Nintendo has confirmed its plans for E3 2014, set to include events for people attending the convention as well as fans watching online, including a Super Smash Bros. for Wii U tournament from the Nokia Theatre.
A hilariously cheesey Mega64-produced video starring Reggie Fils-Aime, president and chief operating officer of Nintendo of America, revealed four different parts of Nintendo's approach to E3 2014. The company also confirmed that they would not be holding a traditional press briefing like E3 2013, instead opting for more hands-on approach at E3 2014.
One of the key events will be the Super Smash Bros. Invitational, which invites 16 "highly skilled Super Smash Bros. players" to compete in a Super Smash Bros. for Wii U tournament at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live during E3. Nintendo is also continuing last year's partnership with American retailer Best Buy, allowing people to play Super Smash Bros. for Wii U at participating store locations in an event called Super Smash Bros. Smash Fest.
With Nintendo's choice to not host a more traditional press brief for the second year in a row, the company announced that it is "building on that approach" with the Nintendo Digital Event, a "video program" that will offer information about the company's gaming plans for the future. It is unclear if this program will resemble the Nintendo Direct presentation that was held last year.
While many gaming fans may be disappointed that Nintendo won't be doing the usual conference stylings of Sony and Microsoft, its still a rather smart move for someone that at this time looks to not have anything major planned. With the Wii U not doing its best and the 3DS doing rather well, a more direct approach to both new and old fans is probably the better approach for Nintendo, and isn't exactly a doomsday calling as many would hope.
AusGamers will be live from E3 come June 10th, so mark your calendars for the year's biggest gaming event.
Posted 01:17pm 30/4/14
Posted 01:37pm 30/4/14
Come to think of it, I'm not sure why so many companies hold their cards close to their chest for E3 given that they could just as soon do a press release before hand and then spend more time demonstrating their products at this sort of event.
(Then again, if you're only presenting ideas, and not products, perhaps my thinking is a little backwards)
Posted 06:03pm 30/4/14
Posted 06:06pm 30/4/14