It's almost common knowledge by now that a console lives and dies with its third-party games. While first-party games are a console's big exclusives, third-party offerings are what keeps the machines humming while first-party studios are churning away at their latest game.
This statement can't be more true than it is for Nintendo. Gamers everywhere know that Nintendo's first-party offerings will be up to par, but their history of lackluster third-party support has been their Achilles Heel these recent years.
It seems this "weakness" might continue with the upcoming Wii U. In an interview with IGN, Nintendo of America president Reggie FIls-Aime was asked if they (Nintendo) were concerned that they don't necessarily have big game (GTA V, Resident Evil 6, etc.) support from third-party studios, and if western developers are pulling back a little to see how the Wii U fares? I honestly don't expect Reggie's answer to alleviate fears one bit, but at least he's honest.
Well, certainly the typical western developer does wait for the installed base. Unless they are so passionate that they make a big bet, like Ubisoft has made a big bet. Obviously Warner Bros. has made a bet.
Beyond that, I wouldn't take the fact that things haven't been announced yet as a signal that it's not happening. But, you know… My job is to launch the system and to drive its installed base, and we're going to do that very effectively. And then hopefully that will create the opportunity for third parties to jump on board.
It might just be me, but the mere fact he mentioned that he has to drive the Wii U's installed base AND then that's when third-parties can come on board means that not a lot of big third-party games are being developed now, no? In which case, aren't they back to square one like the original Wii?
While I hate to be a doombringer of sorts, what's stopping EA, 2K and its ilk from just forsaking the Wii U and moving on to the "proper" next-gen platforms? Of course, the fact that the Wii U's horsepower is comparable to the PS3 and Xbox 360 means that owners can expect a lot of ports coming their way…maybe that will drive the installed user base that they need, no?
Are Reggie's statements a cause for concern or can Nintendo's first-party games carry the load for the time-being?
