Molyneux: Industry needs Wii U to be "great"
22 Cans co-founder says Nintendo's latest is good, but falls short of the amazing tech of tablets
Between launching the first game from 22 Cans, Kickstarting the second, and keynoting the Montreal International Game Summit, Peter Molyneux has been busy lately. Despite that, the famed designer has found time to get his hands on Nintendo's newest console, the Wii U, which launches tonight in the UK. Speaking with GamesIndustry International Molyneux expressed some mixed feelings on the hardware.
"I think the Wii U is good, but I don't feel it's great," Molyneux said. "I've played the experience, I've played Nintendo Land, I've played ZombiU, and they're good. I find holding the device in my hand--looking up at the screen and looking down at the device--slightly confusing as a consumer. It's good, but it's not great. And we really need these new pieces of hardware to be great in today's world, because the competition is not just consoles anymore. The competition is everything, all the technology. When you're holding a Kindle Fire or an iPad in your hand, it's just amazing technology. It really is. It's expensive, but it's amazing technology. And people like Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft need to match that. They need to match that in my mind, and exceed it. And I'm not sure the Wii U really did that."
Reservations aside, Molyneux was particularly interested in the Wii U's focus on asymmetric gameplay and a seeming abundance of indie games headed to the platform. He also noted that his expectations for a Nintendo console launch may have been set unrealistically high by the Wii and its breakout success Wii Sports. And even if the system falls shy of greatness, Molyneux said he has "enduring faith" in Nintendo.
"I've got unvelievable respect for Nintendo. They created our industry in a very real sense. I can remember everybody in the industry laughing and giggling about how stupid the Wii was, what a stupid name it was, and who would want motion control. And then it went on to sell what, 60, 70 million copies? It got people who never considered computer games to play them."
GamesIndustry International will have more from the Molyneux interview, including his reactions to backlash over 22 Cans' Kickstarter project, on Monday.
I would far rather hear the thoughts of Craig Duncan, Andrew Gower, Sophie Wilson or Philip Oliver.
Having doubts about the technology inside Wii U misses the real point, though. It's not what's in there so much as how that is used in software and services over the coming months and years that counts, and you'd expect a software designer liken Molyneux to understand that. Wii had a great, accessible, mass-market start--but where did that go ultimately? How much potential was there really? How versatile was Wii?? I'd say easily not as versatile as Wii U, and in the hands of Nintendo's designers, a versatile system is an enticing thought.
Edited 1 times. Last edit by Daniel Hughes on 30th November 2012 9:59am
The exciting thing about the Wii U, as with the DS and Wii, is that it offers an interface that other platforms don't, and has some of the most talented developers exploring the possibilities.
And besides PM is full of it, why would Nintendo create a tablet for kids as fragile and cutting edge as a 600 euro one. How much does PM think it will cost Nintendo to sell their product at an affordable price range if it would compete with the best tablets. Ultimately its just a fancy joypad that has the added bonus of a touch screen creating versatile gameplay, more versatile than the other main stream platforms anyway.
PM coverage is evaluated along with the rest on how well it 'trends' and 'tweet-ability', and as it scores well they keep doing it. However further evaluation seems that the high scores may be more to do with adverse response than positive so some media has steered away from any more free promotion of PM till the heat dies down!
Seems no one told Gi.biz !
For a visionary, you seem to lack it lately. I have a bunch of great asynchronous and Gamepad use ideas if you need them.
If you had done any checking you will have seen that I have not insulted PM's past activities for the consumer game sector - nor his notable legacy. I am however uncomfortable with the cult of personality that certain media has built around his utterances, and also his ability to make some business proclamations based on previous track record. You may not know that I have presented alongside PM in the past and respect his oratory and passion - I just want to see the media cover more voices, than manipulate his!
I would also advise you to avoid maligning the DNA Association and its website - this is a serious approach to address the gulf in representing the digital out-of-home entertainment sector, just because you can't (or don't want too) comprehend what it means dose not mean you can insult it.
I understand you feel PM needs defending - good for your conscious, but don't attempt to attack what you don't know.
Edited 1 times. Last edit by kevin williams on 30th November 2012 4:25pm
I feel its more accurate to say the industry wants it to be great but doesn't need it to be.