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Gears of War takes best game at GDCA, Aquaria wins IGF best game prize
At tonight's Game Developers Choice Awards, Epic Games' Gears of War took home three awards: best technology, visual arts, and the coveted Game of the Year award. On the independent side of things, Bit Blot's Aquaria won the Seumas McNally Grand Prize from the Independent Games Festival.Okami picked up a win in one of the four categories it was nominated in (take that, AIAS). Unfortunately, Loco Roco did not pick up any awards despite two nominations (character design and audio). Independent game Everyday Shooter won two awards and a distribution deal from GameTap.View the full list winners and nominees from both events below.
Nintendo composer rockin' the GDC
None other than legendary Nintendo composer, who has worked on many a Mario and Zelda game, Koji Kondo is set to perform during Video Games Live! at the conclusion of this year's GDC (Game Developer's Conference). This is to take place on March 9th of this year and will be joined by video game pianist Martin Leung, as well as a full-on orcestral performance of tunes from past LucasArts titles such as Monkey Island, Outlaws and a little-known title by the name of Grim Fandango. Of course, with the promise of a keynote from Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto, this makes this year's GDC one that any Nintendo fan will hate to miss.
DS got Miyamoto's wife into gaming, how about you?
During a rather lengthy interview with Talk Asia, Shigeru Miyamoto spoke all things gaming and all things Nintendo. Obviously, the interview focuses a bit more on Nintendo's new-comer to the console scene, the Wii, but he does mention the DS. In fact, he even goes to far as to say it is the only instrument that got his wife into gaming, stating "My wife does not play any kind of games. I have tried to make her interested with various games like Tetris, but she has never showed interest, until recently. But we're beginning to tear down the walls, starting with the Nintendo DS games."That got us to thinking about what got people into games. Did the DS or any other handheld system get you into gaming, or have you always been a gamer and the DS just aided in that obsession?
Miyamoto's future: unique, simple, nonviolent games
Shigeru Miyamoto has spent a lifetime developing hit games for Nintendo -- Mario, Legend of Zelda, Donkey Kong, etc. Speaking to CNN's Talk Asia, the industry legend disclosed that he hopes to continue working on games for everyone to enjoy that tackle themes atypical for gaming."There is an abundance of themes that people are interested in," he said, "and video games have only touched on few of them." No examples are cited, but would he consider working with serious, mature themes such as heartache, loss, redemption, suffering, et cetera? Miyamoto, alluding to Nintendo's new mantra, also explained that his future projects will be simple enough for all ages to enjoy, which is something he has always seemed to be adept at, though our previously-mentioned themes will probably not feature into universally-appealing projects.The interview touched briefly on violence in video games, a theme Miyamoto does not wish to tackle. "Looking at the overall picture, it is important to understand and feel the pain that people might have ... we also have to take a careful approach, even in the circumstances when we are not portraying direct violence." Though the game legend might have aversion to violence, his words imply that there are cases when non-excessive presentation of aggression is understandable. Then again, if his goal is to appeal to people aged five to 95, then violence is probably something he's better off avoiding.The Talk Asia interview also serves as a primer for those interested in Miyamoto's background; much of the history discussion reads like a Wikipedia entry.[Pictured: Link nonviolently driving a sword into Ganon's head. Don't worry, he doesn't die.]
Miyamoto to provide keynote at GDC
That's correct, in the way that Iwata made a keynote at last year's GDC, Miyamoto is following in his footsteps with his keynote presentation titled A Creative Vision. Miyamoto's keynote is to revolve around his "singular creative vision [that] drives his work, not only in terms of his world-renown software, but also in generating key technologies, including the current global phenomena, Nintendo DS and Wii." Not much for us to go on, but being the veteran that he is, and the large amount of respect he demands for his contributions to this industry, we're sure it'll be a keynote to remember.
Iwata and Miyamoto comment on wrist strap concerns
var digg_url = 'http://www.digg.com/gaming_news/Iwata_and_Miyamoto_comment_on_wrist_strap_concerns'; With all of the complaints about the Wiimote turning into a deadly weapon, destroying television sets and causing some to seek unorthodox solutions, Nintendo has taken notice and sent out an official statement informing players how to properly use the Wiimote. Turns out, Iwata and Miyamoto think the whole wrist strap portion of the dilemma is being blown way out of proportion, citing that gamers are just getting way more excited with the console than the company had initially thought: "Of course before the launch of the Wii hardware Nintendo had a number of tests on the durability of everything including the strap," Iwata told reporters in Japan. "But our understanding right now is that even beyond our expectations people are becoming more and more excited playing with the Wii."Nintendo knows how to spin things, eh? With a console as interactive as the Wii, there isn't much chance that Nintendo didn't at least consider the long play sessions and excitement gamers would express when playing the console. Miyamoto adds that the company is now pursuing a way to inform gamers how to play, and be the best, without being so excited as to throw the Wiimote or cause any kind of collateral damage during the experience:"We are looking into the situation to see if there are additional methods to encourage people to kind of calm down so they would never throw away the controller itself."
Happy birthday, Shiggy!
How could we possibly let the birthday of our overlord, Shigeru Miyamoto, pass unnoticed? He's at the center of all our favorite (photoshopped) pictures, he's funny ... oh, and yeah, he is responsible for a few video games or something. Who are we kidding? We can't be coy. Miyamoto is the reason we're here every day; if not for his crazy creations, we might be doing something else, and that would be a tragedy. Here's to you, Mr. Miyamoto, and may you have 54 more.
BusinessWeek interviews Miyamoto and Ashida about the Wii
BusinessWeek recently interviewed Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto and Ken'ichiro Ashida about the Wii. They inquired about all things Wii related, such as initial ideas behind the controller and creating a cost-effective console. They found out that the current goal of the company to turn people from all walks of life into gamers originally came from a desire to get gamers' moms playing. So moms were a key target audience for this console? Miyamoto: Our goal was to come up with a machine that moms would want-easy to use, quick to start up, not a huge energy drain, and quiet while it was running. Rather than just picking new technology, we thought seriously about what a game console should be. [CEO Satoru] Iwata wanted a console that would play every Nintendo game ever made. Moms would hate it if they had to have several consoles lying around. Ashida: We didn't want wires all over the place, which might anger moms because of the mess. If that was Nintendo's goal all along, they should've just asked us. We have the most brilliant idea for a simulation game where you play a soccer mom and must drop the kids off at practice, making sure you take turns with care so that the children do not spill their juice boxes all over their uniforms (patent pending). There's still time Nintendo, all you need do is shoot us an email. [Via NeoGAF]
Japanese hardware sales, 16 October - 22 October: Nintendo All Hallows Eve Edition
Satoru Iwata (dressed as a vampire): DS Lite perform amazing feat in global market! More hundred thousand units in time of week! Much party enjoyment, everyone, so scary is coming! George Harrison (dressed as Link): Ugh, these tights are starting to chafe. Perrin, wanna trade costumes?Perrin Kaplan (dressed as a slutty cat): Um ... no. But you should ask around, really. Has anyone seen Matt? He looks so damn good in that costume ....Matt Cassamassina (dressed as Mega Man, special guest to the event): Perrin. Storage closet. Now.Perrin: Rawr.Iwata: They are doing the fun, yes?George: Uh, yeah. Where's Miyamoto-san, by the way?Iwata: There. (points)George: The dinette set?Shigeru Miyamoto (dressed as a dinette set): Ah! You see, this is the inspiration for my next masterpiece. Get ready for the next generation of fun!George: Sunnuva bitch. Miyamoto, stop doing shrooms, and...ah! Finally, someone normal. But why aren't you dressed up, Reggie?Reggie Fils-Aime: What do you mean?George: It's Halloween. You need a costume. You're just dressed normally.Reggie: This is my costume.George: ...Reggie: Bitch.George: ...Reggie: Now get me a sandwich.George: Friggin' ... fine ....- DS Lite: 116,941 12,454 (11.92%) - PS2: 22,380 2,347 (9.50%) - PSP: 20,271 1,332 (6.17%) - GBA SP: 2,421122 (5.31%) - Game Boy Micro: 1,660 54 (3.15%) - Xbox 360: 1,287 456 (26.16%) - Gamecube: 638 15 (2.30%) - DS Phat: 130 143 (52.38%) - GBA: 37 25 (67.57%) - Xbox: 6 3 (100.00%)[Source: Media Create]
Rumor: Mario Paint 2 and Shiggy's new game
Got your grain of salt? Good, you're going to need it for this one.Games Asylum is reporting that a quote from Shigeru Miyamoto in N Gamer magazine reveals a sequel to Mario Paint in Marionette. The site purports that this was a term that floated around back in the GameCube days. It was supposedly going to be an internet service for the console.The site also states that Shigeru Miyamoto is working on a new Wii game that will utilize the Wiimote's speaker. The game is supposedly focused on 4-player action where the speaker in the Wiimote will call out the name of the player who has the next turn.Again, all of this is just speculation at this moment as there is no evidence to back up these claims. Anyone care to check out the issue of N Gamer magazine this is supposed to come from?[Thanks AssemblyLineHuman!]
Wii Orchestra demonstration videos
When Miyamoto took the stage in a tuxedo at Nintendo's E3 keynote and began conducting an orchestra, many attendees were floored by what they saw. Whether it was something totally unexpected that managed to pleasantly surprise or something that caused the attendee to lower their head into their lap in disgust, the unveiling of Wii Orchestra was unexpected. Since its showing at E3, nothing much else has been said about it.Well, during Leipzig the game was made available and IGN got their hands on it. In uploading two videos of the game in action, they have given us a very good feel for how speed on the player's part affects the music in the game.
LoZ controls get updated and Shiggy talks GC titles updated for Wii
Some have said that using the Wiimote as if it were a sword, swinging it around to perform actions in-game, will undoubtedly cause us all to collapse from exhaustion. Some have noted that no actual force is required when using the Wiimote as if it were a sword or in any other kind of fashion, causing the previous point to be irrelevant. Well, now the argument may heat up yet again as Shigeru Miyamoto recently confirmed with Nintendo Dream magazine that the previous controls established for The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess are no more. Instead of using the B button to cause Link to slash, as the E3 build demonstrated, now players will need to physically swing the Wiimote around should they wish Link to vanquish his foes. Only thing is, the combat in previous Legend of Zelda titles has been intense, causing some to wonder if this new change is for the best. Also, now that the B button has been freed up, it will now be used when Link is utilizing the bow. Upon aiming at a target, hitting the B button will let loose the arrow from the bow. Miyamoto also tested out using the d-pad for aiming duties, but decided to scrap that idea.In the same article, Miyamoto stated that given the hardware set of the Wii, it would be easy to update GameCube titles to allow full use of the Wii's control scheme. Of course, we have to assume that if this were even going to happen it would only be restricted to first-party titles from Nintendo. Miyamoto said:"We'll be upgrading the development tools, but GameCube code can be used for the most part as is. In that sense, I believe that it would be good to remake GameCube games for Wii, and that some titles would become better with the change to the Wii remote controller."So, you can have one GameCube game updated with the Wii control scheme: what would the game be and how would the Wiimote be used?[Via Joystiq; Thanks vidGuy and Marc!]
Wii battles 360/PS3: kicks ass, doesn't care to take names
Converted from an animated gif file originally to the video you see above, this viscious German console brawl shows the Wii go up against a combined force of the Xbox 360 and PS3. As the Wii's "console master," Shigeru Miyamoto's hard work and dedication to leveling up his console is evident as barely a scratch is received by the unit during the scuffle as it easily dispatches the consoles. Hey, even our own Ludwig's Anatomy of Shame remote gets included in the battle!Anyone want to translate the text? Is it...is it funny?
Will Wright is a pr0n star, blogs lowly game designer
Derek Daniels, a low-ranking designer on the God of War team, recently broke the industry down like this:"In the videogame design world you have Miyamoto, Kojima, Will Wright, David Jaffe, and a handful of others that have risen to the top that have a little more control of their future. Then you have the other faceless designers that no one knows working on games doing some downright nasty things that I'm sure their mothers do not want to hear."Sounds like the porn industry, right? Well, that's Daniels' point at least. He reckons that videogame design is a young man's gamble, with a lifespan about as long as a girl doing porn. And when you finally burn out and leave the game behind, you're left with "a skillset that cannot be applied to anything else in life." [Thanks, Art]
IGN interrogates Miyamoto-san
Shigeru Miyamoto recently sat down with IGN to speak vaguely on upcoming projects and various Wii-related topics. The origins of the Wiimote and nunchuck attachment are discussed, as well as left-handed gamers, the classic controller, and the controller's internal speaker. He speaks of an upcoming game in which all four players will use the same Wiimote, and the speaker will call out player names to indicate whose turn it is.Finally, the article seems to confirm that the nunchuck will come packaged with the console. We really didn't think Nintendo would stiff us like that...after all, their first three huge games (Twilight Princess, Metroid Prime 3, and Super Mario Galaxy) all require its use...but it's nice to know. Head on over for the details.[Thanks, Alex!]
Kaz sez: "MS copies Sony!"
Sony's Kaz Hirai has let his inner stroppiness out in an interview with PlayStation Magazine, where he moans at Microsoft for copying Sony's strategies and disses Microsoft's plan for an HD-DVD add-on whilst simultaneously bigging up his own company's Blu-ray plan. In a response to the interviewer's leading question/statement "Sony and Microsoft seem to be taking the exact same path...", Kaz responds by saying that "Every time we go down a path, we look behind and they're right there - we just can't shake these guys. I wish that they would come up with some strategies of their own..." It's possible that we'd be more likely to agree with this statement if we knew exactly what he meant, because as it stands this is the PR equivalent of trash talk.This childish display of "Miss! That kid's copying me!" reminds me of one of my favorite poems as a child called Please Mrs Butler by Allan Ahlberg, summmarized thusly: moan all you want, but don't expect sympathy from anyone. Especially when your complaint sits on very shaky ground.
Wiimote could still see some changes before launch?
In speaking with Japan's Famitsu, Nintendo's own Shigeru Miyamoto dropped a hint that the Wiimote's current design could not be the finalized version. Shiggy stated that "we're still debating on the area of how many buttons to use." This response came when the question was asked about Nintendo's difficulties when designing the new controller. We could be reading too much into this, but Shiggy has been known to let a bit of truth slip now and again, so take it as you will.[Thanks Hobbes!]
Halo 3 has a happy ending, or how I learned to love YTMND
The animated .gif addicts over at YTMND have been very busy lately revealing the truthiness behind recent video game rumors. Here are some of those OMIGOD NEWS FLASH! announcements from YTMND's gaming posse: The PS3's 100% official start-up screen REVEALED! Nintendo's bunker busted REVEALED! Halo 3 ending REVEALED! World of Warcraft in space REVEALED! Shiggy's secret N64 formula REVEALED! Half-Life 2's plotline REVEALED! (take that, suckas) YTMND's formula is never going to get old, simply because there will never be a shortage of fanboy ideas and rumors to make fun of. [Via Xbox360Fanboy] More: The Wii zeitgeist, via YTMND, Wiill Ferrell tests Wii accelerometer technology and Dick Hunt!
Nintendo granted messaging patent -- Wii IM?
Six years ago, before the GameCube's launch, Nintendo had filed for a patent on a "messaging service for video game systems with buddy list that displays game being played," and on Tuesday they were granted the patent. The details involve a fully-fledged IM system featuring buddy icons, in-game messaging (via text or voice chat), and web-based storage of the user profile (i.e. Nintendo's servers). All the details can be viewed within the patent's claims.You can see the similarities between Nintendo's patent and Microsoft's Xbox Live service, but there are two things you should take from this patent: It does not mean Microsoft copied Nintendo. While Nintendo filed this patent before the Xbox was even launched, chances are Microsoft also filed a patent just as long ago, if not longer. It does not guarantee these services will be included in the Wii. While Nintendo now has patent protection on such services, given the company the option to incorporate all these features into Wii Connect24, that does not guarantee Nintendo's willingness to implement every aspect of the patent into its service, although it is likely we will see a very similar (if not exact) system implemented by the time the Wii launches. Nintendo, we can now confirm, has the ability to launch a fully-fledged online service on par with Microsoft, providing almost the exact same features (fully-fledged messaging, downloadable content). To what extent will Nintendo beef up the Wii's online component?[Thanks, Ianc02]
Rumor: Wii to include camera
So, an upcoming issue of Game Informer is going to drop the bomb that the Wii will ship with a built-in camera so you can slap your mug on in-game characters? Oh, so I guess pigs are also flying now? Honestly, how easy is it to write up a random prediction about news that will be located in a magazine, which since the internet have become pretty obsolete, and call is a scoop? Well, we here at Nintendo Wii Fanboy have a bit more integrity than that and are happy to report we've come across the scoop of a life time that we're ready to reveal, courtesy of a leaked issue of Nintendo Power, set to release in two months, in which Shigeru Miyamoto confirms that he enjoys muffins.Blueberry, to be exact.Now that's journalism, baby!
