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Next-Gen Talks Next-Gen With Kaplan

by Steven Rodriguez - February 24, 2006, 11:05 pm EST
Total comments: 14 Source: Next Generation

The Nintendo exec has some interesting things to say about the Revolution, and the GameCube too.

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.

Talkback

Guitar SmasherFebruary 24, 2006

I sure hope I enjoy the Revolution experience. I'm excited, at least.

BigJimFebruary 24, 2006

Summary, Kaplan-speak removed. face-icon-small-smile.gif


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.

Quite a bit of spin (which is to be expected), but I found her analogy to shopping for a house clever. What I *do* find odd is that this interview (and others) never mention GDC plans, either in terms of announcements or third-party relations.

BigJimFebruary 25, 2006

Yeah. Looking forward to GDC.

She admits Cube has a reputation problem, which is a first. It'll be interesting to see if they can change it with Revo.

Bill AurionFebruary 25, 2006

What I find hilarious is that you actually expect someone in Marketing to NOT use spin...

Spak-SpangFebruary 25, 2006

You know I almost don't want E3 to come, because when we hear that the system is amazing and it won't be out until November it will be a long wait.

I am still hoping somehow Nintendo is pulling our leg and the system will be out sooner than later.

"GameCube’s reputation suffers much more than its game sales do."

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.

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

UncleBobRichard Cook, Guest ContributorFebruary 25, 2006

You know, it'd be great if PGC could get another interview and y'all used (prefiltered versions of) questions submitted by PGC readers... face-icon-small-wink.gif

tacojohnFebruary 25, 2006

I can't wait for this console! I've played 360, and while the graphics are great, the game play is more of the same. I'm hoping to experience some unique stuff with the rev's controller. I can't imagine playing a next gen zelda w/ it- sword fighting and fishing are what come to mind first, but there are many other possibilities that I'm sure they'll think of.

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!

BloodworthDaniel Bloodworth, Staff AlumnusFebruary 25, 2006

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... face-icon-small-wink.gif


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.

BigJimFebruary 25, 2006

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. face-icon-small-smile.gif

Ian SaneFebruary 27, 2006

I consider the reputation problem to be a pretty big deal. Game sales seem almost like a technicality and first party sales alone aren't the only issue like Jonny pointed out. When people think your console is a flop they have no faith in you so they don't buy your console. The Cube's poor reputation is what will affect the Rev more than anything. You don't want people thinking "man the Cube has been so dead for the last little while. If I buy this new Nintendo console I'll probably have to deal with that sort of crap again." There's a natural assumption that things will continue as is be they negative or positive.

GoldenPhoenixFebruary 27, 2006

Granted the Cube has a bad reputation (quite unnecessary IMO) but I think one of Nintendo's strong suits is that continue to support a system even if it is struggling. There are still good to great games coming out for it.

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