When a company mentions that their game is going to be playable online on the Wii, a lot of fans start to question wither it is going to have friend codes or finally be the solution to what many of you consider to be a problem with online Wii gaming. Capcom is thinking just that, as Chris Kramer was talking about friend codes vs paying an online fee. Of course the fee would be for hosting their own online server, instead of running on Nintendo’s Wifi network in the upcoming Monster Hunter Tri.
(removing fees is) something that we’re looking into at the moment and there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, Monster Hunter isn’t as popular in the West, so it might put people off. Secondly, Japan doesn’t have Friend Codes, so Capcom run all the servers and the monthly fee is essentially to pay for those costs. – Chris Kramer, Capcom USA Senior Director of Communications and Community
A lot of you also wonder what is going on with WiiSpeak after it being released with Animal Crossing. Monster Hunter is one of those games that could actually make great use of the device. To find out what Capcom producer Ryozo Tsjmoto had to say on WiiSpeak after the jump.
We’re looking into a bunch a different things and one of the things is definitely like, a lot of users have asked for voice chat. We’re looking into right now whether it’s technically possible or not. And so if it is, maybe we’ll make an announcement. If it isn’t, you know, if it realistically can’t be done, then I’m sorry we may have to leave it out. But we’re looking into it. – Capcom Producer Ryozo Tsjmoto
It’s nice to see that Capcom is thinking about alternatives to both online issues and costs for the US audience. To be honest, I hate games that make me pay a fee to play online. It’s also nice to see that Capcom is working to see if they can include Wiispeak with there game.
How do you guys feel on this topic? Would you rather pay an online fee or have friend codes?
[Quotes Via GoNintendo]
Well, that depends. Are we paying a WOW style plan ($20 a month) or are we talking around $3-5 a month? While I would prefer to play on Capcom's servers for free, I would be willing to pay so long as the cost was rather low. Still, the fact that we have to choose between a locked down free server and an unlocked pay server indicates a major problem on Nintendo's part.
bullshit the money is to cover costs. Yeah it covers their costs, but they make a shit load of money in the process.
Anyway, wiispeak being possible or not is kind of bull as well; it is possible (xbox live party anyone?) but I'm guessing nintendo is going to have a problem with it.
I love monster hunter but I don't have much hopes for this game in the US. (And I've played and loved the original Monster Hunter (which was free online) all the way through MHFU)
Japan doesn't have friend codes? Didn't know that…
I wouldn't pay any fees for online, PS3 online is fine as far as I'm concerned, that's free, I don't see why Nintendo (or MS for that matter) should charge for online…
@Cory: The money is required to keep the servers up. Those servers consume lots of power and they need people to maintain them. Also in regards to the WiiSpeak functionality. It may not be possible. Just because Xbox Live has it doesn't necessarily mean that the Wii can handle it. They are completely different consoles and the Wii is technically an inferior console in about every way possible to the 360. Not trying to put the Wii down, but it's a fact. Plus the way it sounds in regards to MH 3, it seems that it's MMO style and since there would be hundreds of thousands of people playing, that might present a problem for the Wii Speak to handle as it's not really designated for more than probably 10 or 20 players.
Friend codes never bothered me cause i dont play wii online with friends. I play excitebots with my bro and that about it. I dont mind paying a fee for monster hunter if i can play with piips i dont know. If japan doesnt have wii speak, then they have some sort of alternative to communicate. The online ds ff crystal chronicles did a good job on that
@lance
When you are actually doing quests; there are u to 4 people playing on your "instance." So wiispeak should damn well be possible.
And I know it is to keep servers up, but I guarantee you that they make a profit off of the monthly fee, not just cover costs.