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Nintendo Not Hosting 'Large-Scale' Presentation at E3 2013

by Patrick Barnett - April 24, 2013, 7:55 pm EDT
Total comments: 69 Source: Twitter, https://twitter.com/Cheesemeister3k

Nintendo is aiming to host several smaller events in place of a large one.

Nintendo revealed during their financial results briefing that at this year's E3, the company plans to host several smaller events in lieu of a large presentation.

During the event, Nintendo Satoru Iwata explained "Unlike previous years, we will not have a large-scale [E3] presentation directed to everyone in the world. Instead, we are planning several smaller events focusing on software for America. Among these hands-on events will be one for American distributors and another for western media."

During E3 2012 Nintendo held other meetings as well as their large presentation. This year, the company is striving to be different and announce all of their new software through the smaller events.

Talkback

broodwarsApril 24, 2013

Well, now we know why that last Nintendo Direct was so ridiculous.  :-\  This will probably turn out to be a massive mistake.  The general public neither knows about their Nintendo Directs, nor gives a flying **** about them.  The only ones who care are people like us, and we probably already own a Wii U.  With no E3 presser this year, Nintendo's given away just about their only mass market media coverage they're going to get on Wii U for the rest of the year.

Either Nintendo's arrogant enough to believe that they don't "need" E3 this year, or they have so little to actually show on the console front that they're saving themselves the embarrassment of a pathetically light E3 showing against the PS4 and Durango.  Either way, Nintendo just threw in the towel on the Wii U, whether they realize it yet or not.  Well, at least the 3DS is still worth following.

TJ SpykeApril 24, 2013

The general public doesnt watch E3 either. The press will still cover their E3 events, so the coverage will still be there.

SorenApril 24, 2013

No other way to say it. This sucks.

I know E3 is a trade show for the industry and distributors but it still holds an important place for consumers. Right now, as a Wii U owner, morale is low. I was looking forward to the press conference now more than ever. I wanted to gawk at all the new games and be blown away by what Nintendo has to offer me. More importantly, they need to get the attention of the mainstream media and I don't think they can do that by hosting little events every day. 

Quote from: TJ

The general public doesnt watch E3 either. The press will still cover their E3 events, so the coverage will still be there.

How many major media outlets covered Nintendo's main presser vs their smaller 3DS showcase last year?

FjurbanskiApril 24, 2013

Other than not watching a 1 hour press conference, what will be the difference? The media will still get all the news and post all the news. We'll still get videos of the demos, new trailers, and all the information.

broodwarsApril 24, 2013

Quote from: TJ

The general public doesnt watch E3 either. The press will still cover their E3 events, so the coverage will still be there.

But once the show begins, the press will be running around covering other games, and who wants to cover whatever Nintendo has to show when there's PS4 and Durango games on the show floor to get coverage on? Seriously, from a mass market news media perspective, why give a **** about Nintendo now if you have to go out of your way for them?

ShyGuyApril 24, 2013

Hmmm... This is an unexpected twist.

TJ SpykeApril 24, 2013

Quote from: Soren

How many major media outlets covered Nintendo's main presser vs their smaller 3DS showcase last year?

I recall seeing a LOT of coverage of their 3DS showcase actually. And Nintendo will still have events at E3 this year, it just wont be one big press conference. All their information will still be covered and released.

FjurbanskiApril 24, 2013

Quote from: broodwars

But once the show begins, the press will be running around covering other games, and who wants to cover whatever Nintendo has to show when there's PS4 and Durango games on the show floor to get coverage on? Seriously, from a mass market news media perspective, why give a **** about Nintendo now if you have to go out of your way for them?

It's their job. They'll cover it. No site is going to want another site getting de facto exclusivity to the 3D Mario demo because they were too lazy to cover it.

broodwarsApril 24, 2013

Quote from: Fjurbanski

Quote from: broodwars

But once the show begins, the press will be running around covering other games, and who wants to cover whatever Nintendo has to show when there's PS4 and Durango games on the show floor to get coverage on? Seriously, from a mass market news media perspective, why give a **** about Nintendo now if you have to go out of your way for them?

It's their job. They'll cover it. No site is going to want another site getting de facto exclusivity to the 3D Mario demo because they were too lazy to cover it.

It's their job to get maximum news coverage per their audience.  If their audience is excited for whatever Microsoft & Sony shows, & Nintendo's doing whatever they're doing against that, Nintendo will lose.

E3 was already notoriously nuts for the gaming press with the format we already had with the 3 Pre-E3 pressers and then the show.  Pulling this nonsense at the last possible moment after the press has already started making their E3 plans is not going to garner them any favors.  So if it comes down to getting coverage of the the vast majority of games at the conference or going way out of their way for Nintendo's thing, Nintendo will lose that bet every time.

SorenApril 24, 2013

The only way I see this working is if Nintendo drop a major announcement during a Nintendo Direct 1 or 2 days before Microsoft/Sony host their press conferences, then drop another one right after.

FjurbanskiApril 24, 2013

If that was the case, then they wouldn't bother covering the Nintendo stuff at all. The fact that you think the main gaming sites won't cover this is absolutely absurd. It's their JOB. Nintendo will get all the coverage they need.

SorenApril 24, 2013

Quote from: Fjurbanski

If that was the case, then they wouldn't bother covering the Nintendo stuff at all. The fact that you think the main gaming sites won't cover this is absolutely absurd. It's their JOB. Nintendo will get all the coverage they need.

We're not talking gaming sites. We're talking mainstream outlets outside the gaming industry (CNN, USA Today,etc.)

EDIT: At least I think that's who we're talking about...

broodwarsApril 24, 2013

Quote from: Soren

Quote from: Fjurbanski

If that was the case, then they wouldn't bother covering the Nintendo stuff at all. The fact that you think the main gaming sites won't cover this is absolutely absurd. It's their JOB. Nintendo will get all the coverage they need.

We're not talking gaming sites. We're talking mainstream outlets outside the gaming industry (CNN, USA Today,etc.)

Precisely. We're talking about those major mass-market newsmedia outlets whose presence was the very reason Nintendo had all those terrible casual-centric E3 presentations.  But apparently now that the casuals don't give a damn about Nintendo anymore, Nintendo's taking its ball and going home because they know they can't compete with the other two companies at E3.

NeoStar9XApril 24, 2013

Quote from: Soren

Quote from: Fjurbanski

If that was the case, then they wouldn't bother covering the Nintendo stuff at all. The fact that you think the main gaming sites won't cover this is absolutely absurd. It's their JOB. Nintendo will get all the coverage they need.

We're not talking gaming sites. We're talking mainstream outlets outside the gaming industry (CNN, USA Today,etc.)

EDIT: At least I think that's who we're talking about...

They'll cover Nintendo as well because they will be invited to the events they do hold. They will be there. These events will be tailored to them as well.


Nintendo will still be at E3. Their booth will still likely be the same size as it's always been.  However there will be closed events for press and retailers, tailored to them most likely.  Also likely Nintendo Directs and several of them as well. We all know how great they can be and the ones likely to be broadcast during E3 week are likely to be big.


That's a possibility of a week of constant coverage and announcements and not just a single 1 hour presentation that may or may not go well live on stage.


broodwars you need to calm down.

CericApril 24, 2013

This Screams NCL.  The timing w/ Iwata taking full reigns. 

Mainstream media doesn't care about E3.  Its people like us who cares and we'll get all the info.  Nintendo should be at the show itself and doing lots of demos, interviews, and closed door demonstrations.

I think this is actually a smart move on Nintendo's part. Every time they introduce stuff to the "internet at large" they get crucified, and so much of their product is most impressive when getting people hands-on play time anyways.


This is Nintendo specifically targeting Western media without a whole bunch of distractions or opinions shaped by the internet echo chamber.  They would have been drowned out by Sony and Microsoft at E3 anyways, as that's what the press will chase, the big stories.  This sits them down and forces them to focus on Nintendo products in a controlled environment.

FjurbanskiApril 24, 2013

I don't see how giving the media constant news throughout the week of E3 is going to get them less coverage...


Also, as long as they have things on the show floor or behind closed doors, then what does it matter if they don't have a 1 hour press conference?


And don't even act like people who get their E3 news from CNN actually care.

AdrockApril 24, 2013

Wii U is struggling, Sony AND Microsoft are launching new consoles this year, and Nintendo's idea is to not hold a big E3 presentation. That sounds counterproductive. I suppose if we get a couple of those really informatice presentations like the 3DS one last year, it keeps things focused. We'll see what happens.

MannyponApril 25, 2013

The way I see it is E3 is one big gaming orgy.  Sony and MS will show up an blow their loads early where Nintendo will be looking to do some foreplay and extend the loving for the duration of the party. 

As long as Nintendo can give people something new to talk about every day, they'll be a constant in everyone's mind IMO.  I think this is genius because it gives us something to look forward to throughout the whole event instead of just caring about the big pressers and then catching up on all the other minor details with the remaining days. 

house3136April 25, 2013

From what I understand, Nintendo will have Nintendo Directs for game announcements, a separate press event, a distributor event, and game demos on the show floor. If the mainstream press ignores them, that’s out of Nintendo’s hands. Nintendo Direct also enables Nintendo to make more announcements throughout the year, which the press can pick up on and cover without all the PS4/Durango hype. All Nintendo has to do is advertise the games when they’re available; that’s how people will know about them, not because they read about them in USA Today 5 months prior.

xcwarriorApril 25, 2013

This is a great move my Nintendo.

Folks, E3 is dying. The big 3 don't care about it anymore.

Look at today alone. When is the new Xbox being revealed? In May, BEFORE E3. Meaning their E3 Presentation is going to be crap in comparisson. And Nintendo probably will do a Nintendo Direct right around that same time instead of the E3 presentation.

Folks, E3 is going to be a demo fest this year. Good for game journalists, but that's it. Not going to need to watch a lot unless you really want to watch other people play demos.

Sony is going to follow suit. In future years, don't be surprised if E3 becomes big only for third parties.

Nintendo is staying ahead of the curve here. E3 is on it's way out - losing out to the digital world - and they are not going to be caught as the coffin closes on it.

UncleBobRichard Cook, Guest ContributorApril 25, 2013

Live stream and recorded stream of the press conference via Wii U and 3DS.

Time-limited downloadable demos for ALL games that were going to be shown off on the sales floor, with video introductions by Nintendo staff talking about the game, what to do, etc.

Miiverse interaction for the demos, so folks can ask staff questions about the games.

E3?  Who needs it.  Nintendo Direct, baby.

TJ SpykeApril 25, 2013

Quote from: xcwarrior

Look at today alone. When is the new Xbox being revealed? In May, BEFORE E3. Meaning their E3 Presentation is going to be crap in comparisson.

To be fair, Microsoft says they are only gonna TEASE the new Xbox before E3, they say they will fully unveil it at E3.

MagicCow64April 25, 2013

I dunno, this feels kinda whack. I think a lot of folks (myself included) were counting on one hell of a main stage show to draw off attention from Microsoft and Sony. I have a hard time seeing how a series of smaller low-key events is going to somehow do better against the next-gen blow-out.  Seems reminiscent of "alt" kids having an "anti-prom" to really show those cool kids that they totally don't care.

Trogdor915April 25, 2013

Not too concerned. The purpose of E3 was originally mainly for impressing investors and press. Now impressing the fans/consumer has become equally as important so dividing up the conferences is fine with me. Also having a direct during E3 for each region makes it better suited for spreading across social media, which I am sure is a major goal for Nintendo.

azekeApril 25, 2013

I, for one, welcome our new Nintendo Direct overlords.

NeoStar9XApril 25, 2013

Cross posting from another forum.


Nintendo won't be limited to just giving each game a short 5 to 10 minute showing. Which is what they would be doing in a stage presentation with some clips being released later if we're lucky. Some games don't even make it to the presentation and are only talked about afterward. Wonderful 101 for example. This way each game can possibly be given the attention it deserves in a long Nintendo Direct (that is carefully put together)  or several mini-directs devoted to each game or a group of games during the entire E3 period.


Imagine a mini-direct 20 minutes long just on the new 3D Mario game. Or Mario Kart. Or Wind Waker. Or Monolith Soft's game. On Bayonetta 2. Whatever third party games there are as well. Include in that interviews. They do this already with games like Animal Crossing for example.

No more Ravvi Drums, no more cute puppies, no more wireless interference in Skyward Sword, no more NintendoLand fireworks.

And there was much rejoicing.

SixthAngelApril 25, 2013

Instead of reading shitty impressions of a video someone watched,  then grainy second hand video and finally the direct feed from Nintendo we get to jump to the direct feed immediately.

Any big game announcement will be picked up by the usual press whether Nintendo does a conference about it, directly streams it to consumers, or just drops it on the ground and walks away.

Nintendo is also still there to do any of the mainstream press crap, which isn't a giant show aimed at people watching at home like E3 has become. There will also still be demos which is the only real benefit of having people physically there.

azekeApril 25, 2013

Quote from: Shaymin

No more Ravvi Drums, no more cute puppies, no more wireless interference in Skyward Sword, no more NintendoLand fireworks.

And there was much rejoicing.

Also no sales data.

On the other hand, no Iwata and Reggie playing tennis and wii fit on stage and no blonde models 3DS parade.

Ron-FApril 25, 2013

Considering the media will naturally focus their coverage on the new consoles by Sony and Microsoft, this is not a bad strategy. It will avoid direct competition and can be scheduled in order to maximize the impact, probably a few days before E3.

SonofMrPeanutApril 25, 2013

I'm certainly going to echo sentiments that have already been expressed: 


- Directs are the future, straight to the facts with minimal fluff while still offering the fun of a presentation.  Well, minus awkward Cammie moments but with plenty of banana-stare JPEG-spawning moments.
- E3 is no longer the source of all the biggest stories of the year, as proven by Sony's & Microsoft's console reveal events.  Direct communication between companies and their customers has allowed for Direct-style reveals throughout the year.  This year will be built on demos.
- No more sales data and shouting at our computer screens for the games to come back.


At the same time, it can't be ignored that Nintendo's success with Directs only appeals to current fans/customers and people who pay attention to the wider game industry.  The mainstream market is still oblivious to the Wii U, and the only way they'll be reached is through a massive advertising overhaul.  From bus-stop ads to TV commercials to talk show feature spots (which particularly helped spread the original Wii), advertising is Nintendo's key to plenty of non-owners who are either unaware of the console itself or of content that might appeal to them.  Whether or not they decide to watch Directs, they'll still have channels of information that can easily be accessed.  Nintendo of America just needs to put in the effort to make it happen.  From there, the software will do the rest.

RazorkidApril 25, 2013

I think this is a brilliant move by Nintendo. This not only helps control their product message being delivered to the main, but very different, crowds that E3 serves (retail, media, and gamers), it also makes it hard to compare their info presentation to that of Microsoft and Sony. I don't know what people were expecting Nintendo to pull out to essentially "win" E3 this year in the press event category (games, I know), but unless Microsoft AND Sony actively try to sabotage their own pressers, they are pretty much guaranteed to have great events that's gonna have the internet going crazy.


Limping as it is to E3, there's no way a traditional press event for the WiiU would stand up to this year's offering by the other two. But thankfully Nintendo themselves seem to be aware of this also and are attacking the competition from a different angle instead of head-on. Releasing info in concentrated bursts, tailored to the specific audience it's being presented to, and spreading this out over the coarse of E3 instead of 90% of it in a 1-2 hour presser is a better strategy. This also allows them to not be lost in obscurity (or embarrassment) between the two new boxes duking it out like godzilla monsters.

Quote from: NWR_Lindy

I think this is actually a smart move on Nintendo's part. Every time they introduce stuff to the "internet at large" they get crucified, and so much of their product is most impressive when getting people hands-on play time anyways.


This is Nintendo specifically targeting Western media without a whole bunch of distractions or opinions shaped by the internet echo chamber.  They would have been drowned out by Sony and Microsoft at E3 anyways, as that's what the press will chase, the big stories.  This sits them down and forces them to focus on Nintendo products in a controlled environment.

Everyone says E3 is a terrible environment to absorb specifics when demoing games. Unlike the other 2 competitors (who will likely be expected to rely more on tech demos and trailers than mature software when showing off their latest hardware), Nintendo will be relying soley on games to stand out.  In order for said games to make an impact, what Lindy said makes sense and further makes me believe this is the right direction to go.

Quote from: UncleBob

Live stream and recorded stream of the press conference via Wii U and 3DS.

Time-limited downloadable demos for ALL games that were going to be shown off on the sales floor, with video introductions by Nintendo staff talking about the game, what to do, etc.

Miiverse interaction for the demos, so folks can ask staff questions about the games.

E3?  Who needs it.  Nintendo Direct, baby.

         


Because they are breaking away from tradition with how they're handling E3, they are now free to do whatever they want with their info. If they actually implement even half of those suggestions, Nintendo could pull significant attention away from their competitor and also cause a big paradigm shift in how to do E3 (at least among the big 3). I really hope they leverage Miiverse and the eShop during E3. 


I know it's silly to feel so invested in the success of Nintendo at E3, particularly in the minds of non-nintendo fans. But for the first time since the WiiU launched, I actually feel more positive about E3 for them now because of this new strategy and the potential it holds.

classicgamerApril 25, 2013

E3 Is boing anyways i Go every year and the last years E# was  huge let down and i may go this year but i really don't give a flip about sony next gen console is the same stuff like the ps3 with a little added power and using outdated pc parts so again Wii U may not be as powerful on looks but if i want looks i have a pc now Wii U im there for fun gaming an d the other two just don't have it...

Shorty McNostrilApril 25, 2013

Oh dear.


So Nintendo has absolutely nothing to show. Just some cheap and nasty shovelware.  But it's ok!!! Nintendo are hosting some smaller do's so people can play games they announced 18 months ago. 



azekeApril 25, 2013

Quote from: Shorty

So Nintendo has absolutely nothing to show. Just some cheap and nasty shovelware.

Nintendoomed. Skyfalled. Iwatas are taking over the planet. Hide your kids! Run for your lives!

Taking this as a sign that Nintendo doesn't have anything to show is ridiculous. For one, we already know of several things they'll be delving into in more detail.

As has been pointed out, Nintendo's press conference last year was fairly lousy, and since then they've had several very successful Nintendo Directs. Can you blame them for wanting to do the thing they're good at instead of the thing they fail at at least as often as they succeed.

Chad SexingtonApril 25, 2013

This doesn't bother me.


I think most people consume Nintendo (and general video game) news through secondary sources like websites, youtube videos, and podcasts.  The information will get out there regardless.

reginApril 25, 2013

So Reggie is leaving and they couldn't find a person to replace him on stage? They've announced everything in previous Nintendo Directs and simply want people to go hands-on with the tiny lineup they could scrape together? They've pulled a Wind Waker with one or more of the games and don't want to risk people freaking out over a trailer before the press can give gameplay impressions? Can't wait to find out.

ymeegodApril 25, 2013

Kinda shocked myself.  E3 coverage is massive--my local paper even covers it (though it's usually just a page or two) and without a big show both MS and Sony will get the most attention which is going show up in overall sales.  A good example would be Sony's Vita--little to no coverage at e3 last year = poor sales thoughtout the year.

Was expecting the opposite from nintendo--expected to see a BIGGER show, an all or nothing, since the WII U is struggling so much especially with third party support.  But it sounds like nintendo didn't have the "cards" to play so they aren't even going try :( . 

This was probably in motion since last year - or at least we should've seen it coming when they announced the 3DSXL two weeks after E3 in a Direct.

Pixelated PixiesApril 25, 2013

Regardless of the reasoning, I feel this decision will only stand to enforce the view held by some gamers that Nintendo is not capable of competing with Microsoft and Sony. I can totally appreciate many of the arguments that have been put forward for this being a good decision, and to a certain extent I myself even think it makes sense, but for many people this is going to be read as a sign of weakness. E3 is brash, it is bloated, and in some ways it's actually kind of distasteful, but it does play a huge role in the video game industry.

E3 is a platform for the console manufacturers; a platform which allows them to present their vision on a grand scale, to boast about their successes, to excite the fan base and to win hearts (and also to win crucial coverage from those news outlets which only seem to acknowledge video games when projected on the scale of something like E3). E3 is also a time for console manufacturers to demonstrate confidence and assuredness. It is an opportunity for them to stand before the industry and allow themselves to be compared to their competitors. Removing yourself from that stage is a huge decision, and one which could be read as arrogance, weakness or intelligence. Unfortunately for Nintendo in it's current position it's a decision which is unlikely to be read as the latter.

This is the E3 in which Sony and Microsoft pull back the curtain on their next generation consoles. With all three consoles now being announced, E3 2013 marks the beginning of the next generation. Regardless of the reasoning behind the decision, by not having a major press conference Nintendo is making an unhelpful distinction between the Wii U and it's competitors. The message? Wii U is not a next generation console.

Killer_Man_JaroTom Malina, Associate Editor (Europe)April 25, 2013

It's a gamble in terms of audience perception, but if Nintendo have a lot to show, it could pay off very nicely for them. As others have already argued, Nintendo Direct, as a communication format, has been going well for them, while E3 press conferences, for all their grandeur and spectacle, are often overblown and not always suitable to what's being shown (not to mention that it's probably a not-insignificant expense for the publishers.)

Regardless of what people are saying now, they could be singing a different tune in a couple of months, if there's a good showing. Until then, it's not really possible to judge if this is an intelligent move.

PlugabugzApril 25, 2013

This is them makign every effort to step away from MEGATONZSS!!"334* and have several, smaller, more frequent, microtons instead.

In a way that makes sense.

CericApril 25, 2013

E3 Conference hype is HUGE during E3 but like a bright burning candle it fades really fast as well.  Just because Nintendo isn't giving a HUGE at once conference doesn't mean they aren't going to have a big E3.  In fact I seriously wonder about the ROI on the big Conference at E3 now.

When you think about it what does E3 get you that holding your own event doesn't?  More Bodies.  Living Breathing Game Reporting or Investing Bodies.  Personally I think it be a better strategy to get those Bodies Playing your game in a good Atmosphere.  Word of Mouth even in this day and age is still the best form of advertising.

If Nintendo Plows that Money into a series of E3 Hands On events that could be a good returns.  Take the time have a Press only Pikmin 3 game and present.  Have a Investors/buyers benefits of stocking Nintendo Event.  Make the people you want to evangalize you into evangalist.  Give them good Environments to explore your games with focus.  Have part of the developement team on hand mingling while the Press is playing their game to answer questions and make that bond.

IN the end make your E3 experience for the people whose message will be amplified something that when they go to the other players they go "Why couldn't they do this more like Nintendo."

Also if your Smart you design these in such a way you can take them on the Road.  Pikmin Event Nashville, TN.  Wind Waker Event Baltimore. Etc Etc.

ejamerApril 25, 2013

I'll miss seeing a Nintendo presentation, but there are a lot of business justifications (most of which are covered above) why this move makes sense.




Place your bets now: How long before we get the first mainstream report that this is Nintendo's first step towards becoming a third party developer for PlayStation, XBox, and iOS?

CericApril 25, 2013

Quote from: ejamer

I'll miss seeing a Nintendo presentation, but there are a lot of business justifications (most of which are covered above) why this move makes sense.




Place your bets now: How long before we get the first mainstream report that this is Nintendo's first step towards becoming a third party developer for PlayStation, XBox, and iOS?

I thought it already happened.  Like a moment after the PResser.

Ian SaneApril 25, 2013

Nintendo Directs will make sure that we get some exciting Nintendo news every once in a while.  But the timing to remove themselves from E3 is terrible.  I could see it in the future but THIS YEAR?  The Wii U is struggling and Nintendo as a console maker might as well not exist to anyone but their most loyal fans.  This was the time to have an impressive E3 press conference to show that the Wii U does matter and that Nintendo matters.  This is the first E3 for the PS4 and Xbox 720 and Nintendo decides to step back?  That just looks like everything bad anyone has heard about the Wii U is true and Nintendo really is doomed and finished and irrelevent.  That doesn't mean they are but, holy fuck, could you play to that image any more perfectly?  Nintendo is so unbelievably shitty at that.  People form some negative image of Nintendo in their heads and then Nintendo seemingly goes out of the way to reaffirm that image.  It looks like the Wii U cannot compete with the other systems so its hiding from them.

It looks like Nintendo is quitting.  *I* don't think they are but for someone who does not follow them closely it really looks like it.  With the weak third party support and the glorified last gen hardware and now this, it comes across that Nintendo is more insular and are seperating themselves from the rest of the industry.  Like Nintendo doesn't make "real" videogame systems, but instead make some bizarre specialized Nintendo machine for kids, casuals and Nintendo fans.  They can say they "don't compete" but they don't decide that.  They make videogame systems and so do MS and Sony.  The market justifiably sees that as direct competition and often a sale for one company is a lost sale for the others because videogame systems are expensive and most households can only afford one of them.

This really makes me pessimistic about the Wii U's future (well I guess "more pessimistic" is the term to use).  I think that pulling out of E3 at this point is an incredibly dumb PR mistake and will poison the image of the console in the minds of gamers.  Nintendo really needed to make a splash at E3 to improve the image of the Wii U and now we already know they won't even attempt to do so.  I was willing to give the Wii U time because that worked wonders for the DS but this just seems so damaging to the console's image that I figure it's toast.  It's got one more Christmas in it and then Nintendo will pull the plug at some point in 2014 when the sales figures aren't what they need them to be.

Fatty The HuttApril 25, 2013

I saw this coming, I swear. For awhile now, I have been mulling over sending a question for the NWR boys about whether they think E3 is still relevant or whatever, but never got around to forming the proper question. No need now, they'll discuss it anyway.


I have held the view that E3 is steadily declining in importance for awhile now (a few years). However  we folks that frequent gaming media sites don't get an objective view because the media folks love E3. They love being sent by their outlets, their insider, early access, their treatment as "special" by game companies, and all the hype and noise. I get the impression E3 must seem very important to those journalists who cover it.


But then Nintendo started doing a very interesting thing: they started controlling their message again. They started doing their own, quirky Nintendo Directs and effectively circumvented gaming media who, in the west at least, have becoming increasingly negative toward Nintendo. The bowing out of doing a big E3 splashy press conference is a further extension of message control. It is also further proof, if any were needed, that the folks at Nintendo really mean it when they say they do not directly compete with the other 2 console gaming companies, and really do not take into account what those two are up to when Nintendo makes decisions. Nintendo has always done, and continues to do, its own thing.


Nintendo is once again the trailblazer. Already we have seen the other two companies follow the Nintendo Direct model with how they have chosen to reveal their new consoles. They held (will be holding) direct events. I predict Nintendo's move here will, in retrospect, be pointed to as the beginning of the end of E3, at least as we know it now.


I predict that, over the next 2 to 3 years, Nintendo will further reduce it's presence at E3, possibly bowing out entirely. It will rely more on Directs, or some further innovations. I predict the other 2 console makers will follow suit, though in their own way. We may see E3 reduced to a software showcase by publishers and the big 3 do their own separate events at different times of the year.


We may see Spaceworld West!



Fatty The HuttApril 25, 2013

Quote from: Ian

it comes across that Nintendo is more insular and are seperating themselves from the rest of the industry.  Like Nintendo doesn't make "real" videogame systems, but instead make some bizarre specialized Nintendo machine for kids, casuals and Nintendo fans. 

You know what? Fine by me. If I have to hear any more sh*t hype from slobbering 24 year old "journalists" about the next "cool" shooter or zombie game, I may just have to slit my own throat.


I am so bored by the vast majority of over-hyped, samey-seeming garbage coming for MS and Sony systems. I am not remotely bored by Nintendo. Quite the opposite, in fact.

broodwarsApril 25, 2013

Quote from: Fatty_The_Hutt

Quote from: Ian

it comes across that Nintendo is more insular and are seperating themselves from the rest of the industry.  Like Nintendo doesn't make "real" videogame systems, but instead make some bizarre specialized Nintendo machine for kids, casuals and Nintendo fans. 

You know what? Fine by me. If I have to hear any more sh*t hype from slobbering 24 year old "journalists" about the next "cool" shooter or zombie game, I may just have to slit my own throat.


I am so bored by the vast majority of over-hyped, samey-seeming garbage coming for MS and Sony systems. I am not remotely bored by Nintendo. Quite the opposite, in fact.

As opposed to the vast majority of "over-hyped, samey-seeming garbage" that Nintendo seems to produce these days, of course. Different tastes, man.  Some folks like playing games beyond what Nintendo is willing to produce.  I'm not terribly fond of some of the more-hyped games on the other systems, myself, but I don't see them as being any more "samey" than Nintendo's nostalgia-dependent software.

And, incidentally, Nintendo doesn't get to determine who they compete against. That's determined by the market, and the market has determined that the Wii U is less desirable than the PS3, Xbox 360, and the original Wii. Sounds to me like Nintendo's competing with Sony and Microsoft, whether they want to admit it or not.

Fatty The HuttApril 25, 2013

Quote from: broodwars

Different tastes, man. 

Totally agree. Was just expressing mine.


I think we're also differing on defining "compete". I think Nintendo does not "compete" in the sense they aren't tailoring their decisions on what the other two console makers are doing. Of course they are competing in the same marketplace. Nintendo has also stated in the past that their view of competition is wider that the big 3 console makers. They compete for my time with many other pursuits, not just console gaming. This smacks of corp-speak and it is also fairly trite. But I was only mentioning it in the context of Nintendo's E3 decisions. They apparently don't give a rat's ass anymore, if they ever did, how the other 2 console makers are presenting their offerings. I say, good for Nintendo.

AnGerApril 25, 2013

This may not be such a dumb idea. PS4 and XBox 3 will be all the rage at E3 and whatever Nintendo will present will most likely be marginalized, no matter what they present. Also, they apparently want different content for different people – the press, the developers and the consumers.

Good going, Nintendo.

Ian SaneApril 25, 2013

What I want out of Nintendo is really just a good general videogame system.  Like I don't want some Nintendo-specific machine or a Nintendo-less basic videogame console.  I like both Nintendo games and third party games and think it's largely arbitrary that I have to buy two videogame consoles to achieve this when back when I became a Nintendo fan I only had to buy one.  It's also my interest in Nintendo that is the sole reason why I have to buy two as anyone who isn't that interested in Nintendo is content with one non-Nintendo console.  Now if this just doesn't happen, that's fine, but I want Nintendo to at least TRY to give me a console that has both.

In regards to creativity with games the entire industry has its heads up their asses.  I'm pretty disinterested in the direction almost everyone is going, Nintendo included.  I find Nintendo a little more annoying because they used to have a reputation for creativity and they act like they still do.  They talk about innovation like they're the masters of it and then give us the most cliche cookie-cutter filler you could think of.  Most of the big publishers these days are stale boring hacks... Nintendo is just the only one that is also a hypocrite.

My concern about Nintendo not going with a big presentation this time is who is perceived as the weaker party?  Does E3 look bad because a big player like Nintendo is scaling back their presence or does Nintendo look like they're scaling back because they're not worthy of their own presentation at E3 anymore?  Will people assume E3 is in trouble or Nintendo is?  I think that next year it would be E3 that would look bad to have Nintendo scale back but Nintendo is the one stumbling right now so people will assume the worst.  You don't want to give the impression that "Nintendo's Wii U is such a flop that they didn't even do a big show like Sony and MS did."

Does E3 not get the big boys anymore or is Nintendo no longer a big boy?  I don't think Nintendo has enough clout right now to give across the impression that E3 is beneath them.  This just isn't the year to do this.

tendoboy1984April 25, 2013

What a bunch of crybabies. So what if Nintendo decided to hold smaller press events at E3? We'll still get all the news reported by NWR, IGN, GameSpot, GoNintendo, etc.

tendoboy1984April 25, 2013

Sounds to me like Nintendo's competing with Sony and Microsoft, whether they want to admit it or not.

As Nintendo said a few years ago, they're competing with literally everything else anyone might do with their free time. Nintendo over the years has done everything from claiming they compete for everything to claiming they don't have competitors.

MagicCow64April 25, 2013

Leaving other elements of this aside, I'm baffled by people claiming that Nintendo is somehow going to do better with this strategy than with a full-on presentation. As far as I know, Nintendo has always had closed door demo sessions at E3 with major gaming outlets. Now that's their only exposure.

TJ SpykeApril 25, 2013

No, that is not all they will have. They just said they will do smaller events, but it's more than just the closed door demos.

ShyGuyApril 26, 2013

The rest of the industry wants to be Michael Bay. Let them burn.

Luigi DudeApril 26, 2013

Back in E3 2006, the biggest news was the Smash Bros Brawl reveal, which was done in a closed meeting a day after the conference.  This pretty much proves how pointless the big conferences are and I'm surprised it took Nintendo this long to figure it out when 2006 already made it clear.

People will go crazy over the games shown as long as they're shown.  Doesn't matter if it's on a big stage or a small room.  As long as the big Wii U games are shown in some form, that's all that's important.

ThePermApril 26, 2013

I think I've seen about 3 Nintendo Directs that were better than the conferences. The Nintendo Direct just before e3 last year, was actually better than the e3 show. If they did 3-5 of those then that would be plenty.

I'd imagine there would be an initial Nintendo direct that would introduce a series of Nintendo directs throughout the week. If I were to do it, I would do it in teasers. I would start 3 days before the show and then each successive day release another one until the end of the show.

Pixelated PixiesApril 26, 2013

Am I the only one who enjoys the bizarre spectacle of the E3 Press conference? I actually think they're a lot of fun.

Quote from: Pixelated

Am I the only one who enjoys the bizarre spectacle of the E3 Press conference? I actually think they're a lot of fun.

I think most people enjoy that, I'm just not sure it benefits Nintendo.

CaterkillerMatthew Osborne, Contributing WriterApril 26, 2013

E3 is good for hype but when has anything ever fallen or risen simply because of E3? Does GTA ever get revealed at E3? I'm honestly not sure.

Nintendo is having 2 smaller events instead and I don't see how ultimately the result wont be the same.

And for those guys who just think Nintendo is throwing in the towel and have nothing to show, come on. I'm certainly pro Nintendo and optimistic towards them but I do know there is a lot left to be desired. Still the super naysayers act like they've never seen a console go from zero to hero before and every questionable action is the last.

TJ SpykeApril 26, 2013

Quote from: Caterkiller

Does GTA ever get revealed at E3? I'm honestly not sure.

They unveiled GTA: Chinatown Wars at E3.

CaterkillerMatthew Osborne, Contributing WriterApril 26, 2013

Quote from: TJ

Quote from: Caterkiller

Does GTA ever get revealed at E3? I'm honestly not sure.

They unveiled GTA: Chinatown Wars at E3.

Oh yeah the "fake" one nobody cared about. I guess that was the only one and being for Nintendo I guess it was somewhat of a big deal.

Either way I don't think anything is going to change as far as a final result in all aspects. If Nintendo busts out Wii Fit U and it detects diseases and heart problems you better believe the whole world is going to want to know what that thing is. If GTA gets some timed exclusive deal the world is going to know and nothing will stop every news site from reporting it, with or without a stage conference.

smashbrolinkMay 02, 2013

I don't think this is going to be a big deal-breaker for Nintendo.
The people who pay attention to the gaming side of E3, are gamers, not the general public, as a general rule.
Most gamers are going to be watching the internet for news on the show before, during, and even after the show is over, as well as watching it on TV.
Anyone who knows the name Nintendo, and has even the slightest of passing interests in what they've got up their sleeves, is going to hear about Nintendo just by being on the internet around gaming sites.

Nintendo isn't going to lose any coverage from the gamers that matter here, because most of the gamers on earth have some way, some how, of finding internet access to check the latest news from any of the big three.
Plus, by using Directs, they've got the opportunity to put out info on their games before E3, which is going to focus mostly on the new SYSTEMS that are coming out, which Nintendo does not have to show, since they've already done so.

By not bothering with revealing everything at E3, they're avoiding having anything they've got being overshadowed by the announcements of hardware, which generally overshadows game announcements no matter who's doing it.

Shifting the deliverance methods of their games is a smart move in this case, and I can guarantee you that they'll be back at a future E3 the very next time they have a new piece of hardware, or something super-significant to say about the tech aspects of current hardware, to talk about.

SundoulosMay 02, 2013

I don't think I've watched a full Nintendo E3 presentation since 2010 (after I heard about the Kid Icarus 3DS game trailer), and I can't remember the last time I could bear sitting through one of Sony and Microsoft snoozefests.  The sales and marketing stuff that was so pervasive in many of the presentations during the aught years wouldn't have been interesting to me unless I was an investor. 

I can imagine that by doing things the way it seems that Nintendo is planning, it will be more cost-effective.  It also gives them an opportunity to show and demonstrate their products on their own terms.

I'm fine with the Nintendo Direct format, it has a very focused message, and I think it is a great way for them to communicate directly to the fans.  It also has had the effect of giving fans and customers a few voices and faces that they can associate with the company; it's obvious that the Nintendo of today tries to be a bit more communicative than even the Nintendo of the recent past. 

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