6 steps to making a successful Wii game |
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| BY Ashutosh Chhibbar Jun. 2nd, 2008 | More on: |
Third-party developers seem to be having a tough time coming up with games that will sell on the Wii. From block puzzlers to tilt-based platformers, the Wii has become the premiere platform for quirky, under-performing titles. Ubisoft’s recently announced Babies Party is a prime example of a developer trying too hard, but succeeding only in angering Wii gamers worldwide. Yet even a cursory glance at the sales charts reveals a few simple rules that should lead to software success on the Wii.
June 2nd, 2008
at 9:58 am
I can’t comment no more…you got it right man….why it’s so hard to make big publisher and developer to listen? We ask them no more than….don’t treat us all (wii owner) like children give us some mainstream game that we deserve, even if its stripped down version, no dlc, no multi player….
June 2nd, 2008
at 10:13 am
Good article!
There’s one thing though. Even if SSX blur doesn’t have the most easiest and accessible controls, that doesn’t mean that they are bad. In my opionion a game doesn’t have to be “dumbed down” to be a good game on the wii. SSX blur’s controls are definitely one of the best control schemes on the wii. Responsiveness and accuracy of the controls are spot on and the controls feel so natural and good that I would never wan’t to return to the last-gen style button-smashing controls. And about drawing the uber-trick symbols, there was even an ingame training so you could get familiar with every symbol. And what’s the point of “harder” and better scoring tricks in the game if they aren’t harder to pull of than the easier ones, right? ;)
June 2nd, 2008
at 2:52 pm
What?
You’re basically saying; how to make a good wii game:
- be a good publisher
- make a good game
- make it look good
- make the controls comfortable
LOLWUT. Who the fuck makes games without thinking of those things? Whoever wrote this article is a douche.
June 2nd, 2008
at 3:34 pm
Spot on. Hope that developers and publishers read this.
Just can’t believe that they don’t know this YET. It’s just a matter of hearing consumers and sales charts. The industry is quite stupid.
June 2nd, 2008
at 4:07 pm
I agree with everything in this article. Unlike most articles written on gaming, its conclusions are based on (gasp!) evidence, rather than fantasies pulled out of one’s ass.
This is probably why twits like asdbutts can’t make sense of it.
June 2nd, 2008
at 4:14 pm
All good points. But I’d like to ad “ADVERTISE” to your list.
Even if a developers follows your steps. The general audience won’t know about it unless it’s properly advertised. And I don’t mean a banner on Game Trailers and an art website. I mean a GREAT trailer on Game Trailers and an even better television ad campaign. Ubi got it right with Red Steel which saw millions of sales, and got it wrong with the much better No More Heroes.
June 2nd, 2008
at 5:56 pm
Atomix IGN, I did consider putting Advertise on the list, but I’m also aware of how much tv adverts (in particular) cost. It has been suggested that unless you have a definite million seller on your hands, advertising on TV is simply way too expensive to justify.
But you’re right, I think Ubisoft could have turned NMH into a big seller with some better advertising. Great game.
June 2nd, 2008
at 7:22 pm
Completely agree with the article. It’s crazy how only the crud, underperforming and unintuitive games seem to be the ones most known by non wii owners. Yet the games that are innovative with interesting gameplay elements go unnoticed for the most part. Pro Evo Wii anyone? A good example of using an existing franchise that is popular but time was spent on it, and while not perfect, the controls are brilliant and really add a new dimension to footie games.
June 2nd, 2008
at 10:15 pm
Ashutosh Chhibbar you are right about ads so their only option is to get gamers to talk about it. You can do this with art direction and trying to be some thing new rather than a me too 3d game or casual game. Lots of gamers love story yet realism is not a must. I mean what about FF was real?
The hardcore enjoy skill based gaming. Currently it comes in the form of an FPS online arena. Yet what about online shoot em ups etc? The Wii can do one thing to it’s advantage and that is bring us kick a$$ 2d games that are full featured. Make enough and people will get hyped. I mean mapel story is crazy on the PC and New super mario brothers sold like it was the real mario 4 we always wanted. Maybe I’m wrong and people will just not like 2d games any more simply because they are 2d? The Wii can do way better than metal slugg and einhander and even Ikaruga. I agree with the article but yet it’s going to take using some thing old and making it new by way of polish. Taking on some thing never works. Currently the hardcore market is not really growing it is waiting for some thing any thing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srJJAe1jZ0I
Is hardcore gaming this hardcore any more? Should ninja gaiden go back to 2d? Developers have a hard task right now.
I don’t know but some thing seems to be missing off that list.