Post by: WindyMan on February 24, 2006, 08:05:28 PM
Perrin Kaplan is Nintendo of America's VP of marketing and corporate affairs. One of the job requirements for her position is to deflect questions sent her way by the media, but the Next Generation crew tried their best to penetrate those Jedi defenses.
The hot topic during the interview was E3 and the Revolution, of course. Here's a quick snip of the interview:
What are you able to say about Revolution's E3 showing, right now?
We will have enough games on show, that will keep people interested until launch. As far as the launch goes, we have so far said 'this year'. At some point soon we’ll be more specific about the date.
At this show and beyond, it’s about people getting a hands-on experience. If you play Revolution for yourself and experience the software, it's much better than me telling you about what our message is all about. It’s kinda like your own rollercoaster ride. It's always going to be different for everyone.
The idea is to get as many people as possible to try it and take that experience for themselves. See how it makes them feel.
In addition to the next-generation quizzing, Next-Gen also brought up the GameCube, and the concern that the Revolution may be Nintendo's last foray into console gaming, given the Gamecube's position in the market. To that theory, Kaplan said, "GameCube’s reputation suffers much more than its game sales do."
For the entire interview, check it out at Next-Gen.biz.
Post by: Guitar Smasher on February 24, 2006, 08:39:32 PM
Post by: BigJim on February 24, 2006, 09:28:04 PM
Q: What are you doing right now:
A: Everything (?) (dumb question = dumb answer)
Q: Does Cube's poor game sales suggest games are dull?
A: Our games are adopted in droves.
Q: How will you get your message out to hardcore and mainstream gamers?
A: Offer Zelda and Brain Training.
Q: How important is E3?
A: All year is important.
Q: What can you say about Rev's E3 showing?
A: People will use it.
Q: Will the core games press be interested in Rev?
A: We hope so.
Q: Given Cube's position in the market, is this Nintendo's last chance?
A: Reputation suffers more than sales. (The only noteworthy soundbyte)
Q: What is Rev's main marketing thrust?
A: Use it.
Q: What will be the Rev's killer apps?
A: We hope there will be lots of killer apps.
Q: How much market will Rev take?
A: No predictions. high hopes.
Q: Who does Nintendo want to broaden the market to?
A: Teenie boppers and dormant players.
Q: Other than "games", what would you call the non-games?
A: Games.
Q: How much work is it to get a tight message?
A: It developed on its own.
Q: What enables Nintendo to create non-games?
A: Profitability and loyalty.
Post by: TheYoungerPlumber on February 24, 2006, 11:25:03 PM
Post by: BigJim on February 25, 2006, 12:04:35 AM
She admits Cube has a reputation problem, which is a first. It'll be interesting to see if they can change it with Revo.
Post by: Bill Aurion on February 25, 2006, 01:47:11 AM
Post by: Spak-Spang on February 25, 2006, 03:39:19 AM
I am still hoping somehow Nintendo is pulling our leg and the system will be out sooner than later.
Post by: Jonnyboy117 on February 25, 2006, 05:18:48 AM
Wow, that's a big statement. May be true for some of Nintendo's games, but third-parties couldn't disagree more. Just look at the financial statements for companies like EA and Ubisoft. These companies actually support GameCube pretty well compared to most others, and it typically account for single-digit percentages of their total game sales.
Post by: Jonnyboy117 on February 25, 2006, 05:22:13 AM
I think I did an okay job, considering that I was nervous as hell and had very little time to conduct it.
http://www.planetgamecube.com/specialArt.cfm?artid=2203
Post by: UncleBob on February 25, 2006, 05:29:59 AM
Post by: tacojohn on February 25, 2006, 07:24:32 AM
I think it's critical that Nintendo releases this holiday season- possibly around Thanksgiving with a cheaper price (I'm betting $199- possibly w/ a game). This will generate enough buzz about the console for parents that they won't think twice about picking one up. And with the weird controller hardcores will want to try it out.
So I'm guessing this- launch around Thanksgiving, $199 price w/ new Mario game, they'll also have Metroid Prime 3 (or other mature title) ready for launch for the hardcores w/ wifi connection.
Here's to hoping! I can't wait!
Post by: Bloodworth on February 25, 2006, 07:39:01 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: UncleBob
You know, it'd be great if PGC could get another interview and y'all used (prefiltered versions of) questions submitted by PGC readers...
It would be cool, but we're generally not able to reveal the events these interviews usually take place at. E3 is so busy that only a handful of outlets are going to get a chance to talk with someone like Reggie or Perrin, and even then most of our questions would be based on things we just learned at the press conference.
Post by: BigJim on February 25, 2006, 12:53:48 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Jonnyboy117
BigJim, great post. ;-) As always, people seem to go into Perrin interviews with poor preparation and wrong expectations of what information they will be getting out of it. You have to anticipate the spin and pre-emptively avoid it. You have to ask specific questions that are still within her limit of what to discuss in order to get any real information. General questions will get boring, generic answers.
I think I did an okay job, considering that I was nervous as hell and had very little time to conduct it.
http://www.planetgamecube.com/specialArt.cfm?artid=2203
I thought that was pretty good. The questions weren't open-ended and the answers had some meat. It's almost like asking the follow-up before asking the first question.
Post by: Ian Sane on February 27, 2006, 06:30:45 AM
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on February 27, 2006, 10:01:51 AM
