good games = fail.
ingy on 25 Apr '13 said:
I think this is a wise move for Nintendo, they were only going to get bitch slapped by the other two anyway, i seriously doubt they would have had anything to show unfortunately.
Madjeski on 25 Apr '13 said:
Read 'We don't actually have anything to show you apart from work art for Mario Kart 8 and Zelda' Oh and they probably ran out of pennies found under the sofa cushions so couldn't afford it...
Trolling is fun! But in all serious I like Nintendo, the 3DS is an amazing machine but still waiting on a price cut for the Wii U!
cult on 25 Apr '13 said:
Either they fear being drowned out by the others or and I believe this is the case have f**k all to announce.
DiamondDogs on 25 Apr '13 said:
You can see the future?
Send me the winning lotto numbers for the week starting May would you? I need a new pair of pants and they don't come cheap.
shellster2 on 25 Apr '13 said:
oh bugger.
justforkicks101 on 25 Apr '13 said:
its sad but im not even sure theyll be missed
runadumb on 25 Apr '13 said:
Isn't it like £200 now from HMV? How cheap do you want it?
Nintendo do run the risk of Sony and Microsoft burying them in mass media coverage by doing this. Them just BEING Nintendo might help them get more attention than they otherwise would though.
toaplan on 25 Apr '13 said:
So disappointing
People were getting their bodies ready already and now they cancel the big event. It's like they don't want to be part of the Big 3 anymore. Those prerecorded Nintendo directs are boring compared to the big annual live event. So what if the E3s have been a little awkward at times - it's only added to the charm. Very bad decision...
WHERESMYMONKEY on 25 Apr '13 said:
They are challenging MS and Sony, in fact what they're proposing is incredibly ballsey. They could of just gotten Reggie up on stage, showed off some high def Zelda, Mario, Smash Bros., Metroid and (if my prayers to several eldritch horrors have been answered) Eternal Darkness 2.
Taken a bow the usual people would go apes**t, the other whingers would continue to babble the usual Nintendo are doomed b*****ks and we'd all go on with our day.
Instead they're breaking down the conference into several smaller events all catered to specific audiences so they can control the flow of info better and serve each demographic they usually have to cater for with the big conference better.
Nintendo are throwing down the gauntlet by saying that the whole set up is wrong. They're not attacking they're consoles they're upturing the table of how E3 generally works.
MS and SOny will have one big thing to show off everything. Nintendo will be there on everyday and be everywhere.
Also by doing this they're getting people talking about them instead of the inevitable 720, ps4 stuff.
shiwayb on 25 Apr '13 said:
Not really,
If you think for one second Nintendo will get more coverage than the NextBoxt / PS4, you are mistaken!
MS and SONY will no doubt have some amazing games to show on some really good quality hardware. Nintendo will always be restricted as third party devs will have to highly scale down the games for the Wii U, naturally they will not want to focus on that version, just like the Wii versions never got shown officially at events / trailers because why would they? Of course developers would prefer to show 360/PS3 versions because they were the true quality versions.
Nintendo have just fragmented themselves tbh and it wasn't a good move and it pains me to see them constantly release outdated hardware at crazy prices.
moogiesboy on 25 Apr '13 said:
The Nintendo fun police. Cheif inspector Iwata strikes again.
Beetle Bum on 25 Apr '13 said:
I guess Nintendo is trying to isolate itself just like how North Korea is trying to isolate itself from the world
Madjeski on 25 Apr '13 said:
I would defiantly buy a premium for £200, but I never found it for £200 in HMV... It's currently £250 on Amazon etc and as soon as it drops another £50 I will pick one up.
Barry316 on 25 Apr '13 said:
Something something grumble grumble.
charliecheswick on 25 Apr '13 said:
Quite right too Nintendo! E3 is no longer for the gamer,it's all about the shareholders.
rustyrascal on 25 Apr '13 said:
nothing to show? Already announced: new mario, new mario kart, pikmin 3, bayonetta 2, X/Xenoblade 2, wind waker hd, smash bros u
Plus Retro have a new title thats been held back since the last show.
I'm not saying it's a great move by nintendo, i love the hype around the big shows. But it does have potential. No boring talk about sales etc, no potential on stage technical faults (like skyward swords showing).
The nintendo directs can give us all the game footage and announcements we need with less of the boring stuff. When you look at Sonys PS4 reveal in february there was plenty that could have been skipped. Brilliant hype after and plenty of good stuff, but how many of us weren't bored at least once and thinking 'Right get on to the next game?'
puddlejumper92 on 25 Apr '13 said:
Some of you are posting as if Nintendo won't be at E3 at all but if you READ the story it mentions that they will be there and they will announce stuff. The only thing they probably won't be doing is a whole song and dance on stage in front of a large audience. By not doing a large scale event they would probably save a lot of money too.
At E3 this year, we are not planning to launch new hardware, and our main activity at E3 will be to announce and have people experience our software. Many people are certainly very interested in learning more about the Wii U titles that we are going to announce.
ingy on 25 Apr '13 said:
No i can't see the future, hence the part where i wrote-'I THINK', maybe you should try it sometime.
Reegeee on 25 Apr '13 said:
God Dammit this E3 was shaping up to be one of the best in years too. Yes, I know they probably would've been drowned out by the other 2 console reveals, but if they had a load of decent games to spill it still would've been worth it. Though I would imagine most of the time would be dedicated to WiiFitU anyway I suppose so maybe no great loss.
They are scared of the mainstream media I reckon. They don't want them to say Nintendo are being left behind cos they didn't show a new machine and all that. Look how the mainstream media reacted after Sony announced the PS4 without actually showing the machine! They are scoundrels.
buffig on 25 Apr '13 said:
I think you'll find it's all about the gamer. Who on this forum is not completely excited for E3 every year. This year more than most. The 8 million people who tuned in live to see the PS4 unveiled should tell you that gamers find conferences like this very compelling. It is for precisely this reason that Nintendo will not be presenting. Nintendo's problem is not in reaching the hardcore gamer, it's letting the layman know what the Wii U is and why they should own one. The people who sit around me now at work all think the Wii U is a "Stupid add-on thing for the Wii".
dmanning on 25 Apr '13 said:
Will missed Nintendo's E3 conference as always look forward to watching them but it's not the end of the world and maybe doing the "smaller events" will pay off (time will tell). I wasn't impressed by Sony's PS4 event in Feb, games were the same, just slightly prettier graphics (which PC owners already have). Nextbox will most likely be the same as the PS4 with only the exclusives to separate them.
WHERESMYMONKEY on 25 Apr '13 said:
You are talking about nintendo right now. Not the fact that MS are about to show off the 720 in little over a month. Everyone's talking about Nintendo ditching their press conference when they would otherwise be getting excited about the 720. It's already working.
Also on the wii front. The wii had plenty of decent third party titles, whats more they were pretty much all exclusives. Then you lump on top of that the guarenteed quality of every nintendo title and the wii had some pretty fantastic games.
Also better graphics doesn't equal quality. Funnily enough most of the games that got ported to the ps3 from the wii were still better on the wii. The only exception being HOTD OVerkill purely because it had more content.
Nintendo are still going to be at E3 and rather than just showing a bunch of trailers i bet they'll have hands on demos for pretty much everything they bring. Its one thing to go hey look at these cool trailers its far more column inches and impressive to be able to hand someone a gamepad and go. Here play it.
ricflair on 25 Apr '13 said:
There hasn't been anything really exciting at E3 for a few years for me, but I don't know how this will fair - it certainly gives plenty of ammo for the doom sayers though! Announcements during the E3 conference will still generate publicity, but I don't think any game release can really stand up against a new console release in terms of publicity, apart from maybe the games that go in tandem with the new consoles.
I do like the Nintendo Directs though. Anything is better than most of the crap that goes on on stage at E3, hyping stuff to the American market, but the games need to be announced and presented well. If the mainstream media said Nintendo were being left behind because they didn't show a new console, then there's not a lot they can do seeing as they've already released one! Although that really reflects how badly they did at showing off the Wii U at previous E3s and supporting the Wii U announcements with a bunch of great games - they've definitely used Nintendo Direct for that.
I think they'll still have a big presence on the show floor, with games for people to play, just not the big press conference to watch. If they don't then they'll be a bit mental!
paperywhiteboy on 25 Apr '13 said:
My brother picked up the Premium flavour with ZombiU for £200 on the nose there last week. Maybe your local was just out of stock.
cult on 25 Apr '13 said:
StonecoldMC on 25 Apr '13 said:
That's the nail on the head Ric, that's the future of how they engage with us.
Nintendo walk there own path.
AndyR on 25 Apr '13 said:
Right lads, own up - which one of you is Mr. Iwata?
http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/library ... 25/02.html
Metagen on 25 Apr '13 said:
Are you really trying to use the fact that people are talking about Nintendo ditching it's E3 conference on a news story about Nintendo ditching it's E3 conference as a sign that it's a smart move and will generate more buzz than the usual big show they do? Of course people will be talking about it here but it'll be forgotten rather quickly and it'll be an "Oh yeah, I forgot Ninty aren't doing a big show this year. Oh well, bring on the nextbox and PS4" by the time E3 rolls around.
This is Nintendo running scared and bowing out of the main show in an attempt to save face because they can't compete with the competion this year and perhaps not wanting to have their entire show glossed over by the press. That's understandable but it doesn't make this a wise move by a long shot. Let's not forget that the Wii U can hardly generate a positive buzz as it is without having to compete against 2 new, just announced, significantly more powerful and better connected next-gen consoles with much more functionality than the Wii U.
As for Wii ports always being better on the Wii I can think of 2 more off the top of my head that were better when ported. Dead Space: Extraction and Okami HD (I'm sure there are probably more).
If you think Nintendo will be the only ones with demos you are more than likely going to be very wrong but time will tell on this one. Don't forget that there will probably be some new PS3 and Xbox360 games announced too. Either way, I think the PS4 and Durango will get much more coverage even if they had 0 demos to show. I'm disappointed that Nintendo have stepped down from the main event but I can't blame them based on how competitive E3 can get, especially with the help of the media. Oh well, It was probably just going to be more of the same now with added gimmick anyway.
FishyGinger on 25 Apr '13 said:
That sounds like a Stealth edit if ever I heard it. You are a bunch of rascals though, I can feel the nintendo hatred radiating out of you. Anti nintendo fanboys!
liam_langan93 on 25 Apr '13 said:
Surely I'm not the only person who thinks they can no longer hold their own against Sony & Microsoft
DiamondDogs on 25 Apr '13 said:
You made a statement saying you seriously doubt they've anything to show at E3 and that they "WERE" going to get "bitch slapped" by Sony and MS anyway.
Take your own advice and "think" if you're capable.
What's your favorite food? Window liquorice?
Zellpunch on 25 Apr '13 said:
Thank you Nintendo !!
But our conference is in another Castle......
runadumb on 25 Apr '13 said:
Quickly CVG, do a "Wii U is doomed" article see what happens
360_Fan on 25 Apr '13 said:
But the ninbreads have been telling us for months to wait for E3. Now it's Nintendo direct? what if we don't have a Nintendo?
justforkicks101 on 25 Apr '13 said:
stealth on 25 Apr '13 said:
its a good move for them
rick on 25 Apr '13 said:
Poor old Nintendo aren't really being fairly represented here.
The way I see it, they have already released their WiiU and now that's done we need to see games which is exactly what they are looking to do this E3. Having a large scale press conference would be pointless and ultimately disappointing. So long as they are showing a reasonable amount of decent games their job is done.
The flip side of this is that they are never going to get the attention this year in the face of Sony and MS' new consoles. The sad and paradoxical thing is that though the WiiU is new, come E3 it will be regarded as old hat.
schubacca on 25 Apr '13 said:
Nintendo sees the writing on the wall.
They know that they cannot go head to head with MS or Sony. So they tactically withdraw so that comparisons cannot be made. The problem is the Internet.
Comparisons are as simple as opening two browser windows and comparing the graphics of the systems. I understand that gameplay is king.... but still...
schubacca on 25 Apr '13 said:
Yeah, but in all fairness, the Wii U did not blow away the gaming world at last year's E3....
DoomGuy84 on 25 Apr '13 said:
Hmmm seems a strange decision imo, E3 has always been the biggest event of the year in videogames so why Nintendo want to distance themselves from it i dont know? Its like a Premier League football club saying to the media "Right guys, we're not having any more press conferences to unveil our new signings, we'll just release a video on youtube for you"
fatgangsta on 25 Apr '13 said:
There saying more or less "Where not doing large scale E3 and doing smaller presentations because we don't have much to say" NO killer games = what the console is now a pricey paper weight
FishyGinger on 25 Apr '13 said:
It makes perfect sense to me. They're aren't really competing directly with the other 2, they haven't for awhile now. The big reveals are obviously going to be the consoles so they'll get less attention. Having their own mini shows keeps attention on them for those that want it.
So I can see the advantage from a business sense. No killer games are going to compete with new consoles so why bother competing directly.
The_KFD_Case on 25 Apr '13 said:
Translation summary: Nintendo can't compete effectively toe-to-toe with Microsoft and Sony any more.
I suspect Nintendo have little to show for E3, and thus rather than face the likely unfavourably direct side-by-side comparisons with Microsofts' and Sony's next gen consoles, are avoiding embarrassment by withdrawing. This may not be an entirely bad idea, though it does leave E3 wide-open for MS and Sony.
sbradley88 on 25 Apr '13 said:
That's Iwata-San to you!
Oh wait, I mean erm... That guy over there *points*
DoomGuy84 on 25 Apr '13 said:
Hmmm i dont know, maybe its just the thought of not seeing Reggie on stage for an hour that disappoints me
Zaphod_B on 25 Apr '13 said:
I can confirm *raises hands* DIRECTLY to you that I am not Iwata-San.
squiddly on 25 Apr '13 said:
Sony and Microsoft are going to show some big hitters.........I cant wait to see peoples faces when the same old sequels are dragged out. Hell they even did it with the PS4 announcement. Another Killzone, another Infamous. Microsoft will do the same. Until they say what is day one launch and none of this "launch window" bull then calm down and wait for E3. Remember last years E3 all three console makers failed and UBISOFT won.
KK-Headcharge78 on 25 Apr '13 said:
Are these the same sequels which sell millions and provide arguably the majority of enjoyment for gamers today?
You are right they need to go........
MattyR95 on 25 Apr '13 said:
They're doing nothing to help themselves, are they? Wii U seems poorly thought out at the moment and no E3/smaller E3 or whatever, wont change minds.
delmariachi on 25 Apr '13 said:
In the same way we will get another Mario Kart, Mario, Kirby, Donkey Kong, Zelda, StarWing etc etc... Been gaming since the Binatone and Game n Watch days and every generation of Nintendo console pushes (eventually) the same old sequels. Oh and i forgot Mario Party, Golf, Tennis.... I agree that Sony and MS are just as culpable with rehashes as its the way the business has gone, but don't try and muddy the water by saying Nintendo don't do this either, its also wanting to make money from successful IP's too.
I honestly hope they do succeed with the Wii U after a somewhat sticky start, competition in gaming terms is never a bad thing. However from what I've seen (and played) over the past months since release, it needs to pull its finger out pronto or be swept away under the wave of MS and Sony hysteria. No matter how well a console is advertised or indeed specced, its the games that matter, and without the "oh my god" innovation of a "wii" it needs even more to hold its own, especially in the culture of now, now, I want it yesterday!
Yes, good things come to those that wait, but how long should you reasonably be expected to?
DiamondDogs on 25 Apr '13 said:
Hardware means nothing without the software to back it up. If they announce the usual Mario games, Zelda, Donkey Kong and a few others that have been forgotten like Star Fox then they'll get peoples attention.
sammikid on 25 Apr '13 said:
Exactly.
Funny thing is, they're not even sequels, they only belong to the same franchise.
I loved the Infamous games (Infamous 2 was brilliant) and can't wait for second son.
They only released two games from each franchise during the entirety of this generation.... whats the big deal?
squiddly on 25 Apr '13 said:
Are these the same sequels which sell millions and provide arguably the majority of enjoyment for gamers today?
You are right they need to go........
Exactly.
Funny thing is, they're not even sequels, they only belong to the same franchise.
I loved the Infamous games (Infamous 2 was brilliant) and can't wait for second son.
They only released two games from each franchise during the entirety of this generation.... whats the big deal?
Yes but look at Assassins creed for instance. 6 games in 5 years and they all play the same. But look at the difference between Super Mario World, Mario 64, Mario Sunshine, Mario Galaxy. They ALL play completely different and they do not come out every year like the game of this generation. Another example is COD, 7 games in 7 years and the campaigns are the same.
The Drunken Spy on 25 Apr '13 said:
It's a sensible move by Nintendo. Why waste time and money on big announcements when they're bound to be drowned out by the PS4 and new Xbox no matter what. I just hope they do have some nice new titles to announce at E3 itself, Lord knows the Wii U needs them.
squiddly on 25 Apr '13 said:
And if you keep up with the times you will know that sequels are killing the industry and sales are down. We need new IP's but the money people are not interested in innovating. The amount of money that COD makes and every year and its still a single player campaign. How can gears of war do 4-player co-op and epic makes a fraction of what activision makes. All I am saying is people that discount Nintendo in favour of PS4 and new XBOX don't know anything about the industry. I have all consoles and play 360 the most but have a wii U for the exclusives. I guarantee that if the PS4 fails it will be sonys last console. Microsoft can afford to wait out sony. Nintendo's handhelds and first party IP's will see them around as long as consoles are.
runadumb on 25 Apr '13 said:
Look at New super mario bros, 4 games with as little innovation as possible. Sure it was neat going back to 2D mario goodness but 4 games is really taking the p**s. Especially when one of them is the launch game for your new home console.
I would LOVE Nintendo to blow the doors off with a brand new, game changing 3D Mario I just don't know if they are capable anymore.
squiddly on 25 Apr '13 said:
I do agree with you there. I did not think it was like Nintendo to do that. Yes they like to make money but not re-hash to obviously with little or no innovation.
alan666 on 25 Apr '13 said:
this doesn't sound very good
stealth on 25 Apr '13 said:
The directs are better than any presser in the last 3 years.........
many of those combined with more demos, events for media, ect?
thats the best thing.
dwhlufc on 25 Apr '13 said:
I distinctly remember you saying that Nintendo would own E3 this year and overshadow the PS4/720 reveals by showing a new Zelda and 3D Mario.
Still want to stick with that?
El Mag on 25 Apr '13 said:
One of the reasons could just be to avoid revealing stats and sales for the Wii U. Might just be thinking it's not worth the hassle.
ilovenewtech on 25 Apr '13 said:
Hi my super awesome fellow forum posters hope you are all feeling groovy on this gorgeous day.
Ok I am probably going to sound like a troll though I do not mean too but at the moment Nintendo have really lost there way and suck. The company whose games I grew up playing just do not seem to have direction anymore. Personally I think Iwata and the rest of the top management need to go and be replaced with a younger more dynamic focused team.
Honestly, console wise the last great machine they produced was the N64. The GameCube was cool but did not offer anything groundbreaking hardware or software wise in my opinion. The wii and the wii U are both a decade behind technology wise which like it or not stops 3rd party developers porting games over. But we have great 1st party support the fanboys yell. Well where is it? I would love to want a Nintendo console again and was looking to get a wii U at launch but man am I glad I didn't.
Nintendo need to make some new ip's too. I am not a huge Mario fan anymore but the games mechanics are sound. But dude is that one stale game character. If the only way for NIntendo to sell games is to strap Mario or Link to to the game really there problems are bigger than anyone realises. And just for a change make an ip that does not remind me of the the cartoons my toddler son watches on a Saturday morning. FYI ZombiU, loved it. Was not 1st party though was it.
As for pulling out of E3, what a bunch of tarts they have made themselves look. The wii U has been out roughly 6 months E3 is every year how can they not be prepared seriously which the only other plausible reason they have pulled out is because there nappies or diapers are full to the brim. E3 is a big deal in this industry.
As for the fanboys if this was Sony or Microsoft you know you would be slaughtering the company and fans but because its Nintendo you will give them a pass no matter how badly the company treats you. Nintendo have botched the wii U its a decade old technology. Not one killer title 6 months in. A barren release schedule. Pulling out of E3 due to that barren schedule. To top it off all the fanboys that were stating wait until E3 then Nintendo will show Sony and Microsoft up with its awesome first party titles, well what do you think of your own previous statements now. Where are these awesome games. Stop defending them just because they are Nintendo and take a stand against this sloppiness. Vote with your wallet or wright a strongly worded email telling them to pull there fist out of there butt's.
Yes I'm annoyed not because I take pleasure in watching Nintendo fall but because they once ruled gaming with an iron fist. Now the only thing they seem to get right is the handheld market which putting smartphones/tablets aside has very little competition. Yes the Vita is a lovely piece of kit but Sony have dropped the ball software and price wise.
Sony and Microsoft seem intent on going for the casual market as well which is why I have opted to spend a small fortune on a gaming pc. Gaming in its purest form. Nobody trying to force gimmicks and crap down my throat, it's so refreshing. I will get a next gen console for exclusives, not sure which one yet depends who is more core focused but it definitely will not be a console who insides are a decade old.
R.I.P Nintendo, you no longer cater to my gaming needs.
Super awesome cake and ice cold fizzy pop for everybody yeah!!!!!
To the most frustrating video game company yeah!!!!!
Mmmmgrolsch on 25 Apr '13 said:
That's some mighty fine innovation Ninty, you're paving the way for everyone else. This can only be a good thing Ninty, why would anyone think not having a E3 conference due to nothing to show be a bad thing?
MD1500 on 25 Apr '13 said:
It's a ballsy move, for sure, but E3 is increasingly irrelevant in an online world, and for me as a UK based consumer, the only difference is replacing watching an E3 stream with a Nintendo Direct stream.
In many ways, I've seen this coming for a long time. The 3DS XL was revealed in a Nintendo Direct two weeks after E3.
It isn't just Nintendo that think this way. Look at Sony and Microsoft - both have chosen to unveil their console in their own time, at their own events - in other words, not at E3.
And it's not like ND doesn't get coverage. Bravely Default coming to the west trended worldwide on Twitter. Bayonetta 2 being Wii U exclusive resulted in acres of coverage, death threats and forums crying bitter, salty tears.
With Nintendo Direct, Nintendo has declared E3 "last gen".
ilovenewtech on 25 Apr '13 said:
Much super awesomeness to you my super awesome fellow forum poster but I smell excuses.
Have a piece of my super awesome cake!!!!!
GlynCR on 25 Apr '13 said:
Good!! Nintendo have crap e3 conferences imo last years was god awful when they had something to show off and with ps4/neXtBox being shown cant see them having an impact unless they show a new mario, zelda, metriod, smash bros and hopefully eternal darkness 2 oh and a wiiU pokemon would be good and maybe a new kirby but maybe im asking alot lol :
Gameoholic007 on 26 Apr '13 said:
Wow, this is a first, but at the same time, a shame. The Wii U could have been better if Nin planned their moves better, and went a little higher in spec terms of hardware. Nin really screwed themselves over with this console, but hopefully they can bounce back from this in the long run.
KippDynamite on 26 Apr '13 said:
An odd choice, but understandable. I don't know how much a large 2 hour E3 press conference costs, but I imagine it is a crapload. Why spend the money just to have the internet kick your teeth in for 6 years like they have with Sony E3 2006?
If I had a Wii U I would be pretty annoyed that they haven't been preparing, though.
Balladeer on 26 Apr '13 said:
As someone who has loved the recent Nintendo Directs and was thoroughly disappointed by the last E3, I don't see this as a bad thing. Apart from anything else, NDs happen every other month or so, meaning that Nintendo will have to keep announcing new games.
Haven't read most of the comments, but I am assuming knee-jerk reactions from a lot of people? Maybe a couple of "Nintendo is on the way out"s?
ricflair on 26 Apr '13 said:
That seems to be the opinion across forums I've read balla. Nobody knows it's true though - if we get loads of games from E3 without the rubbish main presentation, then great. The presentation is really only there for the attendees and corporate b*****ks - it's a video to everyone else, that could be done in a much better way, without all the nonsense - the only good thing about it is the crowd reaction when something really great comes up. And to be honest the crowd is American, and they get whooped up at the drop of a hat!
I think Nintendo will have a s**t load of games to push. I think they need to push them in a way that pleases retailers and third parties though, as I think they both want to see Nintendo are getting behind the console.
I'm not sure why people assume Nintendo have nothing to show. What about the games they need to release and sell if the console is to sort itself out? If they show nothing, they're mental. I don't think Nintendo are that mental. If they did a Nintendo Direct a week before E3 and showed everything there, I wouldn't give two s**ts. It wouldn't change the games, or what's coming. And I'd rather get the info from Iwata and Miyamoto than Reggie.
Balladeer on 26 Apr '13 said:
3D Mario and Mario Kart are definites. SSB is meant to be there in video form too. Frankly, that'd be enough for me, but I think we'll see more. So I don't get the "what if they have no games?" point either.
I'd miss the one-liners from Reggie though. "I feel like a purple Pikmin." Genius!
toaplan on 26 Apr '13 said:
E3 is also covered every year by the mainstream media - it's the annual big event that gets mass attention, sort of like what the Oscars are for movies. I think E3 has been and still is very beneficial for increasing awareness of video games in general. Also, because it's a live event, it helps to make the presentations more lively and energetic, compared to the robotic and dull prerecorded Nintendo infomercials.
It's Nintendo's loss if they suffer from stage fright and don't show up at the main event.
ilovenewtech on 26 Apr '13 said:
Morning my super awesome forum poster hope you are feeling cool.
Unfortunately Nintendo need more than just your approval of 2 demos and a video and need to entice the mainstream to sell the wiiU. Even if they don't hold E3 in high regard a LOT of other people do from industry types to consumers. So either they have a problem getting the software out there or it's typical NIntendo blind arrogance. They are not alone both Sony and Microsoft do this but I would argue NIntendo have to win back a certain demographic that feels that Nintendo has abandoned them for a while now.
And honestly where are the games that make people want to buy a wiiU. This was an oppotunity missed to reach more people. They should have done the main stage and the small gigs they are talking about, it's sales 1-0-1. Six months in no console has ever been amazing schedule wise but this is the worst so far for lack of games. What happend to all the third party support they claimed to have at launch? Was that a lie?
They have missed a great oppotunity to prove the naysayers wrong which is a poor business descion, they missed out on greater exposure. Please do not give them a free pass on this embarrassing mess. We would all shout if it was MIcrosoft or Sony.
Go team awesome cake for everybody YEAH!!!!!
ricflair on 26 Apr '13 said:
Stage fright? Is that what it is? I wasn't aware. I guess one man's lively and energetic is another man's loud and crass mainstream nonsense.
Software simply doesn't get the main stream media coverage. You'll get little bits of the tech sections on some sites like Metro or Guardian covering it, but the mainstream sites barely mention the games at all.
If the games are announced at E3, then they're announced. They don't need to be announced on a live stage show.
Balladeer on 26 Apr '13 said:
Afternoon ilovenewtech, hope you are feeling icy as well.
Despite being a fanboy, I don't care that much about what Nintendo needs. This is necessarily selfish, but I care about what I need/want. While I understand that Nintendo as a company would benefit from a showing at E3 (possibly: it's going to be tough going up against Sony and MS directly this year regardless of software, unless both cock it up), I'd much rather have the ND showings - all the information with none of the hype. If Nintendo do indeed go under, then that's a bad thing for me, and indeed for any gamer who enjoys their work. But I don't think they will, regardless of this decision.
What might send them under would be an undershowing of games, at E3 or around E3 time. If they did that, I'd be the first to cry about it. But I doubt that will happen. For the Nintendo faithful, those demos will be enough, and I imagine they'd do some decent work on the share price, E3 or no E3. Nor do I think those games will be all we get.
Finally, a "hands-on" event for the Western media was promised. Nintendo's games often play better than they look, especially up against PS4/Durango technology, so this might work in their favour, media-wise. Like I say, I'm not too concerned about that - and you, my fellow super-happy gamer, shouldn't be either! You'll know to follow the Nintendo Directs, and learn about any great things that may or may not (but should) come to pass, even if some of the media don't.
Cake for all.
toaplan on 26 Apr '13 said:
Come on, even the BBC covers it every year...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/c ... 726870.stm
HelloLadies on 26 Apr '13 said:
Sounds like Nintendo is trying to avoid getting in to absolutely any competition with Sony or Microsoft.
ricflair on 26 Apr '13 said:
Click Online? Really? The two minute roundup that featured pretty much no gameplay footage whatsoever of an event that goes on for a few days, and with no footage of the actual presentations that we're talking about? Am at work, so can't listen to it, but if that's the mainstream coverage, it's certainly no big loss. I'd class that as 'barely' mentioning it, and the BBC are the definition of mainstream media in the UK.
But I can't be f**ked to get in to the argument about it. It might be good, it might be bad. It's certainly not definitely bad.
toaplan on 26 Apr '13 said:
The link I posted was just an example of the BBC's coverage of last year's show.
The "Click Online" E3 page has several video reports, including:
"E3: What lies ahead for Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo"
"E3: Is cloud gaming the future?"
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/c ... 726910.stm
Elsewhere on the site, there are lots of other articles about the 2012 show, including...
Nintendo unveils first Wii U games including 'hardcore' titles
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-18334462
E3: Playstation gets augmented reality Harry Potter book
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-18327724
E3: Samsung signs Smart TV cloud gaming deal with Gaikai
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-18336427
"E3: Xbox SmartGlass links Microsoft's console to tablets"
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-18325815
"In pictures: E3 shows off latest video games"
http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/18337662
etcetera... But I'll give you that "stage fright" wasn't the best expression to describe the possible reasons for Nintendo's no-show. A better expression to use in this case would have been "not having the b**ls"
ilovenewtech on 26 Apr '13 said:
I really would not put it past Sony and Microsoft to completely cock up the shows and the next gen launches. This is a time when Nintendo need to go on the attack and to do it very publicly. They need centre stage to shout the virtues of the wii U something they have even admitted they didn't do right for the beginning. The majority of people who already watch ND are already sold on Nintendo products, it's the rest of us who don't that Nintendo should be targeting.
And I understand you care about what you want but to be able to sustain giving you what you want regularly you need the rest of us on board. Why aren't Nintendo doing Nintendo Direct and E3 main stage and the little shows. They should also be all over TV, magazines and news papers. I know what you are thinking. You are thinking all over TV and magazines with what? And there lies the problem. A lack of first and third party software.
Iwata recently stated that people think the wii U is a controller for the wii among other things. Why are they not using this opportunity to set the record straight. This is not Nintendo bashing its common sense. More competition is better for all of us. That's all I want.
Go team competition!!!!!
ricflair on 26 Apr '13 said:
They definitely don't want to go up against new hardware, it just can't compete! The thing is Nintendo should have been on the other end of this position in 2012 and 2011, but f**ked it up!
Balladeer on 27 Apr '13 said:
I'll agree that Nintendo's marketing machine is hugely lacking. Whether they do it via E3, or via some other way, they need to get the message out. I think the software will come, as I said before, but they need to get it into, if not the public eye, then the eye of those who care.
I guess we'll see if they manage to do that anyway! Time will tell.
Jarmez on 27 Apr '13 said:
People need to remember that E3 is mainly for shareholders, investors and the media. By having separate events for each type of audience, it takes away the unnecessary things and gives each of them what they want to hear. Fans won't want to hear about sales figures and business information, they'll want to see and hear about games (and consoles whenever applicable), so Nintendo Direct will be fine for fans.
Nintendo won't be completely out of E3, they're just having separate smaller events, so they won't need a massive stage. The media will still be able to see/hear and report games, not to mention get to try demos for upcoming games (Mario Kart, Mario 3D, etc). I must admit that I'll miss the Nintendo E3 events, but this might be for the best. PS4 and Xbox 3 would've cast a large shadow over Nintendo's E3 event anyway.
That's just my opinion anyway.
Gemini40 on 28 Apr '13 said:
Surprising move. Almost seems like Nintendo are throwing the towel in already.
andy3050 on 29 Apr '13 said:
Hmmm how long before Nintendo pull a Sega and bow out of the console business?
As much as I'd hate to see them go it seems to me that they are bleeding money at the moment. While they are easily the market leaders in the handheld market they are even starting to loose that market to phones.
IMO they could become a huge success if they could concentrate on software, they could even be faithful to their Japanese roots and become a Sony exclusive developer which would benefit the console side as well if they were to work together on innovative ideas.
Even with Nintendos success with the wii, i think we could be seeing the start of the end of the company we currently know and love.
Barca Azul on 29 Apr '13 said:
I think last year did more damage than good to be honest and the direct stuff seems to work better.