GDC '08: Miyamoto's scale spawned Wii Fit

Fitness-focused game stemmed from Shigeru Miyamoto, says game's balance board developer; game now sold more than 1.4 million units in Japan.

SAN FRANCISCO--Wii Fit--the upcoming Wii game that comes with its own balance board and a set of exercises--has already been a massive hit in Japan, with Nintendo finally confirming that the title would reach US shores on May 19 and Europe on April 25. Apparently, health-conscious gamers have none other than Nintendo icon Shigeru Miyamoto to thank for the upcoming game--or more specifically, Miyamoto's quirky habit of having fun when weighing himself.

In an enlightening speech at GDC yesterday, the game's peripheral developer Takao Sawano took the audience through the history of Wii Fit's balance board and unveiled that plans for a Wii-based fitness game was thought up very early in the console's development and not as a reaction to the success of other titles, such as Wii Sports. He showed a slide of what was apparently Miyamoto's early concepts for the Wii, which dictated that some sort of health game was a requirement for the upcoming console.

"At the time, Mr. Miyamoto said that he has fun just weighing himself and collecting his weight data, so this idea is bound to lead to something interesting," Sawano, speaking through an interpreter, said. "He wanted to incorporate that ritual of weighing himself into a Wii game."

Sawano said despite Miyamoto's enthusiasm, the team had doubts about the viability of the project. "There's something Mr. Miyamoto says to staff members with a weakened outlook on their projects. And that is developers must always approach their projects with the belief that they are selling a million seller. Otherwise, the end result will be something that's average at best," he said.

Sawano also unveiled many other tidbits about the development of the balance board. For example, the concept of having several weight sensors on the balance board apparently came to Sawano after he noticed that sumo wrestlers have to weigh themselves on two separate scales because of their large weight. This gave him the idea of initially having two sensors, which could detect left and right movement, with the final product having four in total, which can detect forward and back motions as well. Also, this very new piece of Nintendo technology apparently has some old tech in it. Specifically, Nintendo has used the same type of rotary encoders found in Nintendo 64 controllers in the new balance boards.

Sawano also unveiled the latest Japanese sales figures for Wii Fit. As of last weekend, the game had sold more than 1.4 million units in Nintendo's home country.

67 Comments

  • flip13lolb

    Posted Feb 25, 2008 12:39 pm PT

    300 pound limit...LOL this is funny not that many fat people can become fit now

  • V-Nine

    Posted Feb 24, 2008 11:07 am PT

    ... when last I heard 68% of Americans are overweight (I'm not in that percentage HAHAHAHAHAH) ahem...how many lawsuits are going to arise about people breaking that board and blaming Nintendo for shoddy workmanship. I doubt the thing can handle the weight of criuseships.

  • TheBrownBlazer

    Posted Feb 23, 2008 5:54 pm PT

    I would never of guessed that miyamoto made this game lol. When is this guy ever going to make a game that is not a million seller. Game Creation is in this guys dna.

  • GAMEZNOW23

    Posted Feb 22, 2008 7:13 pm PT

    It'd be great if Nintendo would actually give me a game to you know.. actually PLAY..

    It's a cool idea and all, but when you base your entire E3 press conference around it, well.. it's just not gonna work out for you..

  • animegamer016

    Posted Feb 22, 2008 7:10 pm PT

    Ready to work out and stay fit!!=)

  • Akatsuki398

    Posted Feb 22, 2008 6:08 pm PT

    A fun way to work out and stay healthy.Great idea.This is pretty much like Wii sports or Eye Toy Kinetic

  • Fake_Sketch

    Posted Feb 22, 2008 4:03 pm PT

    its interesting as all the post on every news end in moral debates, fanboy wars, etc, just like this one

  • Lord_Regnier

    Posted Feb 22, 2008 1:26 pm PT

    Good news. I'm glad Nintendo are trying more health/learning oriented games.

  • matrixman2k

    Posted Feb 22, 2008 1:18 pm PT

    This is for = @ ScorpiusSnake

    Dang, this guy gets sacked for stuffing his face with doughnuts while on the job and he tries to take it out on my man Miyamoto... Come on who cares what some nobody says. As far as i'm concerned you need to show your qualifications (a degree son) otherwise, it's best to stay silent. As you don't qualify, and my own C.V is full of places previously worked - so what, time goes on and you go from strength to strength and move up the ladder! You understand?

    So grow up and learn to live yourself and don't commit suicide... Yeah anyway, think i've wasted too much of my time.

  • drewciferpike

    Posted Feb 22, 2008 10:31 am PT

    @ ScorpiusSnake

    Stop. Take a deep breath. Release your breath slowly, and let the dark nasties out with it... Dude, you need to seriously chill. Really.

    It's all fine and good that you worked for Nintendo. Awesome. Good job. Here's your cookie. Now that that's out of the way, why should that in any way add credence to your vitriolic raving? Did you work with Shig? Did you spend time in upper-management planning sessions, enabling you to base your statements in anything resembling fact? I'll assume that everyone reading these posts understands that Nintendo is a corporation, and corporations are always infused with BS. It's just the way of the world. But, just because someone's vision and creative input is altered by the needs of the corporation by the time it hits market doesn't make that person or their creativity any less interesting or valid. In other words, don't knock what you really know nothing about.

    I have no issues with people debating esoteric things, but being nasty just because you've got your own problems to iron out is immature, and such mental effluvia just doesn't belong in a forum like this. In the end, does the Wii Fit really affect your life in any substantial way (especially if you don't purchase a unit)?

  • Stabby

    Posted Feb 22, 2008 4:18 am PT

    I wonder if he does do the weighing? If so stop it all ready and give something back to the loyal hardcore Nintendo fanbase! We hate the casual market!

    Maybe this is why SSBB got delayed?

  • ScorpiusSnake posted Feb 21, 2008 8:36 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    ScorpiusSnake

    Posted Feb 21, 2008 8:36 pm PT (hide)

    @BasementGamer

    When I see someone with a stupid smug expression on their face, I tend to want to sock them one.... and especially after having worked for N and knowing the BS that goes on over there.... Sorry, I can't respect this man anymore.

    And there's nothing ignorant about what I said in relation to Ocarina--- it's my opinion.... you do know what that means, don't you? "To actually have an opinion?" Oh, let me guess you're one of those people who enjoys being told what to think. Besides, try telling someone who only prefers "sports games, or racing games" that Ocarina is the "BEst Game Ever0rz".

    But that's okay.... just keep on dancing, monkey.

  • HighlyToxic

    Posted Feb 21, 2008 8:27 pm PT

    People are reading too much into this: It's just a game. For those who are concerned that this will negativity impact people with eating disorders, weight-obsessions, etc.--well, let's face it, those people already have issues and need to confront them. They've had problems before this game, and they'll have problems long after this game. They need to deal with it, and society shouldn't blame a game for their problems. Here is a game with good intentions to get people fit. I'll admit that I was one of the people who thought the Wii was a fad. But now that I've realized how Nintendo is positioning their console for the mainstream, and how they are motivating people to get off their couch and be active, I know that the Wii is a good thing. So, I hope you guys get fit and healthy, whatever you do.

  • uklegendkiller

    Posted Feb 21, 2008 8:23 pm PT

    @ScorpiusSnake:

    I can't believe what i just read this has to be one of the worst posts I've ever read here on gamespot, how can you diss miyamoto like that? Everything he's ever done has been ground breaking from the basic to all out mind blowing and to want to know something he has not once took all the credit when i'm sure he could have easily to him it's a thankless job.
    As for Ocarina of Time a LOT of people me included think this is the best Zelda game ever created, he has never came out and said such a thing himself, you seriously need to sit down and work your issues out or maybe your just Jealous, or not a gamer.

  • nintendorocks

    Posted Feb 21, 2008 8:08 pm PT

    Miyamoto has some strange hobbies.

  • Great_Ragnarok

    Posted Feb 21, 2008 8:04 pm PT

    lol only Miyamoto san can sell 1.4 million weight scales for 81$ each!!!! ROFLLMAO!!! The mans a genius!!!

  • LordSpleach

    Posted Feb 21, 2008 8:02 pm PT

    Miyamoto has the most random inspirations, and that makes him GOD!

  • xblane

    Posted Feb 21, 2008 5:46 pm PT

    Australian release date anyone?

  • nate1222

    Posted Feb 21, 2008 5:02 pm PT

    BMI is tricky. Because muscle weighs more than fat. I can imagine a body builder being told he's fat because he weighs alot. WiiFit has the potential to miscalculate these things. Doctors should decide.

    Nonetheless, Miyamoto is the 'George Washington Carver' of video games. He takes everyday things and creates inovative tech out of them. Miyamoto and Carver would have liked eachother.

  • gamecubepad

    Posted Feb 21, 2008 4:50 pm PT

    I don't think the average person needs a doctor to tell whether they are fat or not. Just reach down and grab the bottom of your belly. Shake it up and down a bit. If you get a handful or look like a water-bed then you are fat, aka have fat stuck on your insides.

  • litewo

    Posted Feb 21, 2008 4:40 pm PT

    "No this actually tells you your BMI or Boddy Mass Index, It will let you know if you are obease, Over weight, Ideal weight, or Underweight."

    It may tell you your BMI, but I sure as hell hope it doesn't say whether you're obese or overweight. Those are judgments best left to one's doctor.

  • Shtinky

    Posted Feb 21, 2008 4:38 pm PT

    I thought that was common knowledge now, that miyamoto had a big part in its development? no? you lot are slow.

  • bamf03

    Posted Feb 21, 2008 4:13 pm PT

    @prioritymail.
    I agree that its a sort of product that people want to try but not keep at it. So many millions of people say they want to lose weight and many try but how many give up before the week is over? It doesn't matter how effective a product is, if you give up the work out then there's no point. Real outdoor activities are proper workouts and miles more fun, but they don't do it because it requires you to actually get active and use some stamina. No offence but when a obese person has a couple of hours of Wii-fit and tires themselves out. They will more likely continue to play another game with a controller or watch TV/movie while eating pizzas or burgers, and that s reality.
    IMO I don't think Wii-Fit will allow you to lose weight. Its not a work out as your only balancing and moving slightly. A proper work out requires you to first do a warm-up and stretches before you do an activity where you use your body i.e the gym or sport. There isn't much effort put into Wii-fit just improve your balance, which can be acheived without Wii-fit.

  • gnbfd

    Posted Feb 21, 2008 4:03 pm PT

    Still debating whether I want to get this game...
    but it's Miyamoto, so it has to be good

  • bassy26

    Posted Feb 21, 2008 3:27 pm PT

    I find it funny how people keep bagging on Miyamoto so much, but here is the cold reality. The man is a legend in the gaming both gaming communities, the players and the developers. Miyamoto created many franchises that are still in use today. The funnier part to these franchises is the plain simple fact that they are incredibly simple games in which consumers continually play. Any one simply bagging on Miyamoto is simply either:

    a.) Jealous.
    b.) Incompetent.
    c.) Does not appreciate one of the great minds that saved the gaming industry.
    d.) Not a gamer.

    I maybe a tad bit harsh bout that last reason but I really every one is entitled to their own opinion, and mine is clearly stated here.

    I am planning to get the game because I simply because I believe it will entertain my family and my little cousins.

    Thank you Miyamoto for thinking of family fun again. =)

  • HighlyToxic

    Posted Feb 21, 2008 1:41 pm PT

    Actually, Miyamoto probably got the idea while weighing all his money. No wonder it was fun for him!

  • BasementGamer

    Posted Feb 21, 2008 1:40 pm PT

    @ScorpiusSnake:

    "oh, screw him.

    gosh what i wouldn't give to slug that douche bag right in the face.... he hasn't done anything ground breaking since "Super Mario 64" and people still kiss his ***.

    for the life of me, i'll never understand why Ocarina gets more credit then Mario 64.... especially when Ocarina wasn't even the greatest "Zelda" ever.... so how can it be considered the "greatest game ever"?"

    That might be the single most ignorant and plain dumb comment I've seen here at GameSpot. You have a lot of issues you need to work out.

  • hstolar

    Posted Feb 21, 2008 1:38 pm PT

    Lets not forget how the balance board may open doors for other types of games ...snow boarding , surfing ,skateboarding and maybe some developers can really find some kind of unique ways to play with the balance board ........remember a lot of people were wondering if the wii-mote would work and look at it now , I can't imaging playing a game with out one , I prefer it than a standard controller .

  • HighlyToxic

    Posted Feb 21, 2008 1:33 pm PT

    If you can make a game out of weighing yourself, you're pretty damn brilliant in my books.

  • prioritymail

    Posted Feb 21, 2008 1:02 pm PT

    Im sure Wii fit will see great sales, but at least half of the people who buy it will use it for a week and then let it collect dust. You know us Americans, no commitment.

  • Lunar52

    Posted Feb 21, 2008 1:00 pm PT

    ScorpiusSnake: NEVER! I MEAN NEVER DISS Mr. Miyamoto.... and as for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time alot of people think thats the best zelda game and one of the best games ever created he has never said that himself...

    P.S. but im probably not going to by wii fit because it does look a bit boring for my taste, if my friends get it ill give it a try

  • ScorpiusSnake posted Feb 21, 2008 12:53 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    ScorpiusSnake

    Posted Feb 21, 2008 12:53 pm PT (hide)

    oh, screw him.

    gosh what i wouldn't give to slug that douche bag right in the face.... he hasn't done anything ground breaking since "Super Mario 64" and people still kiss his ***.

    for the life of me, i'll never understand why Ocarina gets more credit then Mario 64.... especially when Ocarina wasn't even the greatest "Zelda" ever.... so how can it be considered the "greatest game ever"?

  • Lucidmike78

    Posted Feb 21, 2008 12:22 pm PT

    Wii Fit will work for people because: -Any exercise is better than no exercise (more calories burned daily). -People will be focused and encouraged to make daily progress, meaning people who don't watch things like what they eat or how inactive they are would be paying attention more.

    I think its a bit early to start worrying about eating disorders when a lot of people are are 25lbs over and the only exercise you're doing at the moment is the walk to the parking lot to work, and the walk back to your car after work. People really dig for the darndest reasons to not start being just a little healthier.

  • 1357900

    Posted Feb 21, 2008 12:05 pm PT

    I'm flip-flopping on the decision about buying this, or not. i understand it's a game/weight loss hybrid, but I'm concerned some of my family{who does weight loss exercises, & watching what they eat}, would get extreme w/ this, & develop a disorder, or 2 of sorts. I don't mind so much the fact that the game tells your weight, 'cause that can be easily discredited as inaccurate. What I don't like, is the "category" bit of it: Classifying a person as "Obese", "Underweight", "Ideal", etc. That I don't sit w/, b/c I know people will take that as fact about their weight. The reason I want the balance board to begin w/ isn't to weight myself, which I think is a poor choice on N's part, b/c I know people will take this{weight loss} to the extreme; a very unhealthy{key word} extreme, & I do mean unhealthy, w/ too severe cases being sickness, &/or death. I don't think things will become that extreme, but I still won't be surprised if they do. I'm really wanting the balance board for a surfing game, & stuff like that. I'm absolutely certain, & sure that the Wii balance board, in conjunction w/ Wii Fit will appear on MayoClinic, & other health sites. & I'm also certain that the balance board will start another wave of gimmicky "lose weight w/ your Nintendo Wii" schemes, from schemers trying to get rich off those not well informed on the issue just like w/ Wii Sports. N may include into the software a "notice" about health issues, & something warning about going overboard, or something. Maybe they won't. I hope, & pray they're very responsible w/ this, by at least making an effort; a decent effort of some sort, to warn against misuse of the board, &/or Wii Fit. I know I'm being very negative, but this could cause serious health issues w/ people.

  • RaiKageRyu

    Posted Feb 21, 2008 11:18 am PT

    Wii not FIT!

  • Cry0Tek

    Posted Feb 21, 2008 11:00 am PT

    @ litewo

    Ya, the risk that this product holds for those with eating disorders is gigantic. This will most definately show up on news channels after release no doubt, and will most definately heed warning to the public about the potential effects it could have on ED sufferers. BTW: The male ED epidemic is growing...I know all to well.

  • glitchgeeman

    Posted Feb 21, 2008 10:30 am PT

    Heh, it's only a man like Miyamoto who can create such a unique idea out of his quirks and hobbies.

  • respessz

    Posted Feb 21, 2008 10:23 am PT

    I understand the concern that a few people are bringing up about the weighing yourself leading to eating dissorders, BUT what you need to relise is that this isnt your 5 buck scale you have in your bathroom that still uses wires to weigh you.

    No this actually tells you your BMI or Boddy Mass Index, It will let you know if you are obease, Over weight, Ideal weight, or Underweight.

    If someone who is 5'11'' steps on and it reads that you are 87lbs then DUH your F****** underweight. People are looking at this JUST as a game, Its not JUST a game Nintendo is trying to make now a-days they want the future of videogames.

    They have motion sensitive games (both hands and feet now) only thing left to create is FULL VR.

    I believe that at the rate everything is going right now M$ and $ony will have AMAZING LOOKING games in the next next-gen consoles while Nintendo will be showing the not so amazing graphics (possibly graphics from this gen of game systems?) of there VR System.

    What do you think would win that console war?

  • Dr_Corndog

    Posted Feb 21, 2008 10:13 am PT

    You know, if this helps people lose weight who would have a hard time getting it off otherwise, then it'll be a great thing.

    I think it's hilarious that Miyamoto made a hobby out of weighing himself. That's Miyamoto for you.

    @missy6062:

    Not necessarily sexist. The type of eating disorder litewo was referring to is more prevalent among females than among males.

  • AdmiralDan

    Posted Feb 21, 2008 10:13 am PT

    litewo, are you serious? Talk about pandering to the minority. 35% of America is overweight, and WiiFit could help (albeit in a small way) for some people to lose weight, and you want to raise the flags for chicks with eating disorders? How many Bulimic women play the Wii anyway? Now how many overweight people play video games? I think the demographics justify the product.

  • xcollector

    Posted Feb 21, 2008 10:10 am PT

    I know I won't be getting this. You can get if you want just don't expect me to like it because Miyamoto likes it.

    I have a feeling this will be about as fun as wii sports. I'll play it for about a week and take it out when ever I have guests over, but the rest of the time it will be tucked away while I'm engaged in some hardcore gaming.

  • litewo

    Posted Feb 21, 2008 10:07 am PT

    "Hmmm Litewo why did you only mention girls when it comes to eating disorders... *cough* sexist*cough*"

    Don't try these lame arguments against me. 90% of people with eating disorders are female. http://www.anred.com/stats.html

    And this is the market Nintendo is trying to break into. For Miyamoto, it might be a fun thing to do, but for millions of young women, it could be potentially hazardous to have their Wii tracking their weight, informing them of it every time they step on.

  • DFalcon999

    Posted Feb 21, 2008 9:25 am PT

    Quote "Super-Mario-Fan

    I find it ironic that many people see Miyamoto as the greatest developer ever, yet they think that Wii Fit will be nothing but casualized trash.

    If you bash Wii Fit, your bashing Miyamoto."

    I couldn't have said it better.

    So WHAT if Game Developers now care about Casual Gamers enough to make games for them? We should embrace our new brothers and sisters, not get all Nazi on them! We're ALL gamers, let's act like it and play together.

  • dannyodwyer

    Posted Feb 21, 2008 9:23 am PT

    Personally the only emotion i get from standing on weighing scales is Guilt. Especially after a particularly large Sunday Roast.

  • missy6062

    Posted Feb 21, 2008 9:13 am PT

    Hmmm Litewo why did you only mention girls when it comes to eating disorders... *cough* sexist*cough*

  • litewo posted Feb 21, 2008 8:38 am PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    litewo

    Posted Feb 21, 2008 8:38 am PT (hide)

    "Miyamoto's quirky habit of having fun when weighing himself."

    Unfortunately, for a lot of girls buying this machine, it's more than a "quirky habit" and can lead to some real problems, such as eating disorders. It's completely irresponsible for Nintendo to put out something that constantly calculates your BMI, something that should be discussed with a physician, not your Wii.

  • uklegendkiller

    Posted Feb 21, 2008 8:33 am PT

    Miyamoto is a total genius, he puts so much passion into everything he does he come across so basic, but the ideas he comes up with just blow my mind.
    I can't wait to get my hands on Wii Fit i think it's gonna be different and I think it'll be a huge success.

  • dwmorrow posted Feb 21, 2008 8:25 am PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    dwmorrow

    Posted Feb 21, 2008 8:25 am PT (hide)

    Who the hell enjoys weighing themselves?

  • itBit

    Posted Feb 21, 2008 8:17 am PT

    so, r these exercises are only good for women or even a martial artist can practise them?

  • Video_Game_King

    Posted Feb 21, 2008 8:06 am PT

    Again, the mind of Miyamoto takes great ideas from the weirdest places. I wonder what shampooing in the shower will lead to...

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