Think about it, the biggest release this year will not be Zelda, Mario or Halo. What will be the biggest release will be Ubisofts We Dare, a Wii and PS3 title designed to make people talk. The game itself isn’t much to write home about, been another mini game companion game from Ubisoft. However, its trailer is- a devious intriguing marketing ploy, not just for the title- but for Ubisoft themselves. It might not be the biggest seller this year, but this title will be the biggest for Ubisoft for one reason- Marketing.
The game was announced a few months back, but recently as the release date nears closer Ubisoft has decided to give the game an extra push. They released a raunchy trailer to advertise the flirting title. The title made everyone notice the title, with many people forgetting it was indeed announced prior to the release of the trailer- meaning attention has been achieved. Ubisofts We Dare became noticed, for the people which will buy it- that’s great. But the even bigger win, was attention on Ubisoft. Bringing with it the notion of any publicity is good publicity.
The title may not be so controversial in regions of release. Europe and Australia usually been less “up tight” about sexual based content, rather more against the violence. Which in America however, this is reversed. Which is where most of the attention is coming from. However it is noticed in Europe. With various people across the world trying to offer their two cents about the title. Some claiming its gone to far, others don’t see the problem. Especially when- in reality, where the only real sexual thing about this game is the trailer. A marketing effort to give the title more then what it is, appearing more desirable to some- and less to others. A marketing tactic more geared to raise discussion, attention and interest in Ubisoft instead of the title.
This is clearly going out of its way to make people aware of Ubisoft and what it does. People will think “that crazy sex game”, instead of “shovelware publisher” when thinking Ubisoft. The quickest way to change public perception? Make a game which just screams “what the fuck”.
Gaming in Australia is one of the most amazing things. Consoles come out, but no games follow. Well maybe that’s a big exaggeration – but Nintendo of Australia’s latest attempt seems to echo this statement more then usual.
Fan hatred towards NAL isn’t that hard to come by, in fact its quite regular. Some say the company might not deserve it- and some days that’s true. But there are lots of days which when the patting on the back for finally pleasing its fans finish- ends in blood shed instead of continuation.
In the past year, the disappointment has returned, with many titles been unreleased or delayed by 6 months or more from the over seas counter parts. Today been no different, with NAL saying no- to a launch Pilotwings or Steel Diver- effectively- possibly giving the console the slowest start in all regions.
I’m not saying NAL has killed it- or maybe I am. But in Australia, NAL has to deal with the biggest identity crisis ever. People think its just a 3D DS thanks to the media. It’s tours are, while plentiful- thrown across the coming months with most appearing after launch. The launch line up- without Pilotwings or Steel Diver- possibly a deal breaker to many, who wanted the games at launch.
NAL has the biggest sell to make, and while Nintendo is letting third parties take the rain across all regions to sell the system. In Australia- it might be one of the biggest mistakes. The system will have possibly the hardest sell here, with the launch line up been overly disappointing to many- while most will buy what ever crap is produced, the launch line up from the third parties. Is quite rushed, and not thought out.
Many gamers are finding themselves buying from Europe or America this time around. With the discussion of importing heightened thanks to the systems region lock and ridiculous launch price. With the Australian Dollar equal to the US. Many gamers are finding good deals with more variety from overseas.
Some deals such as the Dick Smith deal, which pushed the system down to under $300, with a packed in game (even cheaper if using various codes) was barely enough to keep most buying local. With many finding an under 200 pound price, or $250 much more respectable.
The problem isn’t just the pricing, and other bashing comments NAL is used to by now. By letting Pilot Wings and Steel Diver slip the launch, its quite possible other games will be delayed much longer to fit into a window. Zelda is planned for the launch window in all regions bar here, with it most likely appearing much later in the year- with Pilot Wings and Steel Diver taking its place. Zelda might not be everyones cup of tea, but that doesn’t mean they wont be missing out on titles- with Mario Kart and Kid Icarus on the planning board for this year, in Australia it might be early 2012. A result, many don’t want.
Gamers will also have to wait for many features, and games available through the download shop. A result many will be used to by now with the Wii and DSi.
The saddest thing about this all, is that Pilotwings and Steel Diver- are ready. They have been classified here. They are definitely in English- with the game seeing a release in other regions at launch. They also are most likely already produced and shipped into warehouses. But for some reason, its not going to see a launch release. A launch might I add, which is a week after Europe and America, on the last day of March. More then a month after the Japanese launch.
On the flip side, I might just be over exaggerating, a rabbid fangasm which is corrupting my mind as I rage at the undesirable launch schedule. No doubt NAL will see a good launch regardless hardware wise- and with Pilot Wings and Steel Diver out of the picture, people will be forced to buy third party titles. Yay?
As gaming becomes more mainstream, it needs to be reflected differently in the eyes of the public. It needs to find a medium to penetrate which gives the casuals an easy understanding of gaming- while the hardcore, an exciting show to watch. The Internet can’t offer this, well it could- but at this stage its a crowed world with no walls- the TV however, its an empty room. With one or two gaming shows with niche followings.
Top Gear is a car show and an over the top one at that. Each week they crash through the TV with various segments which is more entertainment then cars. It’s informative to the naked eye, but for the most part- its designed for entertainment.
Gaming shows however, are not designed with this in mind- they are boring, stale and quite repetitive. They play like a half hour version of a mainstream media video game websites review blown out for that long- just in case you don’t know- that is quite boring. Read or Watch the latest IGN or Gamespot review- and you will soon see that even I make more sense.
Spinning back over to the concept idea is one which did almost happen. Creators of the Mana Bar in Australia had a little thing going for their own TV pilot. It was entertaining for one- and could almost fill the void. Game Damage could of been something great, and we hope they get it up one day.
But with that in mind it seems like no one will step to fill the void to make an entertaining video game show. Just follow the Top Gear concept- and obviously refine it heaps. You could have playing competitions- star interviews playing a random shovel ware title. Various microwave explosions of PS3s or Xboxs. Be entertaining- not just dull and boring like your reading off a cereal box.
This editorial will talk particularly about good will towards digital distribution services. As well as for the most part ones which plague the Gaming world. Rather then services such as Kindle. But the principles will and should apply for all digital distribution services across all entertainment types.
Earlier this week a vibrant prank of implied proportions awoke the Steam community to a war. The war of a simple explanation- for not what has happened- but what would happen if the situation ever happens for the reasons believed.
The situation is simple, social media provided the outlet for someone to make a ban appear to be something more then what it could be. With users hyped and worried about the simple fact what if their traded games get them banned and their hundreds of games- suddenly cut off. With that resulting in a ramped directional thrust to find out the truth- only to find no policy change yet.
But on the other side of the coin is something interesting, what happens when digital distribution services loose their good will?
The services ravage many parts of our life; video games, movies, books and more. When good will disappears from a service- will the service die? Reinvent themselves? Or evolve?
Good will is a main priority to keep for any business. But a digital distribution service needs to make sure they are at the top of their game. A slip can cause a massive decrease in user moral and generation.
A digital distribution service has to always make sure users have high moral- and have no concerns. The major concerns been ones about if the service is stable- as everything is digital- its a huge concern if they can loose hundreds of games, movies, books—what ever.
A certain website published an article recently with a similar heading for the round table discussion. Me personally I couldn’t be stuffed really to read the rest of the content- and instead used the heading to incite rage inside me that such a question would ever be asked.
But then I thought- do we really need them?
The simple argument for having demos is to understand what the game is like before making a purchase. In such- gives users a informed choice. Allowing them to better spend their money. But the flip side of the coin is more rough and tumble. With the points been around we shouldn’t be informed- and instead spend spend spend!
Okay maybe the flip side isn’t as cut and dry as that. Which is why it got me thinking a little more then usual.
Lets think for a moment, demos can not provide neither the truth or a lie. It’s obvious that if a publisher really wanted to sell “Super Baby Sitting: Guns of Slot Racing”. Then they could modify the demo to be essentially a different game- providing the impression that such a game could be enjoyable and the best move ever to drop your $100 on.
Which for a simple fact outside that it does take a little effort to produce a demo, that they are in fact more for the consumers rather then the publishers. Especially when uninformed customers are more likely to buy such a title like “Super Baby Sitting”.
With that in mind- what do demos really offer to us as a consumer? They give us a look at the game yes. They limit our purchases to ones we want, yes another tick. They inform us of if the game is enjoyable to us and only us, yes once again a tick. But these are all consumer demands- not business demands, businesses don’t need to really produce a demo for the consumers. It’s more of a good will thing. They offer this “service” to consumers with the principle that their out reach will give enlightenment to their company as well as making the customers blindly enjoy the title because other companies are not as nice.
So after reading this, will you be taking home a copy of “Super Baby Sitting: Guns of Slot Racing”. Probably not. But the question is- would of have bought it with or with out a demo? Me personally, if I had no media- I’d be more worried and hyped about how a game revolving around baby sitting can include some guns and a nice slot racing component.
Remember the Windows 7 Parties? Probably not, after maybe everyone who did it only did it for the free copy of Windows 7. But I had one- well my brother did, because he does those things with computers, and we had a huge row of computers powering this operating system which hadn’t came out yet. We even hard a bunch of walk throughs – oh and there was beer, lots and lots of beer.
You know what? That little shin dig, was great for one reason. Well possibly more then one reason. But the main idea here is the marketing, the “here’s X product, its awesome- ain’t it awesome- okay now buy it”.
Now Nintendo plans to do this thing where they tour the country showing the 3DS. Thats all well and good in a country only as big as my hand like the UK. But here in good old Australia, where NAL has a tendency to pick and choose locations. Which is all well and good- but this is one huge country, one or two showings in the east coast capital cities isn’t going to make people “see and believe” on the west cost or in the country.
Now in a country this size- Nintendo needs to do the only thing, especially with the PSP2 (or the NGP as its known at the moment) looming to get some parties happening for this device. Instead of doing a survey to off load your last few Wii consoles, do something useful like offering a 3DS and a bunch of demo games to a wide selection of people across the nation.
When a certain editorial piece and public perception makes people think its just a 3D DS. Nintendo really needs to get some consoles out there which bring to life the seeing is believing philosophy.
When the public and press events so far (and most likely in the future) miles away from many Australians, in a wide country a stunt like this seems to be an effective way of getting the message across.
Tonight it was revealed that the 3DS will launch on the 31st of March, at $349. Nintendo is planning a public event in both Melbourne and Sydney for the next few weeks. More information is on the Nintendo website.