CGVG – Consumer Generated Video Games
June 28th, 2007
The BBC reports today that the maker of the Wii video gaming system, Nintendo, has released WiiWare, which will allow amateur game makers the platform they require to create their own games for the Wii console.
Very cool.
“Independent developers armed with small budgets and big ideas will be able to get their original games into the marketplace to see if we can find the next smash hit,” said Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America president in a statement.
Once a game is finished, the creator submits it to Nintendo, who in turn makes it available on the Wii Shop so gamers can download the ones they like.
So not only will there be a lot of new, original games – and “fresh takes on established genres, ” but Nintendo is creating evangelists who will feel like they are a part of the company through their game programming efforts. It’s a nice move by a big company releasing control and in turn, reaching out to embrace their fans.
Other posts by Spike.
Michael Morton says:
That’s totally cool.
I’m a Wii owner and have been very pleased with the console. This news makes me even more pleased with my purchase.
It’s a great move by Nintendo but it’s by no means revolutionary. The Xbox 360 has a service called Live Arcade that releases independently developed games too. One of those games called Geometry Wars is one of the most popular games and has spawned many look-a-likes around the web.
Three cheers for user generated content!
June 28th, 2007 at 8:08 am