Kotaku’s Brian Ashcraft, writing for the Japan Times Online, says that the Tokyo Game Show, while for the most a success, missed Nintendo somethin’ fierce.
“I thought it was going to be more out of control, like you couldn’t move,” says 33 year-old attendee Takashi Fujigaki. The floor at TGS 2006 was so crowded that it can only be described like attending the Super Bowl, a Beatles concert and the circus ’ at the same time.
Since Sony dominated the past two console generations, Nintendo wasn’t missed at the earlier shows really. Now, with the Nintendo’s Wii and DS ruling home console and hand-held gaming sales, its absence was profoundly apparent.
I know these shows cost an insane amount of money in marketing and buying floor space, etc., but Ashcraft has a point. Nintendo in this case could have basically sealed the deal with Japan by putting forth a modest effort (that’s not an opinion, either. Look at the numbers). Instead, they appeared as though they’re resting on their laurels. As a result, people were leaving this thing before the doors closed. And this isn’t some E for All conference, so you can be sure it wasn’t because this was a “bad show.” In fact, from all signs and portents it was very successful. However, people went, saw all the great stuff that was there, and left early. There was a hole in the coverage, so to speak, that Nintendo would have undoubtedly benefited from. Just my two cents.
Maybe Nintendo will make thier own Wii/DS specific show?? That would be sealing the deal with Japan…It´s not very likely anyway.
Nice image to match the title BTW.
Hmm . . . maybe Nintendo decided to let this be about the 3rd parties. They definitely got to shine a little bit, considering Nintendo has been hogging the video game world spotlight lately. Which, I guess, is another reason they didn't need to make a presence attack on TGS.
Even though I've complained about it before (mostly with the MP3 ads, or lacking thereof), I have found that Nintendo's strategy of keeping a low profile in advertising has worked to their advantage, as shown by sales…
Personally I believe that their sales are in spite of their low profile. Just my opinion, though.
I agree with your post, but not with your comment about E for All. (disclaimer – I'm involved with the event). E for All is indeed having a rocky start, but it will be far from a "bad conference". E for All is shaping up quite nicely, with Nintendo, EA, Take 2, THQ, and Konami leading growing list of exhibitors. And despite the rotten luck with World Series of Video Games, the introduction of a special Major League Gaming tournament is a really positive change. This team has the most experience with gaming events in the country – don't rule them out yet.
Besides, with Nintendo as the flagship exhibitor at E for All the the high likelihood that this will be the best place for consumers to play unreleased games for the DS and Wii, I would think you would do nothing but promote the heck out of it!
Are you, like me, a Nintendo fan or not?
Fool Throttle, duly noted, and thanks for the update. I'll refrain from passing any more judgment until after the show finishes up 🙂
There is a rumor that Nintendo is holding a BIG press conference in October, similar to Space World. This one is for Japan, since E4All is in the states.
I have a friend that does things his own way. Not in an arrogant manner, but more of a quirky one. He always leaves me scratching my head. But he's still my friend.
This is what Nintendo reminds me of. Their sales ARE in spite of their low profile. They do things their own way. Different from others. And it doesn't make sense. They leave me scratching my head. But I still enjoy their games.
"This is what Nintendo reminds me of. Their sales ARE in spite of their low profile. They do things their own way. Different from others. And it doesn't make sense. They leave me scratching my head. But I still enjoy their games."
Comment of the week nomination, right here.