Iwata: Friend codes aren't perfect (Us: Duh)
by Candace Savino 
{ Jul 22nd 2008 at 5:00PM }
You know you hate them. No matter how much you love Nintendo, there's no way you can justify those vile things known as friend codes.Nintendo (the company) might not despise them as much as we do (or at all), but at least some of the higher-ups are willing to acknowledge that they're not the best EVAR. In fact, you really don't get much higher up than President Satoru Iwata, who recently admitted in an interview with GameDaily that the friend code system isn't perfect. He then spouted the usual company line when he said, "However, if it's an online world where you can get access to anybody without any restrictions, I as a father do not feel like allowing my daughter be engaged in that kind of world."
Iwata said that the purpose of friend codes is to create a harassment-free environment for people less familiar with online video gaming, but we can't help but feel like friend codes are a different kind of harassment that tirelessly bothers those who are experienced online gamers. The prez also said that the company is working on improving the system, though, while keeping it safe.
[Via CVG]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mr Khan @ Jul 22nd 2008 5:13PM
All they need to do is take some of that money and invest in a system to allow online asshats/stalkers to be reported to some sort of central authority, and then start imposing some sort of penalty system
Something that would stick, but isn't too dumb
Konstantino @ Jul 22nd 2008 5:21PM
Why don't they just use a gamer tag type system but if parental controls are turned on, the gamer tag turns into a friend code?
Erik @ Jul 22nd 2008 9:35PM
I agree. That is the best way for Nintendo to protect kids. But, since Nintendo wants to be for the core audience, they sure do care about protecting little kids a lot. Though, they did mess up by releasing the Wii browser for free earlier last year. Meaning kids could access porn. It's not like the browser has a history function, and if it does, I havn't seen it.
Phil @ Jul 22nd 2008 10:50PM
Yeah, this alone would be enough. Do a firmware update and incorporate such a feature.
Still, while Friend Codes aren't great, I will say I like the factor of not having to hear little 13 year olds screaming at the top of their lungs " I PWNED JOO FAGGOT NOOB!" while I'm playing Brawl.
Hell, I bet if they could, they'd do it in Endless Ocean too:
Little Kid: "AW, FUKIN' NOOB, YOUR DOLPHIN PARTNER IS TEH SUXXORS! AND YOUR PICTURES ARE SHIT!"
Me: "Um, calm down, it's a diving simulator game, not Gears of War."
Edge @ Jul 22nd 2008 5:28PM
I appriciate the attempt to turn against the current of the hardcore spiral and reach non-gamers.
But, wait a sec. If non-gamers are going to become gamers, then what? Well, then they will want an online experience that ISN'T bullshit.
Treating the non-gamers like idiots is NOT the way to reach them AND keep them.
AzaMcWazza @ Jul 22nd 2008 5:41PM
My brain explodes each time I hear about Nintendo and their friend code system and how they seem to be having trouble with it.
If they are concerned, make everything parental controlled. Parents can turn on whether their kids need to exchange friend codes for a game or not.
Allow parents to set whether voice chat can be used or not.
If you do this, you eliminate almost all of the problem. Older gamers can have it turned off (Or of the own the console, they'll turn it off anyway) and make their own choices. Younger gamers can have their mum and dad choose.
Of course, ditching the numbers and using names instead is much better. Let us have accounts we log in with. Then add parental controls and problem is solved.
remraf @ Jul 28th 2008 8:13AM
I couldn't agree more about the parental controls. Nintendo needs to stop mandating people use them, and simply enable parents to have the ability to choose whether friend codes should be enforced. It's really pretty simple. The "hollier than thou/big brother" stance they take now is extremely short sited and myopic.
FYIan @ Jul 22nd 2008 5:42PM
They should really plan on having a user account system in their next console. It's the easiest way to handle online friends and parental controls, and it would have been a great idea to tie that in with Miis and promote its use with third parties.
As for the present system, there should be no need to have game codes on top of Wii friend codes, and Nintendo should make it easier to register friend codes with people you play online.
Oneiroi @ Jul 22nd 2008 6:15PM
What I didn't understand, is what they need to "work on".
Every other system manages to do this with usernames and parent controls. It's not like they have to reinvent the wheel. It isn't difficult.
And I don't see how having tons of meaningless numbers makes it easier for non gamers. I don't even bother with the system because I think it's too much of a pain. What does that mean about people with less video game savy?
Hafk @ Jul 22nd 2008 9:10PM
The Wii has parental controls, right?
How about implementing them for this. If you are under then filter, you have to use friend codes, if you are an adult, you get to use full access online.
This is an absolutely perfect solution for the problem.
CubeGuy @ Jul 22nd 2008 9:17PM
How about we just stop it with the game-specific codes and use the universal Wii numbers?
Avoli @ Jul 22nd 2008 9:24PM
Apparently, and this is new to me, my Dad is Japanese and runs Nintendo.
Thanks Dad!! Didn't know you cared about me from so far away!!!
Note to Dad: I'm 28 now, so uh, can you finally quit being over my shoulder?
Shaq-Fu @ Jul 23rd 2008 1:49AM
Dear Iwata,
You do realize that you run Nintendo, don't you? If you don't like friend codes, order one of your endless supply of guards to take them behind the shed and shoot them. Not even Miyamoto can stop you. DO IT NOW.
Alaska Nebraska @ Jul 23rd 2008 1:50AM
"harassment-free"?! Harassment-free my ass.
Friends: Hey did you add me yet hey did you add me yet hey did you add me yet why you didnt add me yet omg you're never online ;( hey did you add me yet hey why dont you add me? btw my FC is 5555-5555-5555 did you get that the other 32 times? o wrong game? is that why u didnt add me yet? ETC? so hey let's play tonight, but did you add me?
ARGH. No. Though I must say that the only FC systems I was actually pleased with was the Mario Kart Channel and Dr. Mario Rx ones--if friends are already on your Wii, you can invite them straight through without having the punch the digits in. Wonderful!
When they announced the Wii was going to have its own FC long before the console was released, I thought it was going to be a universal one for any other wi-fi Wii game you'd get in the future. Ended up not being that way, but...argh. Adults should have unrestricted access, at least. Sheesh.
Soiden @ Jul 23rd 2008 2:13AM
Only 2 things are needed to make this system A LOT better:
1 - Instead of long codes, let gamers put their own Nickname.
2 - Make gamers use just ONE code/nick. Not one code for Console, and one for every single game.
[TE]Kris @ Jul 23rd 2008 5:18AM
argh...these friend code's do my nut in , "hey add me! , 0000-0000-0000-0001 oh and my game code? oh, 3434-3434-3434!"
wish something happend what would make it better :( ;)
WhatIsThatThing @ Jul 23rd 2008 2:46PM
I don't see why SSBB, a T-rated game (you know, for TEENS) needs to bother with friend codes altogether.
Oh, and while you're being annoyed with friend codes, Mr. Iwata, I'd like to see some voice chat while we're at it in my Mario Karts and Brawls. Please?
Justin @ Jul 23rd 2008 8:50PM
Adults could be easily recognized by having them insert a credit card number.
That way, services available to kids and adults differ from each other.
Kids wouldn't have the ability to speak, or add friends, unless upgraded to an "adult account" by their parents. Even then, parental controls could be added.