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  • Jerell_rast
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17Aug 08

Keep your customer satisfied

Honestly, this years Nintendo Conference was disappointing for me as a long time Nintendo fan, but in no way to the general public. The Big N gave us a thorough explanation why they focused on games like Wii Music an Wii sports resort and gadgets like wii-motion plus during the press event. Call it shovelware, call it crapware, call it Gamecube 2.0 games. It's these types of games that attract more and more people into playing games, hence one of the reasons current third party sales are on top. But sadly, none of these games got my slightest attention.

During the the last two years, Nintendo did release some great first party games, like Twilight Princess, Warioware, Metroid Prime 3, Super Mario Galaxy, Super Smash Bros. Brawl and a few other games. Also, they have some great upcoming games like Tales of Syphonia, Wario Land: Shake it, Sonic Unleashed (which will hopefully good this time). But looking at the rich library from the NES/SNES/N64/GC, there are still some impressive games that Nintendo can create sequels or remakes or entirely new games. Where are the games that we, core gamers, can enjoy? Where's Star fox? Where's Kid Icarus? Where's F-Zero? Bomberman? A Real Pokemon RPG (or at least Snap)? Golden Sun? Breath Of Fire? Earthbound? Riviera: The Promised Land? Pilot Wings? Skies of Arcadia? Is it really that hard to create another Donkey Kong Platformer? Maybe even a Luigi's mansion 2?

There's at least one game in the list I mentioned above that you are longing for, but they didn't give us anything.

Nintendo did reach their goal: Sell systems (as any big business would), check. Get non-gamers into gaming no matter what age, check. Create something new and innovative, check. They really worked hard on a machine that isn't too complicated and is accessible to everyone interested. I think they made that pretty clear during their last 2 conferences -_-.

Now, as a Nintendo Wii owner (not a mindless fanboy), are you currently satisfied? Me? Yes, I am. I'm having a lot of fun playing Brawl online and locally with some friends, so it's definitely getting some hours. But in order to keep the gamers attention to your console you must prove that you can still create quality, top of the chart, first party tittles. And honestly, I'm not seeing anything big at the moment.

But fear not. This year ain't over yet. Leipzig and Tokyo Game Show are just around the corner. Hopefully here, they will pay attention to the long time gamers. And if they don't show anything by then, then it's going to be a very though Christmas with tons of unsatisfied costumers.

Nintendo, here's a new goal for ya: "Keep your customers satisfied"

  • Posted Aug 17, 2008 1:48 pm PT
  • Category: Editorial
  • 60 Comments

60 Comments

  • -Gray_Fox-

    Posted Aug 17, 2008 2:24 pm PT

    I hope they take your advice and keep their costumers satisfied in Leipzig and Tokyo Game Show , as it's the most important thing IMO.
    And yeah I wish for a new Bomberman and Breath of Fire.

  • onething77

    Posted Aug 17, 2008 3:03 pm PT

    I couldn't have said it better myself. The only thing that must be kept in mind is that Nintendo has to provide games that interest both the casual gamers AND the long-time gamers. Now, that's a pretty hard thing to do. I think that if we give 'em some time, Nintendo will not disappoint us. They'll be up to the challenge.

  • carstairs

    Posted Aug 17, 2008 3:11 pm PT

    Nintendo's dominating the casual market because MS and Sony seem to only want to put downloadable games into that field, and the consoles are pricier. I legitimately believe that Nintendo can cater to casual and "hard-core" gamers at the same time.
    In the mean time, I want another F-Zero, controllable with the Classic Controller.

  • Dirk13

    Posted Aug 17, 2008 3:36 pm PT

    You're making one really big spelling error multiple times that kind of gives your blog a funny slant (especially after reading comments like onething's, "i couldnt have said it better myself"), I thought I might point it out:

    *Costumer= one that deals in or makes costumes, Customer= individuals or households that purchase goods and services generated within the economy

    At first I thought your blog was about Cosplayers

  • Jerell_rast Site moderator

    Posted Aug 17, 2008 3:47 pm PT

    Duh! Thanks for pointing that out dirk. The reason for this is that I speak multiple languages during work and the word "Customer" is the same as "Consument" in Dutch. Maybe my next blog will be about cosplayers. Tokyo Game Show anyone?

  • bacchus2

    Posted Aug 17, 2008 4:39 pm PT

    I think Nintendo is keeping their core customers satisfied; however, core gamers like us who patrol sites like Gamespot are no longer their core customer. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see some of those games, but I know that Nintendo are likely to attract more money from the casual crowd than core gamers.

  • christ4ever9889

    Posted Aug 17, 2008 4:42 pm PT

    everything you said is exactly what nintendo should do, I don't say they owe us anything because a lot of games are out, but if they want a more than satisfied crowd they need to do that exactly, I was at an EB games yesterday and they were talking about Nintendo, at the moment the only things that interest me is third party games, Nintendo is doing nothing, nintendo promised us something everyone will want this holiday season and they ssaid it will be announced at E3, the game they were talking about was wii music, at the moment there are no games I'm wanting from nintendo that is coming out anytime soon and I think that Nintendo is going to be running mad this holiday when no one buys their stuff, at the EB games, I was waiting for a friend who was at another shop and we agreed to meet at the EB, I was waiting there for more than half an hour and lots of people walked in, their parants and EB employees asked, do you want anything for your wii, the response "no nintendo has nothing I want and nothing I want in the near future" the two games at the moment that I want to get is COD 5 which I don't know if I'll get it for wii or wait, get a PS3 and get it for that, and the conduit, which in my opinion is going to be a hit or miss. So you are exactly right in every way, very good blog.

  • helium_flash

    Posted Aug 17, 2008 6:08 pm PT

    I agree. But there are plenty of third party titles to look forward to. Patience is a virtue.

  • cchris1109

    Posted Aug 17, 2008 7:11 pm PT

    they should make another earthbound and pokemon RPG, if they made these 2 games and put time and effort into it and not just a 10 hour game..i would say WII is the best

  • cchris1109

    Posted Aug 17, 2008 7:11 pm PT

    they should make another earthbound and pokemon RPG, if they made these 2 games and put time and effort into it and not just a 10 hour game..i would say WII is the best

  • -WHATTHEDUECE-

    Posted Aug 17, 2008 7:23 pm PT

    i would love a second Luigi's Mansion... that would kick so much ass!
    don't really know why i liked the first one so much, i just loved the atmosphere in the game. By the way, this Article speaks the truth and i hope Nintendo is reading too

  • SavoyPrime

    Posted Aug 17, 2008 7:43 pm PT

    Do I smell a PS3 and/or 360 purchase coming Jerell? Join the Darkside...we have cookies and milk.

    I abandoned Nintendo after the GameCube. I didn't like the direction Nintendo was heading in with the Wii and still don't.

  • InfertileNinja

    Posted Aug 17, 2008 9:20 pm PT

    Thats true. I know the point of the conference is to show strong sales to their shareholders but honestly, the strong sales won't keep up for long if you keep holding out on the real market; the core gamers. This gimmick-style business plan of there's is working just fine, but gaming is not a "gimmick" and who of all companies should know that better than Nintendo?! hopefully they learn

  • kangaroo

    Posted Aug 17, 2008 10:27 pm PT

    Please, no more remakes of old series. And if you want to make the 73rd sequel in a series like Sonic or Star Fox, think long and hard about it first.

  • nippon_gamer

    Posted Aug 17, 2008 11:41 pm PT

    umm nintendo wont be attending leipzig

  • RockmanSRD

    Posted Aug 18, 2008 7:02 am PT

    I just don't know how I feel about Nintendo anymore. In many ways, they are similar to how they were when I was growing up with them--but at the same time, they're different. I won't say I'm one of the gamers alienated by the family-friendly casualness, but the only Wii I touch is my friend's. Even he thinks it's a joke now, the Wii isn't much of gaming console, it's an interactive toy.

    At my work, I have to talk to people about games in order to get presales out of them. It's funny, when asked if they play video games, many will say, "No, but I have a Wii." So, at least it seems like many people see the Wii=/=video games. It makes me crazy that they're putting Fatal Frame 4 on it... Hopefully there is an international port or something.

  • Lostboy1224

    Posted Aug 18, 2008 7:23 am PT

    The last time I truly respected Nintendo was back in the SNES days when there were too many good games to count, and they all were not some 5 year old friendly character that doesn't do anything violent. I recall Mortal Kombat 1 & 2 being very violent, but I guess those days are gone now.

  • quietguy

    Posted Aug 18, 2008 7:26 am PT

    IMHO. I believe the entire debacle with the Wii is that Nintendo is still in a projected phase of testing the waters of the casual market; And to surmise what has been happening lately, I'd say they'll keep both feet in that pool for a very long time to come.

    Though despite the popularity of 1st party development games, they do not provide the flexibility and redundancy in the event a project FAILS. I do believe that is a concept Nintendo has been keeping in hand for awhile since the gaming industry started picking up into mainstream entertainment. A developer or manufacturer can be very successful on the long run with a hit project but in the industry's case, it's a rather short lived 1 year before another overshadows it; adding on to the addenium that technology quickly renders it obselete. I believe this is what Nintendo has been trying to plan for since the era of the Gamecube, despite having some great games on it; however, being the last in the console race with it's meek hardware support which did not appeal much to 1st party developers. A further boost to hit this straight home is the fact that 1st party developers are also constrained by FIERCE competition, so they are in fact obligated to use the console that is most accessible & a powerhouse... Unless ingenuity beckons them otherwise, which is a rare trait in developers these days.

    If can only predict otherwise based on initial analysis, I'd say Nintendo is already planning the type of service they may offer on their next console line... And it may be similar to the 360 Arcade service components but bigger, much bigger.

    You have to understand that Nintendo is really looking into the future, not for it's customer base but rather for it's own survival.
    ====================================================================
    Another side effect I'm noting otherwise is that Nintendo is also taking LESS flak and criticism (other than from the usual fanboy/post-costumers/1P enthusiasts about it's lacking primary lineups) than any of the other consoles. Hence no news is good news, though some might interpret this the wrong way.

  • grigjd3

    Posted Aug 18, 2008 10:13 am PT

    I don't understand where this sense of loyalty/betrayal comes from. Corporations exist to make money. Nintendo figured out a way to do that really well. If it's not the product for you, there are other products on the market. This is exactly why we have competition - so we can produce what people want, not so we can force a company to continue to do the same thing over and over again even though it destroys them financially. Nintendo lost big with the game cube. Are you really surprised they picked a new direction?

  • grigjd3

    Posted Aug 18, 2008 10:13 am PT

    I don't understand where this sense of loyalty/betrayal comes from. Corporations exist to make money. Nintendo figured out a way to do that really well. If it's not the product for you, there are other products on the market. This is exactly why we have competition - so we can produce what people want, not so we can force a company to continue to do the same thing over and over again even though it destroys them financially. Nintendo lost big with the game cube. Are you really surprised they picked a new direction?

  • Bloodbath_87

    Posted Aug 18, 2008 10:21 am PT

    All the casual stuff just doesn't appeal to me. I would be much more interested in the Wii if there were more franchises on there, or maybe even some hardcore games.

  • TheGibsonSG

    Posted Aug 18, 2008 11:52 am PT

    I think Microsoft showed their cards too early at E3, I think the PS3 and Wii are saving their big, big announcements for Leipzig and Tokyo Game Show respectively.

  • Cry0Tek

    Posted Aug 18, 2008 12:29 pm PT

    I can see why Nintendo would continue to push its "casual" or "non-gamer" plan, but I dont think they needed to base the entire press event around that. I mean think about it. What group of gamers is most likely keeping tuned into E3 news? The casuals? or The hardcore?

    E3 is known for being a major event in the gaming world, regardless of its mediocrity lately. And Nintendo just made a mistake. Not that I'm saying it's entirely alright, because they've been in this business longer than anyone. I'm simply hoping that they shuffle they're deck better next time around.

  • quietguy

    Posted Aug 18, 2008 1:12 pm PT

    @ Cry0Tek

    To disperse any rumors and put down future edrama. Remember: Internet serious business.

  • NND1

    Posted Aug 18, 2008 1:13 pm PT

    Im sorry dude I was sort of satisfied with my wii but when my xbox broke and I turned to my wii for support all I got were crappy games with the exception of a few and a waste of my hard earned dollars. I actually sold it to get a another xbox with a warranty from BB (this was before the Ms warranty) I could not be happier.... Smash Bros is very cool though but not enough 2 get that crap agaainnn.....

  • delcidanddarth

    Posted Aug 18, 2008 4:19 pm PT

    I know I'm in the minority, but the reason I don't like playing the Wii is because of the motion controls. Flailing arms or snapping wrists or tilting my body are all fun for a little while, but when you want to play a game for a few hours, you're likely to get tennis elbow. Besides, if I want that much physical exertion, I'll go outside.

    "But idiot," you say, "you don't have to use the motion controls. You can just use the wiimote as a regular controller." To which I say, "Yes, and I like holding a non-ergonomic, miniature remote control."* (sarcasm)... The days when I held a hershey bar controller are long past, yet dearly beloved, and therefore, the wiimote is not nostalgic. And to keep the candy theme going, it's more like a rolo bar.

    Am I off topic? Not as far as you think. Nintendo is a business, yes, but one of the great characteristics of this business is they, at one point, chose to cater to the video gamers. This business model builds loyalty because they make us think they worry about our wants, and, as any business knows, the most profitable customer is the one who comes back.

    But now, they are bucking that trend. Instead of focusing on what their core customers wanted, they went for the masses. They created something that more people would enjoy because it was easier to use, it was friendlier, and, most of all, it was cheaper than the other "next-gen" alternatives. This would certainly infuriate their customer base... because we are basically being replaced by the mindless drones who want cheaper, simpler entertainment. It's like your favorite local burger joint that suddenly starts serving McDonald's. Sure, they'll make more money, but they also totally screwed you out of your favorite burger.

    There's nothing wrong with that. Nintendo can choose to do whatever they want. However, they must also live with the consequences. When you sell out to the masses, you lose all of that respect you spent years building up. And all I have to say is, "Good luck getting loyalty out of casual gamers."

  • Allicrombie Site moderator

    Posted Aug 18, 2008 4:24 pm PT

    you didnt mention half of the SNES/Gamecube/NES' great library that could be used as a springboard for awesome sequels/prequels. Faxanadu 2, anyone? How about Double Dribble 2: Kobe's Revenge?

  • ShadowDragoon05

    Posted Aug 18, 2008 5:49 pm PT

    Your completely right, however, the thing with nintendo, obviously is that they're not targeting the main audience anymore.. So your going to now get rarity of games that are decent from them. Which as you said, is why third party games are up top. I have to say I'm not satisfied, as a Wii owner, I have only bought Smash bros, and really thats all I wanted. I think its a great game and I'm content with it.. And I've been waiting for GOOD games to be released on the virtual console.. But clearly we'll be waiting sometime, I guess I will just stick to my emulators then. But as it retains to keeping customers satisfied, Ctrl+Alt+Del said it best "Nintendo could target dirt and still make money."

  • LinusBlue

    Posted Aug 18, 2008 5:59 pm PT

    im looking forward to deadly creatures. anyone with me?

  • Dirk13

    Posted Aug 18, 2008 6:00 pm PT

    Jerell_rast Posted Aug 17, 2008 3:47 pm PT Duh! Thanks for pointing that out dirk. The reason for this is that I speak multiple languages during work and the word "Customer" is the same as "Consument" in Dutch. Maybe my next blog will be about cosplayers. Tokyo Game Show anyone?


    hehe yeah tell me about it, while spending all day studying Japanese, filling out a change of address form at the DMV was a particularily humiliating experience.

    BTW, I dont often pay attention to the agree/disagree column, but why in the world 3 out of 5 people "disagree" with my post? haha.

  • -TheSecondSign-

    Posted Aug 18, 2008 7:52 pm PT

    I just got mine, so I'll let you know after I've played more than Brawl.

  • raahsnavj

    Posted Aug 19, 2008 7:14 am PT

    I like your goal for nintendo, but alas I don't even care anymore. I have already moved on to owning multiple systems. This basically invalidates any multiplat game the Wii gets.

    Motion controls are wonky. They are like throwing to the right base in a baseball game with nothing more than a D-pad. Sure it works most of the time, but the few times it doesn't work and you lose because of it makes you wish for better times.

    All nintendo can do at this point is put out some exclusives that are worth having. Something with some depth. And you want to know why there isn't an F-Zero? because they can't find a way to make it any different than F-Zero GX... except for now letting you use the 'Wheel'.

    Which leads me into the final point and that is Nintendo fans facination with sequels or remakes of classic franchises. Unfortunately it is hard to make a game that was better than the previous 4 installments without alienating the 'new crowd' of gamers. So don't expect anything too deep and satisfying from Nintendo.

    Instead pick up another console. Problem solved.

  • grigjd3

    Posted Aug 19, 2008 12:34 pm PT

    @delcidanddarth, I know the idea of a returning customer is great, but the model didn't work for Nintendo. They made the game cube a traditional gaming console. They tried to cater to gamers. They lost a lot of money. It's that simple. You might argue that they didn't do as good a job as with the N64 but that's only partially their fault. They pretty much lost out because how late they came into last gen. With M$ and $ony showing they are willing to pour money into the traditional gaming market in an attempt to gain dominance, they decided they had to go a different route. The result is they are making making money hand over fist. If loyalty to gamers would make them money, they would stick with that.

  • Dutch_Mix

    Posted Aug 19, 2008 12:37 pm PT

    "I've been on the road so long, my friend."

  • -TheWormsMan-

    Posted Aug 19, 2008 3:18 pm PT

    Why have you only taken Nintendo's example?

    Good work on the article by the way.

  • emorainbo

    Posted Aug 19, 2008 6:55 pm PT

    I agree that nintendo does need to make some good first party games, but i think that the TC has only heard of kid icarus, earthbound, and f-zero from playing SSB(MB). Seriously, you have probably never played kid icarus in your life.

  • buffdaddy69

    Posted Aug 19, 2008 7:15 pm PT

    I would love to see a true Pokemon RPg out ona console. Along with a Earthbound 4 and Kid Icarus.

  • Louis_Armstrong

    Posted Aug 19, 2008 9:59 pm PT

    you are so right jerell_rast, there is at least one game from the above i'd like at least to have remake (with better graphics). That game is golden sun. But all the other games you said also deserve some attention. I kinda regret having bought the wii.

  • tu2pac

    Posted Aug 20, 2008 9:14 am PT

    It's like you read my mind...

    My brother is waiting to see if there's going to be anything good coming up. If not, he's selling his Wii while he can still get a decent price on it. i was close to buying one myself, but then I realized that nothing game wise was on the horizon ... reminded me of the GameCube, so I backed out. (They'll have to bring something besides Mario to the table ... and Wii Fit/Music won't cut it)

  • kcwsk8

    Posted Aug 20, 2008 10:12 am PT

    You speak many peoples minds in that blog.

  • delcidanddarth

    Posted Aug 20, 2008 11:34 am PT

    @grigjd3

    I totally agree with you. Nintendo is definitely making more money now that they opened up gaming to the masses. However, I do wish they would have taken the moral high ground, or middle ground at least, and did something to keep their fanbase happy. I know most companies only think of the bottom line, but I guess I'm upset that Nintendo seemed to turn into yet another "money is most important" companies. I say that as if they used to be different, which is, of course, up for debate.

    After thinking about it some more, maybe my biggest problem with the Wii (and to a lesser extent, Gamecube) was they took my favorite franchise games, and tried to transform them TOO much. Kinda like how Super Mario Bros. 2 and Link 2 really sucked, because they tampered with it too much. Motion-sensing probably is the way of the future, but it's too bleeding edge, and the implementation of these controls in most games shows this. It's usually unresponsive, not sensitive, and frustrating, especially when compared to regular controls where a button-press is never missed. Hopefully, it's just a steep-learning curve, and not a barrier, for gamers and developers.

  • BlackKnightOfH8

    Posted Aug 20, 2008 1:28 pm PT

    Breath of Fire is done by Capcom. Look at them an not Nintendo for another entry to that series.

  • jsmoke03

    Posted Aug 20, 2008 6:06 pm PT

    ok so npd came out with the stats, but i haven't seen any of em in the npd sales update every month. And what third party games sell on the wii? I would also disagree with new and innovative. Ever seen all those motion sensing arcade games? ever seen those tiger toys that concentrate on baseball or tennis for your tv that came out around 01? well i have. those games didn't sell well enough to be publicized, but they were out there before nintendo came out with the wii-mote. i'm not knockin ninty because they are top dog, but i think there are little things that i didn't agree on. to each his own i guess. congratulations 2 ninty...but please make more games that i can play as a single player.

  • jsmoke03

    Posted Aug 20, 2008 6:06 pm PT

    ok so npd came out with the stats, but i haven't seen any of em in the npd sales update every month. And what third party games sell on the wii? I would also disagree with new and innovative. Ever seen all those motion sensing arcade games? ever seen those tiger toys that concentrate on baseball or tennis for your tv that came out around 01? well i have. those games didn't sell well enough to be publicized, but they were out there before nintendo came out with the wii-mote. i'm not knockin ninty because they are top dog, but i think there are little things that i didn't agree on. to each his own i guess. congratulations 2 ninty...but please make more games that i can play as a single player.

  • 789shadow

    Posted Aug 20, 2008 6:51 pm PT

    The problem with that goal is that I think Nintendo's customers are the casual now,and not the hardcore.So,they've already accomplished your goal.

  • SciFiCat

    Posted Aug 21, 2008 4:16 am PT

    The problem is that hardcore or even core gamers are no longer Nintendo's main concern. The only costumers they want to keep satisfied are the casual players. You are not the one who thinks like this, I just posted this on my blog to voice my concerns.

  • delcidanddarth

    Posted Aug 21, 2008 11:46 am PT

    The biggest problem with Nintendo meandering towards casual gamers is the lack of loyalty from them. Sure, there might be ten times more casual gamers than hardcore gamers, but their tastes are as fickle as the wind. Am I oversimplifying? By definition, "casual" gamers do not focus on any particular game, and are not defined by the games they play. The instant any one game becomes too important, they are no longer casual. But with this ADD-style of gaming comes a big risk: at any moment, the tastes of the masses could change. You see the same thing happen in nearly every election when it comes to courting the youth vote. Yes, there are many young people who can vote, but getting a young person to do anything (let alone something important) is as painful as a game of Risk with someone who takes it too seriously.

    In a way, the route Nintendo has chosen is no different than any other fad-driven business. Designer clothes, athletic shoes, sodas... these are all consumables that we are baited into purchasing much more often than necessary. Not surprisingly, getting the latest motion-control-ified port is as expensive, or even cheaper than aforementioned fads (except soda). The danger here is, as with any fad business, many competitors will arise, Nintendo's market share becomes marginalized, and the only thing that keeps the business going is loyalty. But that's kind of a long term danger, and as we've already seen, Nintendo is capable of re-inventing itself. So maybe, no harm, no foul.

  • kothos

    Posted Aug 21, 2008 11:51 am PT

    I kind of agree with you. I do not own a Wii but I can see that they need to do something. Their console sales are huge but their software sales are fairly weak. I think they are relying pretty much on their first party software to keep them afloat.

    Third party developers aren't really jumping on board too much and it probably has something to do with the fact that they want to do much more with their games than the Wii is capable of. Sure it has the motion control and that can be used for a wide variety of game mechanics but I think the third party developers are, more and more, wanting cutting edge graphics and game mechanics that the Wii (a gamecube and a half in terms of system power) just isn't capable of.

    Also, they need to make as much money with their games as possible to stay in business and they look at hardcore gamers as the mainstream game population. The Wii just doesn't have hardcore gamers outside of the fans that love Mario, Zelda, Smash Bros, etc.

    In my opinion its just more lucrative for third party developers to develop for more powerful systems such as the Xbox 360 and the PS3. This, again in my opinion, is why Nintendo doesn't have much to announce... all they have are their first party games and they can only crank those out so fast.

    Peace.

  • sharpshooter188

    Posted Aug 21, 2008 5:56 pm PT

    i follow what your saying but stop with the customer service chant. please. customer service has been ABUSED to death and honestly im tired of hearing about it. if it bothers me that much ill just go somewhere else and not deal with the disappointment if need be.

My Recent Ratings

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