"As for the idea that digital downloads will somehow eliminate retail, we just don't see it," Fils-Aime said.
The Nintendo executive's comment reflect the fact that while companies are slowly getting into digital distribution, they are being cautious and not dropping any traditional retail efforts. Stores also feel threatened by the presence of the concept, but have begun to work towards supporting it in the future.
Nintendo's WiiWare service was used an example of a service that digitally distributes exclusive titles for Wii, but are smaller in scope when compared to retail titles.
In addition to Fils-Aime, several other top executives commented on the future of digital distribution, expressing that they are investigating new channels of distribution. They seem to be on the same page as they believe that it will be a while before companies fully embrace the concept, but that there's still room for growth.
A nice sized chunk of Nintendo's market probably doesn't even know what digital distrubtion is. Of cousre they're not going to Apple it up.
Reggie is right, digital distribution will never take over. At most it will complement sales, it will never replace retail (at least not anytime in the next 15 years). Digital sales are still almost nothing compare to retail.
I don't think anyone's looking at this as something that will happen in the short term. No, retail will remain a dominant force for probably another 15-20 years, probably around the time the number of people born in the digital age vastly out-number those born before that time.
I don't think anyone's looking at this as something that will happen in the short term. No, retail will remain a dominant force for probably another 15-20 years, probably around the time the number of people born in the digital age vastly out-number those born before that time.Why ask the question then? In 20 years Reggie will probably be retired.
