An Epic diss
Capps didn't stop there, though. Comparing the Wii to a virus, he explained the epidemic as a chain reaction of sorts. According to the prez, when someone sees a Wii, they'll think it looks cool, buy it, and then stop playing it after two months. But, a friend will see their Wii, think it looks fun, and buy one for themselves. The cycle continues, even though people stop playing their Wiis once the novelty wears off.
Now, if you're visiting this website, the chances are high that you don't agree with Capps. Do you see any merits in his argument, though? Should the Wii not count as a "next-generation" console because it can't match up in tech? And, do you think the lack of Epic's support is a big loss for the Wii?
[Thanks, zizzy!]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Rocketboy @ Apr 21st 2008 9:49AM
Fine, if they don't like selling software, then I won't buy it. Easy enough solution.
Meanwhile, I'll keep playing my over 2 month old Wii, and be just happy as I am.
snkngshps @ Apr 21st 2008 12:24PM
I would say the correct term is "Current gen". Next gen is Wii2 (or whatever) , PS4, etc.
Tom @ Apr 21st 2008 2:51PM
LOL. Dude. "They don't like selling software"
Have you seen the sales numbers for 3rd party Wii titles? Software on the Wii does not sell. That is known. People really do buy a Wii and then get bored of Wii Sports and then move on to other systems.
Rocketboy @ Apr 21st 2008 4:30PM
LOL Tom. And you know this because you only buy first party Wii games, or because you like to troll?
SoshiKitai @ Apr 21st 2008 8:18PM
:P Tom, you seriously need to try other games. And not just the ones that suck.
worm @ Apr 21st 2008 9:54AM
I makes me mad when they call the Wii "new-gen" instead of "next-gen".
If anything, the Wii should be called "next-gen" because the word "next" implies something different, such as the incorporation of motion controls, etc. It's PS3 and 360 that should be called "new-gen" because they are just the same games on new hardware.
worm @ Apr 21st 2008 9:55AM
It*
James @ Apr 21st 2008 11:00AM
New-gen is the correct appellation, because "next" implies that it's not here yet. Before the 360, PS3, and Wii launched, we were playing our Gamecubes etc. talking about how exciting the "next generation" was *going to be*. Now it's here, and it's a newer generation than the previous one, hence it's "new-gen". I guess we could talk about "7th Generation" consoles (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_video_game_consoles_%28seventh_generation%29)
but most people aren't nerdy enough to keep track.
ShadowmanX @ Apr 21st 2008 9:55AM
Well I agree, the novelty wore off for me a little time after 2006 Christmas, and I've only JUST dug it back out for Mario Kart Wii.
I also agree with the Virus argument, sure Fan boys will think they are buying the cream of the crop, but what about the Casual moron? They will buy any bit of Shovelware until they get bored with the system.
Also yes, it is Last-Gen, its a Game Cube with a stick with a little enhancement, Epic make games for the current times.
Nigeria - MK: 0430-8491-9123 @ Apr 21st 2008 9:56AM
I think Epic should go back to making their homoerotic shootem games they're so fond of. They have a market of angsty young men to serve.
Casey @ Apr 22nd 2008 3:26AM
Preach on. Amen my friend. It's quite obvious that this man's doctorate wasn't in business.
Tom @ Apr 30th 2008 9:11PM
Aw yeah! Couldn't agree more (Epic made Gears of war, right? The game that, you know, gets BORING AFTER A FEW WEEKS) :)
Anyways, I don't care. It's epic's loss really, not mine. I'll just keep playing high quality games on the Wii, instead of Epic's crappy, generic games. Capps = FAIL.
I'll just go play my Wii....THAT'S OVER 9 MONTHS OLD!!! Little more than 2 months,
wii-c-kid @ Apr 21st 2008 10:01AM
Funny, but he makes it sound like buying a console because your friend owns one and you enjoyed playing on it is a bad thing...
So remember people - when your friends buy something you like, don't buy it. That's bad and it spreads enjoyment which is also a bad thing.
Oh and when you play an Epic game on your friend's PC, don't buy it either because that'd mean you like it too.
Having been an avid viewer of such programs as The Apprentice (UK) it doesn't surprise me that such a moronic statement can come from someone who should, but doesn't, have a clue.
Timmeh @ Apr 21st 2008 10:01AM
I agree with the above, I think that these comments reflect any lack of innovation in gameplay but simply making the same game over and over again with better graphics each time.
Geoff @ Apr 21st 2008 10:02AM
As a Wii owner who's about as "hardcore" as they get, I see a little truth in his statements ... and a lot of elitism.
If the Wii really is 1.5x as powerful across the board as the GameCube, and the GameCube was nearly on par with the Xbox in terms of hardware in the last gen ... then the Wii IS "next gen."
It didn't advance things AS FAR as the Xbox 360 or the PS3 in terms of CPU/GPU horsepower, but it certainly surpasses the original Xbox, which led the "last gen" (although the games released to date have mostly been disappointing PS2 ports).
The lack of a hard drive may be a thorn in Epic's side, and I agree, along with the dearth of good third-party games. But the Wii is certainly capable of "good" visuals, and the Wiimote can make that an incredible "next gen" immersive experience if used properly.
I think it just scares them :)
101wiiboy2008 @ Apr 21st 2008 11:03AM
for the last time geoff and all other 3rd party we dont make wii games anti wii pro ps3 marketing branwashed believers the wii is 2.5 times a gamecube if not more ,,stop looking at just a clockspeed the wii is pushing far more than a clock increase....
example: gc 16mb single channel access ram 8 bit bus 81 mhz no direct cpu gpu feed simple access/sound ram....81mb bandwidth....
wii 64mb dual channel main ram 32 bit 486mhz clock 4gb bandwidth thats no 1.5 thats like 15 times more powerful than a 16mb slow access ram right there
broadway re speced gekko not just over clocked hollywood re speced skrunk flipper not a mear over clock...
die embedded optermized 1t sram-r and many other little goodies that push the wii much further than gamecube
the wii simply is no xbox or gamecube its at least 2.5 times those consoles and no extra background work or resolution to process
gears of war charictor polygon counts 10k to 15k gamecubes leon 10k gamecubes charictors in pre rendered backdrops resident evil 0/1 27k polygon charictors
link twilight princess 7k can you see how close gamecube is to xbox 360 right there
add wiis extra power ram abbillitys cap at 480p
PRESTO GEARS OF WAR RUNNING IN FULL GLORY ON WII AT 480P
ANYONE STATES OTHERWISE IS ETHER BRAINWASHED OR JUST PLAIN DUM
LIKE NINTENDO STATED NEAR X360 GRAPHICS - HD AND THATS 100% FACT
WITH BETTER FRAMERATES AND LOADING SPEED DUE TO WIIS TIGHT DESIGN FAST DISC LOADING AND EXTREAMLY FAST RAM
THE WII NOR ANY OTHER CONSOLE FOR THAT MATTER REQUIRES A DAM FUKING HARD DRIVE ARE YOU ALL MENTAL FLASH DRIVES LEAVE HARDDRIVES FOR DUST THERES NOTHING STOPPING DEVS TAPPING WIIS FLASH DRIVE OR FLASH CARD FOR VIRTUAL MEMORY OR TEMP LARGE STORAGE
WHY WOULD WII REQUIRE A FUKING HARD DRIVE AGAIN PC BRAINWASHING WII AINT A PC ITS A CUSTOM BUILT CONSOLE CARNT YOU SEE THE DAM DIFFERENCE....
wii front side bus 243mhz plus 4to1 compresion = near 8gb bandwidth
xbox 133mhz front side bus no custom compression = 1gb plus as anyone who can count can see wii is near 8 times the xbox can you count 1 to 8 people hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm xbox or xbox 1.5 or gamecube 1.5
GROW UP SONY FANS YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOUR TALKING ABOUT NOR DOES IDIOT MARK RAIN
THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS WIIS GRAPHICS ARE MUCH CLOSER TO 360 THAN XBOX 1 AND WIIS CONTROLS/GAMEPLAY ARE THE ONLY NEXT GEN CONTROLS AVALABLE
EPIC FEARS WIIS DOMINANCE OVER PC AND THE CONSOLE THEY BACKED WITH TRONS OF THERE CASH PS3
THEY GOT BURNT NOW THERE DOING SONYS DIRTY WORK PR
WII NEAR MATCHES PS3/360 VISUALLY IN REAL TIME WERE IT MATTERS ON YOUR TV AND KICKS THERE ASSES AT LOAD SPEED AND GAMEPLAY
SO I ASK WITCH ONE OF THE 3 COMPETING CONSOLES IS NEXT GENERATION AND WITCH 2 ARE STUCK IN THE PAST
NOT A HARD ONE REALLY IS IT
s @ Apr 21st 2008 11:45AM
@101wiiboy2008
"TRONS OF THERE CASH"
+1 for that
Geoff @ Apr 21st 2008 12:38PM
What the hell, idiot? I said it IS next gen. Dolt.
Roto13 @ Apr 21st 2008 10:02AM
Graphics whores are annoying, especially when they make games. Anyone who doesn't appreciate innovations in gameplay shouldn't be making video games, as far as I'm concerned. That's really bad for the industry.
ima747 @ Apr 21st 2008 10:11AM
I haven't enjoyed an Epic game since Unreal so I can easily do without their overly hardware demanding re-hashes personally.
My launch Wii has taken a number of breaks from active use... just like my 360... and every other console I've ever owned. The thing is no one has ever liked my 360 or other consoles enough after playing them just once to be willing to go shell out some hundreds of dollars so they can play at home... just a thought but maybe nintendo is onto something here, and innovative games are something people are interested in in addition to Unreal Tournament XIIIXXVIIIXomglazergunpewpew2. Myabe it's just a different audience? but what do I know, I just vote with my money instead of complain that people aren't buying the console I want so I can shove more repeats in their face.
Avoli @ Apr 21st 2008 10:16AM
Note to self:
Don't buy anything Epic until they can come up with somehting fresh.
What this guy wants me to think:
Damn me for supporting innovation from Nintendo.
Evil Bastard @ Apr 21st 2008 10:17AM
Had my Wii since December 2006, and have been playing LOTS of games on it. Looking forward to tomorrow!
MasterWolf @ Apr 21st 2008 10:21AM
Does the Wii need another crappy first person shooter port?.....No
Keith Benedict @ Apr 21st 2008 2:09PM
It sure would be nice if it had at least one crappy FPS port. I'll take Unreal Tournament 3 over any game that I've played on the Wii. The only thing that comes remotely close is Metroid.
I upgraded my son's computer a few weeks ago so he could play Unreal Tournament 3 with me. Since then, he hasn't played the Wii once.
Len Q @ Apr 21st 2008 10:26AM
Keep moving forward, READ keep making sequel after sequel and boxing it up for the unsuspecting dumb ass to by, makes perfect sense when your only concerned about the bottom dollar...I figure by 2020 UT will be at incarnation 15 and Gears at 10?? There's some tight forward thinking!!
nintendo1889 @ Apr 21st 2008 10:26AM
Epic, yeah, I haven't seen them make good games in years. So what if the wii is "too kiddy" or has "lackluster graphics" (btw, he should take a look at the Conduit Tech Demo; proves the wii CAN make good use of its GPU). If the wii so "stupid/last gen" then why is it selling more that PS3 or Xbox 360? Who cares what he thinks?!
jetsaredim @ Apr 21st 2008 10:27AM
Considering the fact that I had to google Epic Games to figure out why I should care about this guy and whatever software his company makes, I think he's rather irrelevant. I'm not a big FPS genre fan, so maybe I'm just an oddball, but I could care less about Gears of War.
ChrisCanberg @ Apr 21st 2008 10:28AM
Better graphics don't make a better game.
The "next-gen" titles found on the 360 have this weird blurry effect to them whenever the camera moves around. These can be found on pretty much every one of the 360's first person shooters there are, which is a good 85% of the 360's library.
Actually, Epic has it backwards. If there's any sort of consumer that buys the same rehash over and over again its 360 owners.
With time the hardcore-gaming Wii owner knows what to buy and what not to buy. And it still shocks me that 360 owners can't see past the same game with different weapons.
Also, the Wii may be "low-tech", but at least it doesn't break every five minutes. *coughredringofdeathcough*
so what @ Apr 21st 2008 12:47PM
Ok, if you knew anything about computer graphics, you'd know that the "blur" effect is there to create more realism in the game. In real life, when you turn your head from left to right, the image is not a perfect, crisp image. There is blur. Try and learn something once in a while. (And yes, I do own a Wii, so don't bite back with some 360 or PS3 fanboy crap)
ChrisCanberg @ Apr 21st 2008 2:28PM
This is a video game. Not real life. Lets keep it like that.
So should that blur effect make me excited about the game? Because it honestly pisses me off. I don't understand why I can't get a clear picture when i change direction throughout a first person shooter of all genres instead of this blurry picture that really don't do me much good.
Rocketboy @ Apr 21st 2008 4:33PM
"Ok, if you knew anything about computer graphics, you'd know that the "blur" effect is there to create more realism in the game. In real life, when you turn your head from left to right, the image is not a perfect, crisp image. There is blur. "
Cut back on the sauce. That'll reduce your blur problem right there.
SoshiKitai @ Apr 21st 2008 8:37PM
I wouldn't say blur is a realistic effect, I would say it's a Cinematic Effect. You know, to make things more dramatic : And it works well, and makes graphics look even better!
Mind you, the blur effect is a mere shortcut of graphical ingenuity (kind of like making a dark city: Everything "looks" more detailed if it's dark), but it gets the job done.
Sooo... the blur effect ain't bad, I find it neat and awesome... but I wouldn't add that to the arsenal of "graphical power", since all systems have been able to do that in some form since wayyy back when (it's just, no one even thought it would be worth the work).
Now, there's nothing wrong with great graphics. What's wrong is if GRAPHICS is all that has been improved, or if that was the main focus. Which I could see where the problem is with the Xbox 360 and PS3... but if you actually played them, you'd realize something: Most creators never really pushed the graphics as much as they SHOULD HAVE yet... in fact, you could possibly say most of them are lazy at this point.
And btw, not every Xbox360 has the ring of death. Not even half of them do.
Mine works perfectly. :)
And don't start with the whole "This is a video game, not real life" excuse. It's been overused by sooo many bratty kids who wanted to win a fight. Truth of the matter is: Video games are getting close to the point where it WILL become a part of our EVERYDAY lives (just like how TVs, computers, cellphones, and sound devices are now)... and it has one advantage over most medias: You can control it, all the way through. Which will allow a lot of advancements in science and technology (as they are already doing now).
Making an experience seem more real isn't a problem. It is a great step forward. Eventually, we can create holograms that are so close to the real thing, that it'd be impossible to tell the difference... why not start on a flat screen?
(BTW: we do have working interactive holograms already... there's just no way to make them cheap yet, and there's no high demand just yet)
RatMasterD21 @ Apr 21st 2008 10:28AM
wow that was harsh maybe he's mad becuz his games are selling at less then half the rate or Nintendo games (Brawl/Mario kart/SMG) lolz at you pres LOLZ AT YOU!
Stephen Feehily @ Apr 21st 2008 10:33AM
Clearly the actions of a man lacking in imagination who is threatened by change. If all next gen means to him is better graphics then the Wii is not. It's such a superfical viewpoint to judge progress by simple asthetics.
If the Wii is so "new gen" why are Microdoft working on a motion controller for the 360?
I for one like both consoles, my superfical 360 and my future proof, reasonably priced, innovative Wii!! Why can't we all just, get along?
Neal Eaton @ Apr 21st 2008 10:36AM
While I disagree with the general tone of his statements, he has every right to voice his opinion.
BUT...so do I. I think that Epic should focus on what they do 'best' make the same game with better graphics every few years. Maybe they should try to do something different, and see how easy it is (it's not actually).
While my Wii has gone a week or 2 between play times, it has never been longer than that. Sound like Mr. Capps needs to lighten up and enjoy not shooting things.
Demotruk @ Apr 21st 2008 10:43AM
The real proof is in the software sales. If what he was saying about Wii being a virus was widely true, the Wii software, including casual software, would not be selling well.
The reality is, software sells on wii, worldwide it sells much better than it's competitors, and even in the US it's on par with XBox if not higher.
He may just be trying to turn their fans annoyance on something else, the Wii is often accused of casualising the gaming industry, right after they've been accused of casualizing Unreal Tournament.
josh @ Apr 21st 2008 10:54AM
first to shadowmanX, I personal think your the pres himself hidden in sheep clothing.
Second im with the rest of you Wii is next gen because its the next step in the concule line up, its that simple. his little rant actuly got me so pissed off that im actuly gunna email epic myself.
meist3r @ Apr 21st 2008 11:04AM
Well last time I played an Unreal Tournament game it didn't take me two months to realize what a dreadfully boring game that was. OK you could argue Singleplayer is not the main focus of the series and I would answer: Then don't charge 60 stinking dollars for half a multiplayer game, douchebags. Sure, if you are a online fps fiend and you don't do anything else but charge up bio rifles and look for telefrags then Epic makes some good games. If you are like me and enjoy good storytelling, innovation and creativity then you'll let Gears of War sitting on the shelve because honestly, as cool as it looks it's just another mindless shooter. An Epic shooter but a vanilla shooter nonetheless.
So let him rant in his tiny gilded world. One day he'll wake up and then I want to greet him with a smile. Let him enjoy his stupid antics as long as they last I say. He never played a good Wii game and if he actually played Mario Galaxy then he didn't even finish one level. No one talks about SMG that way if they really played it. I mean I hate platformers to say the least and SMG was an epiphany to me. Speaking of live changing moments, this guy never laid hands on Metroid Prime 3. He just couldn't give this "I got small balls but my engine is the freaking greatest thing in the world"-speech if he'd experienced what skilled developers do with the Wii. With skilled I mean able to create good visuals, fun AND immersive storytelling (not the best story, but at least MP3 had one).
I think he felt too comfortable talking to the IGN guy that was clearly pushing him towards the pro-hi-poly opinion and he probably thought Wii readers are too young to understand what he is saying.
I'm just glad I don't even have to make the decision to NOT give this guy money. No games for my system, no money for this moron. But I will certainly take a good second look at my games before I buy them. If it says Epic, it fails.
James @ Apr 21st 2008 11:05AM
I don't hold a grudge -- let the man do what he does best, which is design new ways to make things look shiny. I don't say that to be mean, either: the gruntier consoles from this generation can make better-looking games, and what Epic does well is make games that are pretty. Some of them are fun too, I guess, but that's clearly not priority #1 over there. There's a market for really, really pretty games, and they serve it. Good for them -- and they recognize (correctly) that they have no business being on the Wii, which does not serve that market at all.
Eternityx @ Apr 21st 2008 11:06AM
Is the Wii "Next Gen" I don't know if there is any real answer to that. In graphics I think it is far behind the competitors. Xbox360 and Playstation 3 are next gen because of their "outstanding" graphical prowess. Well the Wii is next gen due to its outstanding "innovative" controls. To me the word "next gen" is just hype just like this whole thing with "HI DEF" 1080p bulls*it. Sure its new and "teh awezome rezolut1ons" but do I have a 105" TV for it ..no. I have had a Wii since it came out. And I play it all the time. Though I have to admit before SSBB and MKWII. The Wii was getting a little dusty.
PS: Considering the software company Epic only really have a few games (Unreal Tournament, GoW) Both of which are the same damn thing...I don't see why anyone cares what they have to say about innovation imo.
Gabriel @ Apr 21st 2008 11:07AM
I think his argument has slight merit. I know people who bought the Wii solely for Wii Sports. After a while, they got tired of playing it and hardly touched it unless company came over. For most of us, however, the Wii is far more than a novelty.
I for one tend to cycle between my systems. For a month or so, I'll play my Wii without hardly touching my 360 (as I am now). In about a month, I'll probably be playing with my 360 more and completely ignore my Wii. Neither is a crappy system, nor are they a novelty. It's just that I'm interested in them at different times.
beaus27 @ Apr 21st 2008 11:08AM
The last Epic Game I played was Thirteen on the GameCube, I TRIED, I so TRIED to get into that game, but it just didn't hold my attention.
To me it sounds like Mr.Capps is bashing the Wii, because his company underestimated the popularity of the Wii and Epic Games missed the boat.
i.e : He's jealous.
Oh! and I am sure the positive sales of Carnival Games isn't sitting too well Mr.Capps.
propanol @ Apr 21st 2008 11:12AM
Given how all of Epic's software is basically tech demos to push UE (GoW was a tech demo for UE3 on 360, UT3 for UE3 on PS3/PC), I don't think we're losing out on anything of particular value here.
Orion @ Apr 21st 2008 11:13AM
Soooo, I can't play Unreal on my Wii? So what..
What do we really care what one developer who we never expected to touch the Wii cares about the system. They can say it's last gen all they want, but personally, the Wii is what brought me out of gaming soley on classic systems because it brought something new to the table. I bought a GC, PS2, and Xbox.. and was largely bored. It was just improved graphics, and the novelty of graphics wears off a LOT faster than the novelty of a new controller. The wii has made gaming fun for me again (modern gaming I mean), so if anything, in my eyes, the other two systems are the last gen. I'm tired of the automatic answer of making a new console is just to improve graphics, barely change the controller that we have used for 15 years, and slap a price tag on it... BE CREATIVE. I want a NEW experience, not an enhanced one.
So yea, they are the ones missing out. Personally, I have, last I checked, 28 Wii games.. and that's not even counting dloaded VC games. So if they don't want my hard earned money, then they won't get it.. I have plenty of titles this month and next to buy anyway. And considering the last Epic game I played was Unreal Tourny 2002, on my mac, I'm not really depressed about this news in the least.
ngamersrule101 @ Apr 21st 2008 11:16AM
play res evil 4 wii edition next to gears of war on identical tvs and remember res evil has gamecube graphics not wii any sane level minded person can easily see how close they are wii using a optermized res evil 4 engine can mimic gears of war perfectly at capped 480p
wii aint next gen utter compleat noncence sonics unleashed graphics whoring by x360 ps3 fans points out how stupid they all are becouse the leaked screens are exactly how the wii versions screens look in nintendo mags preview hands on test
and x360 fans had spent the whole previous week stating that they were x360 screenshots only to have there bubble burst big time
just a example of the idiot mentallity of people who take epics lies seriously when infact there anti marketing wii to pro market sony as they put all there eggs in the unreal 3 engine basket now the one machine that dosnt need it has won epic are running scared
pure and simple epic hate the fact the better guy won and gameplay is winning over pc non stop endless run and gun obsolete game making
LV426 @ Apr 21st 2008 6:19PM
Dude... it failed on PC too...
Orion @ Apr 21st 2008 11:18AM
PS:
This is coming from a developer that releases a slightly better looking version of the same game most every year. So of course they are going to support a console that does the same dang thing. Epic's Unreal is like EA's Madden. Unless you are a diehard (and ignorant) fan, there's no point to buying all 80 versions of their game.
The wii would actually make them.. :SHOCK: ... TRY to make something new! I'm sure they ARE deathly scared of the thing!
Nmaster @ Apr 21st 2008 11:19AM
I spoke personally with Dr. Capps a few years ago, and lemme tell you, his whole demeanor changes the second you bring up the Wii. I think it killed his grandmother or something, holy crap...
Seriously, it's somewhat shocking to hear the kind of fanboy rant you'd only expect on some silly forum coming from the president of a big company like that...
mongo @ Apr 21st 2008 11:23AM
It does seem as though this guy has a very narrow view of "next-gen." A game isn't just graphics, it's an interactive experience. With the possible exception of a little rumble, nothing has dramatically changed in the way a person interacts with the game since the Super-Nintendo/Sega Genesis era (that's where I put the mark of consoles really getting the standard controller configuration right).
I think the Wii easily has the most advanced control system. It's completely different, extremely advanced, highly scalable, and intuitive (when the game designers put thought into the controls). On this front, I find it absurd a talking head for a FPS-based company would dislike the Wii. The Wii finally has controls that make a FPS make sense on a console...
As for the virus comment: It's true... to a small segment of buyers. I picked up a Wii right when it came out. As a result of my purchase, half a dozen friends/family have bought Wiis. Of those, two of the Wiis don't get played much. The other people are still borrowing games from me all the time (I'm 30something, and so are the people are mid-20's - mid-40's), with only one of them being what we would consider a "gamer."
musicman65000 @ Apr 21st 2008 11:47AM
Truth of the matter is that the Wii is HOT! No doubt about it! If he feels that the Wii is like a virus, then let it infect every household in the world. I like that Nintendo tried something different with the Wii. It's not a perfect machine and I hope that Nintendo listens to the consumer and supplies what they want, but like it or not, the Wii has gone from upstart console to pop culture phenom...and still is selling strong! Yay, River City Ransom!