Nintendo’s Kaplan in shock Microsoft slam
Aggressive interview points to jitters in Kyoto?
In an interview just cropping up on flaccid, if connected IGN, Nintendo America’s head of communications Perrin Kaplan has savaged Microsoft, in an unexpected attack aimed at undermining the software giant’s chances in the Japanese market.
"Xbox has no recognition at all in Japan and very few people are aware of or anticipating Xbox 2 at this point," she said. "Microsoft has had no success in the Japan market and they were required to attract such developers in order to have a chance in the market. Further, those developers won't be making software for that system that are currently known and loved on other systems, such as Kirby."
Of course, it’s no secret that Microsoft has struggled in Japan, though it looks as though Xbox 360 will have as good a chance as any console might have in the market when launched. Speaking exclusively to SPOnG, Xbox VP Peter Moore said, “Where [Xbox 360] is today in Japan is one of our success stories. Now the proof of the puddin’s always in the tastin’. And you'll see that this holiday at launch. But I couldn’t be more proud of where we’re at there [Japan] right now. The first generation saw a very disappointing launch and the progress for the first generation has been disappointing.”
And on the dismal showing of the first machine Moore stated, “…it was a combination of not having the right content at launch, and when I say right content I mean not even having the promise of a role-playing game or anything like that. It wasn’t there. Secondly, the industrial design was not palatable…” You can the read the entire interview here.
Kaplan goes on to talk about the plans for the next-generation of home consoles and again shows off the bullish (Reggie-inspired) stance now taken at Nintendo’s Redmond office. “At this point, all gamers know what makes Nintendo unique -- innovation, creativity, beloved franchises -- things our company does better than nearly any other in the gaming business. It's these kinds of experiences that make Nintendo products unique, and gamers know that. No matter how new, flashy, or attractive another system may seem, there's something special about the name Nintendo that will always appeal to gamers of all kinds. Our ability to create entertainment experiences like no other makes us proud. We remain solidly dedicated to the sole art of gaming," asserts Kaplan. "It is too early for Nintendo to discuss our strategy for Revolution, but I can tell you that we have much experience running a successful global video game company, and Nintendo will come to the dance extremely well-dressed."
Updates on everything next-gen, especially mud-slinging, right here, as it breaks.
"Xbox has no recognition at all in Japan and very few people are aware of or anticipating Xbox 2 at this point," she said. "Microsoft has had no success in the Japan market and they were required to attract such developers in order to have a chance in the market. Further, those developers won't be making software for that system that are currently known and loved on other systems, such as Kirby."
Of course, it’s no secret that Microsoft has struggled in Japan, though it looks as though Xbox 360 will have as good a chance as any console might have in the market when launched. Speaking exclusively to SPOnG, Xbox VP Peter Moore said, “Where [Xbox 360] is today in Japan is one of our success stories. Now the proof of the puddin’s always in the tastin’. And you'll see that this holiday at launch. But I couldn’t be more proud of where we’re at there [Japan] right now. The first generation saw a very disappointing launch and the progress for the first generation has been disappointing.”
And on the dismal showing of the first machine Moore stated, “…it was a combination of not having the right content at launch, and when I say right content I mean not even having the promise of a role-playing game or anything like that. It wasn’t there. Secondly, the industrial design was not palatable…” You can the read the entire interview here.
Kaplan goes on to talk about the plans for the next-generation of home consoles and again shows off the bullish (Reggie-inspired) stance now taken at Nintendo’s Redmond office. “At this point, all gamers know what makes Nintendo unique -- innovation, creativity, beloved franchises -- things our company does better than nearly any other in the gaming business. It's these kinds of experiences that make Nintendo products unique, and gamers know that. No matter how new, flashy, or attractive another system may seem, there's something special about the name Nintendo that will always appeal to gamers of all kinds. Our ability to create entertainment experiences like no other makes us proud. We remain solidly dedicated to the sole art of gaming," asserts Kaplan. "It is too early for Nintendo to discuss our strategy for Revolution, but I can tell you that we have much experience running a successful global video game company, and Nintendo will come to the dance extremely well-dressed."
Updates on everything next-gen, especially mud-slinging, right here, as it breaks.
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Comments
Joji 25 Aug 2005 12:04
1/10
It's a very rapier like tongue lashing but not as bad as I thought it would be. She makes some good points along with rubbing salt in MS wounds.
Many will say ''well where's Nintendo's stuff then'' and truth be told we are now starting to see their cards starting with the DS first. Rev stuff will come later with 360's launch having died down a little, starting with that controller and moving forward from there.
DS Rumble pack, wi-fi and online details and even new Play Yan details too (which sounds better the more I here of it and even works with GBA Micro). All that plus those cool games on the way.
They are drip feeding us the morphine instead of just unloading a couple of large doses on us. Nowt wrong with that. Nintendo love to make us wait and wonder, we don't like it but we will wait for Zelda: TP, Metroid Hunters etc because we know they will deliver.
Many will say ''well where's Nintendo's stuff then'' and truth be told we are now starting to see their cards starting with the DS first. Rev stuff will come later with 360's launch having died down a little, starting with that controller and moving forward from there.
DS Rumble pack, wi-fi and online details and even new Play Yan details too (which sounds better the more I here of it and even works with GBA Micro). All that plus those cool games on the way.
They are drip feeding us the morphine instead of just unloading a couple of large doses on us. Nowt wrong with that. Nintendo love to make us wait and wonder, we don't like it but we will wait for Zelda: TP, Metroid Hunters etc because we know they will deliver.
stone0898 25 Aug 2005 15:10
2/10
"No matter how new, flashy, or attractive another system may seem, there's something special about the name Nintendo that will always appeal to gamers of all kinds."
That'll be nintendo then, taking us gamers for granted. Yes, every now and again they come up with a new innovative idea, but 1 good game every 6 months wasn't enough to stop the gamecube dying an early death, and won't be enough to keep people interested in the revolution.
Basically my point is this, if nintendo want people to buy their new system they should be telling everyone how good that system is, not how good they used to be, or how bad others are going to be.
That'll be nintendo then, taking us gamers for granted. Yes, every now and again they come up with a new innovative idea, but 1 good game every 6 months wasn't enough to stop the gamecube dying an early death, and won't be enough to keep people interested in the revolution.
Basically my point is this, if nintendo want people to buy their new system they should be telling everyone how good that system is, not how good they used to be, or how bad others are going to be.
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TwoADay 25 Aug 2005 17:25
3/10
stone0898 wrote:
That'll be nintendo then, taking us gamers for granted. Yes, every now and again they come up with a new innovative idea, but 1 good game every 6 months wasn't enough to stop the gamecube dying an early death, and won't be enough to keep people interested in the revolution.
Basically my point is this, if nintendo want people to buy their new system they should be telling everyone how good that system is, not how good they used to be, or how bad others are going to be.
I agree 100%. We are not in the era of Nintendo any more. Too long have fans waited, and waited, and waited for not only triple-A titles, but even good diversions to wait between the triple-As. having 3 excellent games a system is not cutting it...quaility of titles like Mario and Zelda are all well and good, but people need other stuff too.
Instead of lauding past accomplishments, Nintendo should focus on doing something that will bring former fans back to the flock.
Harsh? Yes. But the truth hurts.
EDIT: This statement applies to Consoles, not to Handhelds (I don't have one, other than my old Lynx, so I won't comment on that aspect of Nintendo)
locke 25 Aug 2005 17:57
4/10
How can you be so mean to Nintendo? If it wasn't for Nintendo there would be no Playstation (probably would of had a better Final fantasy 7) and if there wasn't a playstation there probably wouldn't of been an xbox...
you should treat Nintendo like your grandparents. Try to imagine a world without nintendo,.its like this
If it wasn't for our grandparents we wouldn't be here...i think if it wasn't for nintendo we wouldn't have gaming like it is today
Nintendo came to where it is now cus of its great games.No one makes games like Nintendo.
Mario is a great hero for kids(and higher...im 21 and i love mario)...unlike say.... Tommy Vercetti who shoots people and cusses. nota very good role model
I'm not a nintendo fan boy i mean i have PSX,PS2,PSP(the psp im not happy with right now with its game libary) dreamcast,genenis..
you should respect nintendo...back then before nintendo came out ..no one really like video games...then nintendo came..BAM....everyone is like "omg i love games"
you should treat Nintendo like your grandparents. Try to imagine a world without nintendo,.its like this
If it wasn't for our grandparents we wouldn't be here...i think if it wasn't for nintendo we wouldn't have gaming like it is today
Nintendo came to where it is now cus of its great games.No one makes games like Nintendo.
Mario is a great hero for kids(and higher...im 21 and i love mario)...unlike say.... Tommy Vercetti who shoots people and cusses. nota very good role model
I'm not a nintendo fan boy i mean i have PSX,PS2,PSP(the psp im not happy with right now with its game libary) dreamcast,genenis..
you should respect nintendo...back then before nintendo came out ..no one really like video games...then nintendo came..BAM....everyone is like "omg i love games"
TwoADay 25 Aug 2005 18:09
5/10
Wrong. Just...wrong.
I've been alive long enough to have had pre-nes systems. They were awesome too.
Just because something was awesome 20 years ago doesn't mean they're awesome today. I don't see many people buying up Menudo CDs. I respect Nintendo, but to have execs say "we have history" only shows how weak they are in the console arena. They may have history, but do they have anything to look forward to other than established series? It's funny to hear how many people complain about sequels, but remain silent when Nintendo is mentioned.
I hope they succeed, but they won't if the best they can do are statements like Kaplan's.
And yes, I equated Nintendo with Menudo.
I've been alive long enough to have had pre-nes systems. They were awesome too.
Just because something was awesome 20 years ago doesn't mean they're awesome today. I don't see many people buying up Menudo CDs. I respect Nintendo, but to have execs say "we have history" only shows how weak they are in the console arena. They may have history, but do they have anything to look forward to other than established series? It's funny to hear how many people complain about sequels, but remain silent when Nintendo is mentioned.
I hope they succeed, but they won't if the best they can do are statements like Kaplan's.
And yes, I equated Nintendo with Menudo.
Joji 25 Aug 2005 23:11
6/10
I do believe all the Big Three have to learn from their mistakes and gaming history. We can only learn from our mistakes and get better hopefully because of them.
To take her words lightly, as she's no Reggie or George.
All the world is a stage and everyone has their part to play in it. Games industry is no different in that sense.
As for as sequels go Nintendo are as guilty as anyone else out there, but the difference is that they know the value of time and how to use it well. What I mean is where some games have a sequel every year Nintendo and others sometimes don't milk certain games like Pilotwings like they could. This works both ways since sometimes I feel we see too much mario games and less of newer stuff like Pikmin, 1080 Snowboarding etc.
Nintendo do need to do more totally original games to keep fans coming back. This is their main weakness and why people buy MS or Sony instead. Then there's the unused dusty games that could be gaining new fans. Stuff like Duck Hunt, Mach Rider, Ice Climbers and Kid Icarus but Nintendo strangely ignore our cries.
Perhaps it's the price we pay for such high quality games from them but I'd still like to see some of the
the above or totally new games come out. The DS is at the forefront of things, and the possible downloadable demo stuff I suppose offers them a way to gauge interest in new ideas they might have.
To take her words lightly, as she's no Reggie or George.
All the world is a stage and everyone has their part to play in it. Games industry is no different in that sense.
As for as sequels go Nintendo are as guilty as anyone else out there, but the difference is that they know the value of time and how to use it well. What I mean is where some games have a sequel every year Nintendo and others sometimes don't milk certain games like Pilotwings like they could. This works both ways since sometimes I feel we see too much mario games and less of newer stuff like Pikmin, 1080 Snowboarding etc.
Nintendo do need to do more totally original games to keep fans coming back. This is their main weakness and why people buy MS or Sony instead. Then there's the unused dusty games that could be gaining new fans. Stuff like Duck Hunt, Mach Rider, Ice Climbers and Kid Icarus but Nintendo strangely ignore our cries.
Perhaps it's the price we pay for such high quality games from them but I'd still like to see some of the
the above or totally new games come out. The DS is at the forefront of things, and the possible downloadable demo stuff I suppose offers them a way to gauge interest in new ideas they might have.
PreciousRoi 28 Aug 2005 23:14
7/10
This chick....
not really gonna get into it, cuz someone already pointed out to the historically ignorant the facts of console gaming history, i.e. NES not Beginning of All Things.
Just wanted to say, *uck Kirby Anyway!
The company who is supposedly the last bastion of innovation and exciting new ideas and the best she could come up with is freaking Kirby?!?! For that matter Sony might as well say that Xbox sucked becasue you can't play Gran Turismo on it....
Load of spun crap, can't believe I wasted this much time onnit. AMF.
not really gonna get into it, cuz someone already pointed out to the historically ignorant the facts of console gaming history, i.e. NES not Beginning of All Things.
Just wanted to say, *uck Kirby Anyway!
The company who is supposedly the last bastion of innovation and exciting new ideas and the best she could come up with is freaking Kirby?!?! For that matter Sony might as well say that Xbox sucked becasue you can't play Gran Turismo on it....
Load of spun crap, can't believe I wasted this much time onnit. AMF.
PreciousRoi 28 Aug 2005 23:17
8/10
locke wrote:
...im 21
and obviously too unimaginative to envision the world existing prior to 1985...
jsm30625 30 Aug 2005 00:49
9/10
PreciousRoi wrote:
This chick....
not really gonna get into it, cuz someone already pointed out to the historically ignorant the facts of console gaming history, i.e. NES not Beginning of All Things.
Just wanted to say, *uck Kirby Anyway!
not really gonna get into it, cuz someone already pointed out to the historically ignorant the facts of console gaming history, i.e. NES not Beginning of All Things.
Just wanted to say, *uck Kirby Anyway!
Obviously you haven't played Kirby, or you wouldn't be sayint that.
Oh and I just wanted to say, *uck 80% of the games out there, in general.
The company who is supposedly the last bastion of innovation and exciting new ideas and the best she could come up with is freaking Kirby?!?!
Leave it to Nintendo to make a pink puffball a bastion of fun, I can't think of any other company that can do that.
For that matter Sony might as well say that Xbox sucked becasue you can't play Gran Turismo on it....
She said, "Further, those developers won't be making software for that system that are currently known and loved on other systems, such as Kirby."
Translation: MSFT is going to have an uphill battle since they aren't basing they're software on "known and loved" titles.
Nintendo shouldn't be saying this, what they should be saying is that Nintendo comes up with better input devices, and that these devices can act as a springboard for creative, intuitive games. It beats me why Nintendo isn't hyping up the controller as much as they should.
Load of spun crap, can't believe I wasted this much time onnit. AMF.
You have to admit it is better than reading Kutaragi quotes.
Thief 30 Aug 2005 03:28
10/10
First off I'd like to say this is the first time I have EVER found myself agreeing with pretty much everybody.
Yes, Nintendo should be respected for their invaluable contribution. Yes, they were not the beginning of games. Yes, they need to put more focus on new original titles (and thrid party support).
However, God forbid the day that any of this comes even slightly in the way of them producing amazing quality games time and time again that are more or less an investment into the fun for the next few months.
Yes, her statements were a bit to "we're cool cause we did stuff before and no one else is good enough to make classics like us." Frankly the statements have a hint of truth, but is the worst marketing tactic there is (excluding Sony lieing about the past, present, and future all at the same time as bragging and creating false expectations.)
I hope the jist of what she meant to say was,"No other company can claim to have the consitency in making quality family games that have a high possibility to become classics, and the hard work and innovative ideas that were imployed back then are what is driving Nintendo into the next generation."
This statement I would respect and expect. I just like it better when nintendo stays out of the bashing practice and let their actions speak for themselves.
Btw, Amen, to the whole *uck Kutaragi quotes... Pay more for a ps3 cause its just that were sooo good, my A**!!!
http://forums.spong.com/en/html/forum/viewThread.jsp?forum=8&thread=2459&cb=1125370605687
Yes, Nintendo should be respected for their invaluable contribution. Yes, they were not the beginning of games. Yes, they need to put more focus on new original titles (and thrid party support).
However, God forbid the day that any of this comes even slightly in the way of them producing amazing quality games time and time again that are more or less an investment into the fun for the next few months.
Yes, her statements were a bit to "we're cool cause we did stuff before and no one else is good enough to make classics like us." Frankly the statements have a hint of truth, but is the worst marketing tactic there is (excluding Sony lieing about the past, present, and future all at the same time as bragging and creating false expectations.)
I hope the jist of what she meant to say was,"No other company can claim to have the consitency in making quality family games that have a high possibility to become classics, and the hard work and innovative ideas that were imployed back then are what is driving Nintendo into the next generation."
This statement I would respect and expect. I just like it better when nintendo stays out of the bashing practice and let their actions speak for themselves.
Btw, Amen, to the whole *uck Kutaragi quotes... Pay more for a ps3 cause its just that were sooo good, my A**!!!
http://forums.spong.com/en/html/forum/viewThread.jsp?forum=8&thread=2459&cb=1125370605687