Nintendo aims at Oprah's audience
by Ludwig Kietzmann 
{ Feb 9th 2006 at 7:36PM }
More talk
from Reggie Fils-Aime at the Las Vegas DICE summit now, as we take another look at Nintendo's ongoing philosophy of
encouraging everyone in the family to play games. Reggie was again adamant about pushing the industry to open itself up
to new types of gamers in addition to the hardcore guys. To further that end, he mentioned that Nintendo is looking at
advertising in spaces that aren't traditionally occupied by gamers. Marketing through Oprah and
Ellen? Nintendo thinks that's the next step.Reggie also reiterated the company's desire to attract women and older people to the joys of gaming. Titles like Brain Age and Nintendogs are sure to make a big difference in this noble effort of getting more and more people to pick up games (and maybe even play them).
"We have been able to drive the appeal of games to a whole new segment who typically would not pick up a game. Imagine a games company targeting 50- and 60-year-olds. Imagine games as a treadmill for the mind instead of a playground for violence."
If Fils-Aime is to be believed, hardcore gamers only make up 20% of the gamer market, leaving a massive 80% (our math skills are unmatched, as you can see) of people still up for grabs. And hey, if all those people were to spend money on you, that would be nice too, right?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
mike @ Feb 9th 2006 9:38PM
does this mean *gasp* nintendo is trying to appeal to casuals?!
Anthony Graddy @ Feb 10th 2006 9:05AM
I bet if Reggie appeared on Oprah's show Nintendo would create quite a demand from the non-gamer crowd. Just look what happens with books she features on her show.
BJ Wanlund @ Feb 18th 2006 2:03AM
I have to agree that Reggie Fils-Aime on Oprah would be the best of the best for Nintendo. Wonder if they'd actually do it?
BJ