Japanese game makers talk Wii U potential

A host of Japanese game developers and producers share some comments and ideas about the Wii U.

July 27, 2011 6:45 PM

Though it'll likely be a year or more before the Wii U hits store shelves, Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu has rounded up some interesting commentary about Nintendo's first high-definition console from a slew of high-profile developers and producers. Most of those interviewed had a bit to say about the technology itself, seeing positive potential in both the new HD functionality and the system's new controller. Capcom alums Hideyuki Kobayash and Jun Takeuchi see the Wii U controller--which features touch-screen functionality--as particularly challenging for game developers.

Itagaki's Devil's Third is planned to hit the Wii U

Takeuchi asserts that with the right price point, Wii U could be a big success, provided that developers avoid the perils of "having [the controller's screen] draw the eyes away too much from the television screen." (translated by Sokuho@Hokano) Capcom's Shuu Takumi also noted that the controller offers new mechanical possibilities for gameplay, citing the hypothetical example of exploring a virtual crime scene from a new perspective. Tecmo Koei's Kenichi Ogasawara, Akihiro Suzuki, and Yousuke Hayashi are also excited about how the Wii U controller adds another screen to the mix, therefore facilitating new gameplay experiences. Ogasawara offered the example of multiplayer opportunities in which one player uses the television screen while the other uses the screen on the controller. This type of play is already being explored by Harvest Moon developer Yoshifumi Hashimoto of Marvelous Entertainment. Hashimoto also expressed interest in other new types of gameplay the Wii U will enable. "For example, in Harvest Moon when you're in your in-game room, if you turn on the television, the video from the television could be shown on the controller screen," he said. Sega's Toshihiro Nagoshi and Tango's Shinji Mikami (who hasn't yet had any hands-on time with the system) also briefly commented. While they offered no specifics about new projects, they're very happy and excited to see an HD platform from Nintendo. Nagoshi expressed interest in seeing what sort of impact the move to HD will have on the Wii market. Jiro Ishi and Akihiro Hino of Level-5 added their two-cents as well. Hino noted that because the Wii U will accommodate stylus-based games, titles like Professor Layton might get ported to the new system. Ishi praised Zelda in HD, and asserted a personal interest in the possibilities the Wii U controller will have on things like card games and board games. Valhalla Game Studios founder and industry bad-boy, Tomonobu Itagaki, also expressed having a lot of ideas for the Wii U, not the least of which is bringing the upcoming Devil's Third to the system. The Wii U doesn't have a firm release date yet, but is expected to arrive sometime during the summer of 2012. (via andriasang)

Jeff Mattas

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July 26, 2011 8:00 PM

Jeff Mattas posted a new article, Japanese game makers talk Wii U potential.

A host of Japanese game developers and producers share some comments and ideas about the Wii U.