Interesting info in Nintendo Power: Has Winter got a publisher?

Perhaps you remember Winter, the(very, very good looking) survival horror game that never got a publisher. Well, in the back of the latest Nintendo Power was this:

"Don't be left out in the cold. A chilling tale is coming exclusively to Wii, and Nintendo Power will bring you the scoop."

It's possible that this is completely unrelated to Winter, but if it is, color me very excited.

I don't know. If winter found a publisher, it would be due to IGN. I think it would be kinda rude to not give IGN the exclusives to the announcment of winter getting a publisher...unless nintendo picked them up, then it would make sense.

Most likely it's some winter sports game. :P

It would be awesome news if Winter found a publisher and got released!!

Most likely though, it has to do with Cursed Mountain. Which also looks great!

It would be awesome news if Winter found a publisher and got released!!

Most likely though, it has to do with Cursed Mountain. Which also looks great!

Unkoil666

I think this is most likely true.

honestly thought it looked ok

more interested in wacky arty games, this looked a bit too survival and not enough horror to be interesting

It would be awesome news if Winter found a publisher and got released!!

Most likely though, it has to do with Cursed Mountain. Which also looks great!

It's Mairo and Sonic at the Winter Olympics.Shy_Guy_Red

It's Mairo and Sonic at the Winter Olympics.Shy_Guy_Red

What so "very, very good looking" about it? Looks like a regular survival horror game with decent graphics to me.Litchie

It was made in two weeks.

Just to reiterate that so i gets through: TWO FRICKIN' WEEKS. N-Space made a game in two weeks with better lighting than most well-budgeted wii games.

[QUOTE="Litchie"]What so "very, very good looking" about it? Looks like a regular survival horror game with decent graphics to me.Dingerious

It was made in two weeks.

Just to reiterate that so i gets through: TWO FRICKIN' WEEKS. N-Space made a game in two weeks with better lighting than most well-budgeted wii games.

[QUOTE="Dingerious"]

[QUOTE="Litchie"]What so "very, very good looking" about it? Looks like a regular survival horror game with decent graphics to me.ganga_

It was made in two weeks.

Just to reiterate that so i gets through: TWO FRICKIN' WEEKS. N-Space made a game in two weeks with better lighting than most well-budgeted wii games.

Yeah, I had my weeks wrong. It was 6 weeks of work. 3 to actually make the demo, and 3 to update the demo. So the graphics engine and modelling was likely made in the first three weeks, then the next 3 weeks there was probably a few more areas added to the demo.

So, by my interpretation of the interview, they made the assets in 3 weeks and the full demo in 6. Still pretty impressive.

http://wii.ign.com/articles/946/946492p2.html

No, winter doesn't have a publisher because winter is too late to the party

If winter came out in 1998 it would have been ok.

The same broken horror formula a decade later makes publishers not want to waste their money

No, winter doesn't have a publisher because winter is too late to the party

If winter came out in 1998 it would have been ok.

The same broken horror formula a decade later makes publishers not want to waste their money

Jaysonguy

Says the guy who loves minigames.

[QUOTE="Jaysonguy"]

No, winter doesn't have a publisher because winter is too late to the party

If winter came out in 1998 it would have been ok.

The same broken horror formula a decade later makes publishers not want to waste their money

Dingerious

Says the guy who loves minigames.

I love all games

That's how I know winter's gameplay peaked in 2002

What so "very, very good looking" about it? Looks like a regular survival horror game with decent graphics to me.Litchie

What so "very, very good looking" about it? Looks like a regular survival horror game with decent graphics to me.Litchie

What Nintendo Power is this? The lastest one that I have has Indiana Jones on the cover...

Anyway, there's a good chance it's Mario and Sonic at the Winter Olympic games.

[QUOTE="Dingerious"]

[QUOTE="Jaysonguy"]

No, winter doesn't have a publisher because winter is too late to the party

If winter came out in 1998 it would have been ok.

The same broken horror formula a decade later makes publishers not want to waste their money

Jaysonguy

Says the guy who loves minigames.

I love all games

That's how I know winter's gameplay peaked in 2002

How late to the party is Madworld? You must really loathe that outdated game.

I want to see how consistent he can keep his act.

Did they review Madworld?

They're probably "announcing" Cursed Mountain.

[QUOTE="Jaysonguy"]

[QUOTE="Dingerious"]

Says the guy who loves minigames.

Dingerious

I love all games

That's how I know winter's gameplay peaked in 2002

How late to the party is Madworld? You must really loathe that outdated game.

:? There is no logic in your argument. Somehow, you think his opinion on outdated survival horror gameplay matches up with his opinion on Madworld and mingames... Wow. And I thought SW was getting low.

[QUOTE="Dingerious"]

[QUOTE="Jaysonguy"]

I love all games

That's how I know winter's gameplay peaked in 2002

TAKE_IT_BACK

How late to the party is Madworld? You must really loathe that outdated game.

:? There is no logic in your argument. Somehow, you think his opinion on outdated survival horror gameplay matches up with his opinion on Madworld and mingames... Wow. And I thought SW was getting low.

Completely over your head I see. Let me break it down for you.

If Survival Horror games are outdated and the first significant survival horror game, Resident Evil, arrived in '96, then are minigames not outdated also, since the first significant of these, mario party, arrived in '98?

I think it's obvious he's trolling. But if he's consistent, we'll know he's not trolling, and he'll admit that mini games are also horribly outdated. Otherwise, we'll know he's trolling.

No, winter doesn't have a publisher because winter is too late to the party

If winter came out in 1998 it would have been ok.

The same broken horror formula a decade later makes publishers not want to waste their money

Jaysonguy

[QUOTE="TAKE_IT_BACK"]

[QUOTE="Dingerious"]

How late to the party is Madworld? You must really loathe that outdated game.

Dingerious

:? There is no logic in your argument. Somehow, you think his opinion on outdated survival horror gameplay matches up with his opinion on Madworld and mingames... Wow. And I thought SW was getting low.

Completely over your head I see. Let me break it down for you.

If Survival Horror games are outdated and the first significant survival horror game, Resident Evil, arrived in '96, then are minigames not outdated also, since the first significant of these, mario party, arrived in '98?

I think it's obvious he's trolling. But if he's consistent, we'll know he's not trolling, and he'll admit that mini games are also horribly outdated. Otherwise, we'll know he's trolling.

As far as I know, he doesn't hate "outdated" things in general(Check the OT thread: he loves Phantasy Star), he just dislikes RE1&2's gameplay style. That doesn't mean he must hate minigames. I know you think you're being clever by "trapping" Jason, but the only reason he isn't posting is because nowadays, he just reports people who call him a troll.

[QUOTE="Dingerious"]

[QUOTE="TAKE_IT_BACK"]

:? There is no logic in your argument. Somehow, you think his opinion on outdated survival horror gameplay matches up with his opinion on Madworld and mingames... Wow. And I thought SW was getting low.

TAKE_IT_BACK

Completely over your head I see. Let me break it down for you.

If Survival Horror games are outdated and the first significant survival horror game, Resident Evil, arrived in '96, then are minigames not outdated also, since the first significant of these, mario party, arrived in '98?

I think it's obvious he's trolling. But if he's consistent, we'll know he's not trolling, and he'll admit that mini games are also horribly outdated. Otherwise, we'll know he's trolling.

As far as I know, he doesn't hate "outdated" things in general(Check the OT thread: he loves Phantasy Star), he just dislikes RE1&2's gameplay style. That doesn't mean he must hate minigames. I know you think you're being clever by "trapping" Jason, but the only reason he isn't posting is because nowadays, he just reports people who call him a troll.

I didn't call him a troll. I said I suspect he may be trolling. Calling him a troll because of one instance of trolling is like calling someone a biker because they sat on a motorcycle once.

But whether or not he likes the gameplay style is irrelevant. He called the gameplay outdated. Once again, those are two totally different statements.

that would be great if winter ended up with a publisher. I loved all the old style RE games and this looks very similar....... :D yay winter

[QUOTE="TAKE_IT_BACK"]

[QUOTE="Dingerious"]

How late to the party is Madworld? You must really loathe that outdated game.

:? There is no logic in your argument. Somehow, you think his opinion on outdated survival horror gameplay matches up with his opinion on Madworld and mingames... Wow. And I thought SW was getting low.

Completely over your head I see. Let me break it down for you.

If Survival Horror games are outdated and the first significant survival horror game, Resident Evil, arrived in '96, then are minigames not outdated also, since the first significant of these, mario party, arrived in '98?

I think it's obvious he's trolling. But if he's consistent, we'll know he's not trolling, and he'll admit that mini games are also horribly outdated. Otherwise, we'll know he's trolling.

Winter doesn't have anything special going for it. It looks like any other survival horror game out there except with a lot of snow! If this was one of the first survival-horror games to come out on the market then it would really stand out, Nothing I've seen makes "Winter" stand out. Arkk_Angel

Pointer-controlled flashlight that you have to hit against your hand when flickering? Check out the footage; near the end an example of this comes into play. You can't tell me that wouldn't affect gameplay in a survival horror game. Hell, just a pointer-controlled flashlight would be a fantastic addition to the genre.

But even then, you're comparing an entire genre to a demo that was made in SIX WEEKS. Maybe you misunderstand the context that the demo should be viewed in, but you can't say that the demo is not impressive for what it is and how long it took to build.

Winter doesn't have anything special going for it. It looks like any other survival horror game out there except with a lot of snow! If this was one of the first survival-horror games to come out on the market then it would really stand out, Nothing I've seen makes "Winter" stand out.Arkk_Angel

i personally wouldnt say its very very good looking. it has nice graphics for the wii. it would be an interesting game, but i cant understand the hype.ganga_

Maybe is because it looks like and old school survival horror game, and we havent had this kind of games lately (just Silent Hill and Fatal Frame 4, but only in Japan) so is kind of cool to have them back.

I remember the video, it was cool, and the monster at the end was really disturbing, the most disturbing one since the twin monster in SH4, IMO, then again, i'm with you guys, this is probably about Cursed Mountain.

What so "very, very good looking" about it? Looks like a regular survival horror game with decent graphics to me.Litchie

Maybe I'm one of the few who remembers when this game was first announced but I would be more excited if they said that Sadness is finally coming out. This game looked very cool with the graphical approach they were taking (black and white graphics).channtheman1

It would be awesome news if Winter found a publisher and got released!!

Most likely though, it has to do with Cursed Mountain. Which also looks great!

Unkoil666

EDIT: read ice post... ok.. confirmed no winter.. :P And like he said, I really really doubt (sadly) that is sadness. Expect news of cUrsed mountain.

EDIT2: in case someone here did not read this.... the why winter got "cancelled" maybe if Cursed Mountain do well, they would reconsider... Now again, the problem is taht teh change of cursed mountain selling well even if is good, are low. Or at least no as well as all this others games that are hitting the wii

[QUOTE="Arkk_Angel"]Winter doesn't have anything special going for it. It looks like any other survival horror game out there except with a lot of snow! If this was one of the first survival-horror games to come out on the market then it would really stand out, Nothing I've seen makes "Winter" stand out. Dingerious

Pointer-controlled flashlight that you have to hit against your hand when flickering? Check out the footage; near the end an example of this comes into play. You can't tell me that wouldn't affect gameplay in a survival horror game. Hell, just a pointer-controlled flashlight would be a fantastic addition to the genre.

But even then, you're comparing an entire genre to a demo that was made in SIX WEEKS. Maybe you misunderstand the context that the demo should be viewed in, but you can't say that the demo is not impressive for what it is and how long it took to build.

I should rephrase my question. Instead of asking, "what makes this game stand out?" I really should be asking, "What makes this game special?" Special enough that this game would stand out and make people want to buy it.

[QUOTE="Litchie"]What so "very, very good looking" about it? Looks like a regular survival horror game with decent graphics to me.Wintry_Flutist

6 weeks, people. 6 FRIGGIN' WEEKS.

Context -the parts of a written or spoken statement that precede or follow a specific word or passage, usually influencing its meaning or effect:You have misinterpreted my remark because you took it out of context.

[QUOTE="Wintry_Flutist"][QUOTE="Litchie"]What so "very, very good looking" about it? Looks like a regular survival horror game with decent graphics to me.Dingerious

6 weeks, people. 6 FRIGGIN' WEEKS.

Context -the parts of a written or spoken statement that precede or follow a specific word or passage, usually influencing its meaning or effect:You have misinterpreted my remark because you took it out of context.

Well I went and saw the footage for Winter on IGN's site. I admit the game was rather intriguing when I first saw this back in January, but it just wasn't impressive enough for me or for possible publishers for that matter. Perhaps the flashlight mechanic wasn't that strong of a selling point? This demo is almost like a failed audition or an interview gone awry. If anyone of the devs really had faith in their product they would and should continue to push this game.

I should rephrase my question. Instead of asking, "what makes this game stand out?" I really should be asking, "What makes this game special?" Special enough that this game would stand out and make people want to buy it.

Arkk_Angel

First off, it appears you didn't read the interview accompanying the video. Here's some insight for you:

IGN: Tell us what happened. Why didn't this game find a publisher? What was the general reaction?

Dan: We pitchedWintertirelessly for months. The response was universally positive. Every single PD department was very excited about it and confident about moving forward. The look, the story, the overall tone and genre, the gameplay mechanics -- it all came together to create something very compelling for the Wii, something that got gamers excited.

With each presentation would come a wave of enthusiastic follow-ups from the publisher. There was so much clamor for the title it was, frankly, kind of overwhelming. We left GDC that year feeling very confident about placing the title quickly and on our terms.

Unfortunately, that wasn't to be. In almost every case we got hung up with the sales and marketing groups. IGN Interview

Theresponse was overwhelmingly positive from publishers. It always got hung up in the marketting groups. That means that there was NOTHING wrong with the game, the marketters had a false preconceived notion that these types of games don't sell on wii, despite there already being a million+ seller in the genre with RE4. Not surprising, considering publishers have been sticking their heads in the sand screaming "LALALA I CAN'T HEAR YOU" since the Wii took off.

As for what makes the game stand out....well, there are only three other titles that are even remotely in the same genre to be released this gen: RE4, Silent Hill Homecoming, and Fatal Frame 4. Fatal Frame 4 is only in Japan at the moment. RE4 is more an action title. So it's only competiiton is a game that flopped sales-wise. All it needs is some marketting and it'd probably do well.