Nintendo planning greater community features

by David Hinkle { Nov 19th 2008 at 1:45PM }

It's not to say that the company hasn't been mindful of community features in the past. They've launched the Check Mii Out Channel, as well as the Everybody Votes Channel. Sure, they were flops, but it's good to know that Nintendo is at least trying. And Reggie wants us to know that Nintendo has some things coming down the pipe.

"Nintendo has always had a vision on community," he said. "The issue is that we define community differently than our competitors. ... Our consumers do want a sense of community, and we're going to deliver that--but in a way that is unique to Nintendo." Thanks for being so vague, Reg!

Regardless, it's good to know Nintendo is thinking about it. Stacked up against Xbox Live and, even worse, PSN, the Wii is lacking in some very necessary community features. Why don't you all take a guess? What do you think Nintendo has up its sleeve? Personally, we'd appreciate Virtual Console and WiiWare demos and maybe more online multiplayer.

Gallery: Wii and friends: A Great Match

[Via GameDaily; thanks, Mr Khan!]

Tags: community, community-features, features, nintendo-community, reggie-fils-aime, wi-fi

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

Ferco @ Nov 19th 2008 1:52PM

"but in a way that is unique to Nintendo." That's not a good sign.

Moleculo @ Nov 19th 2008 2:24PM

Demos would be nice. While we're at it, fix the "architecture" problem so we don't get screwed on the GHWT/RB DLC bundle issue. I WANT HENDRIX!

scott O. @ Nov 19th 2008 2:26PM

i agree. but hopefully it's not so bad you know. i can tell you that it wont be as open as xbox live because nintendo doesn't want anybody crying to their mommy they got called a cu*t. which makes perfect sense and there is a lot of casual audience to appease but they need to understand that the PARENTS are the ones who are gonna let the kids get online and they could set up family features or somethin' ya know!! hopefully it's big open and friendly without some type of big brother of language.

WooDy @ Nov 19th 2008 2:28PM

I just don't understand how they can claim to have a "vision of community" and yet they still stand firm on the whole friend code thing. Isn't the whole point of a community for both friends and strangers to gather in the same spot with a common purpose?

samfish @ Nov 19th 2008 2:29PM

"The issue is that we define community differently than our competitors."

NO. BAD Reggie. Your competitors are doing online and community right, for the most part.

The Wii needs 3 things:
1) Universal online/connectivity a la XBL
2) Demos
3) Community outreach

Community outreach could/would set them apart from the competition.
...unfortunately, knowing Nintendo, they'll do something completely ass backwards and and counter-intuitive and call that community features.

SoshiKitai @ Nov 19th 2008 3:22PM

"Your competitors are doing online and community right, for the most part."

Highlight 'for the most part' and that's what we call "hard to find things & not safe for the family"...
The latter being what makes or breaks the choice for Nintendo.

Mr Khan @ Nov 19th 2008 3:28PM

Nintendo obviously needs to tread carefully due to the whole family-friendly thing. Like i said elsewhere, what they come up with is either going to be revolutionary or a complete waste of time. They're not going to just give us LIVE or PSN and call it a day

Roto13 @ Nov 19th 2008 2:30PM

What do demos and crap have to do with community?

Mr Khan @ Nov 19th 2008 2:33PM

They don't, but demos coupled with the storage solution could fire up a new wave of impulse-purchases for VC and WiiWare titles.

Mr Khan @ Nov 19th 2008 2:30PM

yay, accreditation!

Honestly, though, i don't know what to make of it. Like Ferco just said, if they try to strike out on their own they're either going to do something amazing or something horrible.

I mean, if it was going to be centered around any one game, they missed the three best chances they would have this year. Mario Kart, Smash Bros, and Animal Crossing are THE social games.

If they are doing something distinct, at least, it won't be a crappy HOME/NXE knockoff with Miis running around some sort of little world of theirs.

Hopefully something simple, like an enhancement of WiiConnect24 with easier friending and the ability to tell who is on or off (by merely checking whether the Wii is powered on or not), and the ability to post status updates on your own name, a la Facebook

RSL @ Nov 19th 2008 2:37PM

Wait a second? So I'm the only one who enjoys the Everybody Votes Channel??

SoshiKitai @ Nov 19th 2008 3:24PM

You're one of the VERY VERY few around here.

I, for one, think it's okay. My gf loves it, though.

Hamster @ Nov 19th 2008 4:10PM

No you're not alone, like you and Soshi, I love the Everybody Votes Channel! I go on it all the time, in fact I think I've voted on pretty much every question since it was released. It's such an underrated feature.

Sonic_13 @ Nov 19th 2008 4:33PM

I vote all the time. I love the channel and seeing the results . It's really interesting how for some questions the country is pretty distinctly divided by region. It's an awesome channel in my opinion.

I wish the worldwide polls were a colored map too instead of just list form.

Hamster @ Nov 19th 2008 5:03PM

I agree Sonic13, sometimes the worldwide poll results are pretty interesting. I remember one question was something like "Do you like horror films" and the results showed that the Japanese liked them the least, which I wasn't expecting at all seeing as Japanese horror has arguably been the most significant in the genre for the past decade.

Marcelo @ Nov 19th 2008 5:46PM

My fiancee and I vote everyday and compare results. She's more tuned in but I'm further away from popular opinion. I may not have my finger on the pulse of society but I'm no sheep.

Rosario @ Nov 19th 2008 9:51PM

I was going to post the same thing, my whole family loves voting. First thing we do when we turn on the Wii is check out what new questions are up and the results. Ive noticed Im not the best with the world predictions but whatever.

I think this is one of the better channels. Check Mii Out was fun for a wk or so but its just on my Wii taking up space and will be deleted once I get World Tour.

Daryl @ Nov 19th 2008 2:37PM

Nintendo's preference for innovation over imitation makes me glad to be a Nintendo Fanboy.

Anthony @ Nov 19th 2008 2:45PM

It also makes me glad that you'll never know what a GOOD game is.

Daryl @ Nov 19th 2008 2:51PM

Unlike you, I've been following the game industry for over 20 years.

Orion @ Nov 19th 2008 3:00PM

Their innovation is indeed appreciated. I can't imagine the gaming world without all their brilliant contributions and franchises.. but they sure do take their damn time coming up with it sometimes. As much as a nintendo fan you are (and I am) you can't say they are always first to the game on things (yes i know analog sticks and wirless controllers.. whoopdido) ...COUGH CD format, online play, DVD Playback, beta in games and operating systems, DEMOS!, a functioning online community, voice chat, .... i could go on for years.. oh yea, COUGH.

Daryl @ Nov 19th 2008 3:16PM

Let's remember that Nintendo has never used CD or DVD.

It used a smaller disk on the gamecube, and now it uses a proprietary format.

Mr Khan @ Nov 19th 2008 3:24PM

The thing is, Nintendo often acts as though they exist in a vacuum. They feel they have no incentive to react to what their competitors do. What this has led to is both startling innovation in some fields, but idiotically stubborn resistance to change in others.

And i don't remember them saying anything pro-online last gen. All i remember is when they called online a fad, a rare dig at the competition

Daryl @ Nov 19th 2008 9:42PM

It's because of the type of games that Nintendo makes.

Online doesn't really help with platformers, puzzle solving games, and adventure games. Yes a little virtual console and wiiware is cool, but online isn't really critical to the type of games that Nintendo makes. If you make a bunch of shooters, the logical move is to go online. But not for mario and zelda games.

Look sony, microsoft, and nintendo have all had success at times and failure at times. With sony the ps1 and ps2, with nintendo the nes and wii, with Microsoft, the glory days of success are more in pc gaming. But they've all achieved their success by using different strategies. I personally like nintendo's strategy, so for me, the wii leading the sales is just a beautiful thing after being so far behind last time.

iofthestorm @ Nov 19th 2008 9:46PM

Pretty sure the Wii uses DVDs, not a proprietary format, since people with modchips use DVDs to play pirated games. Also explains why you can play DVDs with homebrew.

Daryl @ Nov 19th 2008 9:57PM

http://wapedia.mobi/en/Wii_Optical_Disc
there is proof that I'm not just spouting off and actually know what I'm talkign about.

It plays dvd because it has the computational abilities to be modified from a software perspective through updates, and because they physically fit in. But wii games DO NOT run on DVDs. They look like DVDs and CDs but they are just a bigger versions of the format used on Gamecube.

KaBob799 @ Nov 19th 2008 2:41PM

I just realized... they go to so much trouble to use friend codes in games but we have usernames on their forums... why not just let us use those names?

Orion @ Nov 19th 2008 2:55PM

I'll believe it when I see it. I remember them saying they were going to focus on online games for the GC back in the day as well, and all we got was LAN in Mario Kart that had the lowest framerate I've seen since the Atari 2600.... and that was on a T1 connection!

I guess I've gotten used to Live now.. but...uh... a beta would be really nice Nintendo! :)

Sonic_13 @ Nov 19th 2008 4:01PM

"all we got was LAN in Mario Kart that had the lowest framerate I've seen since the Atari 2600.... and that was on a T1 connection!"

Something must have been wrong with your setup. LAN play just connects two systems directly. It doesn't use the Internet so it wouldn't have mattered if you had dial-up or T1.

Shortbuser @ Nov 19th 2008 2:58PM

Why not have a Who's Playing Channel so you can click and see which of your buddies are online and what they are playing? I also believe that there should be one 'friend' code to rule them all on each system for every game. When someone adds a new friend code, a notification can be sent to the Wii Message Board. Is that enough protection for Nintendo? All these suggestions would work within their current 'online system'

Ferco @ Nov 19th 2008 4:13PM

My thoughts exactly. Friend codes are bad, but having different friend codes for each game makes it so much worse. But I don't think Nintendo could make that work in already released games. That would probably require patching and patching is a mortal sin.

CJLopez @ Nov 19th 2008 3:00PM

Man, when i read all that, Home with Mii's came to my mind......

No Regie, bad Regie, don't do that!!!

SoshiKitai @ Nov 19th 2008 3:28PM

That'd be a hilariously bad idea, though.

If I saw that happen, I'd use it just for the sake of how reDONKulous it is. :P
Pffft... that'd be funny to play.

DarkJesus @ Nov 19th 2008 3:02PM

Nintendo need to implement an online marketplace type thing like on the iphone and the android G1. This way, homebrew developers can submit their applications for download on the wii and the homebrew developers wouldn't keep re-opening the wii up. Same thing needs to happen on the DSi, or there WILL be flash carts.

Bari-Arm @ Nov 19th 2008 3:37PM

Oh boy. I can't wait for the new "decorate a cake" channel that will be Nintendo's idea of what their fanbase wants for online community. While my friends on XBOX360 can play games with each other easily and download demos I'll be in my living room voting on whether or not I like vegetables.

KaBob799 @ Nov 19th 2008 5:44PM

Isn't that the basic idea of WiiWare?

guttertalk @ Nov 19th 2008 3:49PM

The key is "online community," not online features. Demos have little to nothing to do with community. I like community features like the game ratings, which is using gamers to develop information that everyone can use.

It's hard to know what Nintendo will do, but here are some things I'd like to see.

+ Friend codes are bad per se, but their implementation bites. It requires too much outside collaboration. How about a notification system where I can see people who have added me as a friend and I can reciprocate or not.

+ Allow gamers to see what their friends are doing, what game they're playing.

+ Gamer-driven content, like images for a customizable Wii Menu or games with downloadable content from gamers.

+ Make the Japanese channels available to other regions, like Everyone's Theater and Television Friend.

I think whatever Nintendo does, it needs to be really useful or fun, tying into something else like tv, movies, or games. Standalone entertainment channels like the Mii Channel just aren't enough to keep our sustained interest.

wud_e @ Nov 19th 2008 4:03PM

Glad Ninty finally thinks this is important. With "Everybody Votes" and "Check Mii Out" the next thing I can think of is "Everybody Play in the Park". It could be Mii park and you meet other Mii's and if I was making it you could play games like "Mii Tag", "Mii hide and Seek", "Mii Red Light green light", "Mii Frisbee", etc. Knowing how Nintendo does things though it will be just a Park where not much happens.

Apothekari @ Nov 19th 2008 4:15PM

Well we're 2 years in almost on the Wii Reggie.
How about instead of vague "We get it" promises, some ACTION.
Update the browser.
Fix the space issue {What's the hold up here?, really!}
I just downloaded NXE today and the Wii looks even MORE 2 generations ago.
At this point, I like my Gamecube way better. and seriously, it's online wasn't much worse.
It doesn't help that if you own a PS2 and a 'Cube you have 4/5's of the Wii's "good games" library.
So, Reggie, Cammy, and show me something or STFU!
Cause after 6 months of nothing happening I'm ready to sell my Wii.

Hardy @ Nov 19th 2008 4:26PM

In a unique Nintendo way?

You mean restricted completely because of the STUPID %^&*ING friend codes!

GOD what a stupid idea.
If they want community, they should've brought it with AC. That game is ABOUT community.
But no. They have another plan. Something I believe will probably be another flop.

time @ Nov 19th 2008 4:42PM

Nintendo needs an always-connected solution, like Xbox Live. It's a pain waiting for WFC to connect when you want to play Brawl online every time. They also need to do a party system where you can do voice chat with your friends whenever you want. I wouldn't mind if voice chat was restricted to friend-to-friend communication; that's all I do on Xbox Live anyway.

Also, they should have a universal "gamertag"/friend-code for all games, preferably the former.

Adrian @ Nov 19th 2008 4:44PM

Anthony said...

It also makes me glad that you'll never know what a GOOD game is.

What the crap?! I believe you're in the wrong thread (the wrong site, even) to be making asinine comments like that, dude. This is 'tendo country, lil' buckaroo.
Anyway, I hope & pray for a storage solution above all else. I've so far spent more than $300 on VC and Wiiware titles since launch. Almost filled an SD card, and still buying games. And it's a bit of a pain in the ___ to delete/copy all the time. Demos are never a bad idea, either. Although, I rarely enjoy any of the DS demos that I've played. I've always thought they should somehow integrate some of the old-school VC games with online multiplayer. For example, wouldn't it be nice to have the ability to search for a second player to be Luigi on any of the old SMB games? No friend codes necessary. Just millions of quietly polite Luigis waiting to play with you.
I had the Everybody Votes Channel for only about a month before I decided that I'd rather have the empty space for more games. Same with the Check Mii Out Channel... . . . . .