Nintendo is and will always be one of the greatest video game companies of all times. Sure, they may have gone a bit astray in these past years, only using their established characters to boost the popularity of their myriad of poorly received cross-over games (other than Mario Kart), but they can do better.
We know they can do better, as shown by the Legend of Zelda, Mario, Metroid, and others. Sadly, though, no good games featuring any of them have actually come out in a while. Instead, just like most triple A companies these days, Nintendo is only looking to profit at the expense of quality.
Mobile success
And it is working for them. After launching the Miitomo social media video game hybrid, the company realized the potential of the mobile game market. With 4 million Miitomo users registering days after the title’s more or less international release, Nintendo’s eyes swiftly turned into dollar (or Yen) signs and a cash register could be heard opening.
So, in their attempt to reach two different niche markets in their soon-to-come set of releases, Nintendo brings Fire Emblem and Animal Crossing to mobile. The explanation does make sense from a financial point of view, and it will also please at least two different market segments.
Two different markets
First of all, one of the Nintendo titles to soon come to smart phones and tablets is Fire Emblem. A classic RPG, the game will be brought to the mobile platforms as to serve the legions of hardcore fans the game managed to gain. It is a very smart move, although the game will mostly be played by those that already know what it’s about.
Meanwhile, Animal Crossing is coming to the mobile platform because Nintendo realized that a very wide variety of consumers like and play the title. According to a statement from the company, even children, women, and those not that experienced with gaming have played the title on consoles, so they are certain the mobile version will bring a similar user base.
Approaches
What’s interesting is that the two games mentioned before, as well as three more which will be launched this year, are meant to be played on video game consoles. That means that porting them for mobile devices will be no easy task. But it will certainly be an interesting one.
In fact, the company is looking forward to seeing how the games can be adapted for the new platforms. They also have a few more interesting ideas, like having the games be interconnected, so you can keep playing them, although with different engines, from one platform to the other.
Image source: Flickr
