Revolution Developer Roundtable
by Blake Snow 
{ Nov 27th 2005 at 3:00PM }
Are developers embracing Nintendo's Revolution? 1Up asks that and many other questions of several
game developers in a recent feature. While the new "free style" controller will force developers to
rethink how they traditionally developed video games for the next-gen console, it will also be
a catalyst for innovation.
Some argue the new technology will be underestimated like Nintendo's hugely successful DS portable
was. Others ask: Is a controller what makes people buy a console in the first place?
Enter playable games…
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Not Impressed (Dmitri) @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
It will take awhile for devs to become able to use the controller to it's full potential. But from hearing about the things that went down at the show floor of TGS after the revealing of the controller, I expect alot of merges for games.
Possibly a EA / Ubisoft game?
Or even an Unreal Tournament: Mario Edition!
That is if Epic can knock the balls out of their mouths and get developing on something new.
Not Impressed (Dmitri) @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Oh and for the "other ask". Just look at the PS3 and how many people have been turned off of it by it's so called "Banana Phone" and "Lady's Night" (if you don't get that one, don't worry).
Personally. I am for the rev all the way. I have passed up on the opportunity to get a 360 and will pass up the PS3 aswell. It all leads up to that controller, and I really want to play the oldest of old games again. Aswell as the whole "Mario Party Online" idea.
Mostly it is because of the fact that Sony and Microsoft have made their consoles too "PC". There are way too many third-party titles on those consoles, and a HUGE percent I can just play on my PC.
Paranoised @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Epic is already doing something new: Gears of War.
Not Impressed (Dmitri) @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Paranoised. GoW will 99% sure to be on the PC. So I do not really care much for it.
And it is not really "new". It is just a reverted version of Unreal Tournament. "OH BOY!!! OVER THE SHOULDER CAMS!!! WE DESERVE A COOKIE!!!"
Jmoney @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Paranoised took the words right out my mouth...
But anyway, Ninty shouldnt worry about "lack of HDTV support" right now...but they will in 4 years, when HDTV becomes standard for tv.
Jmoney @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Are u kidin me...Gears is a whole different concept than Unreal Torunament. Have u read what the storyline for Gears of War is?
Not Impressed (Dmitri) @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
New story. Same idea. OMFG IM GONNA BUY A 360 RIGHT NOW FOR IT!
Ween.
Not Impressed (Dmitri) @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Alot of people talk a ton of shit about devs like EA. But atleast they have balls to step outside of the FPS franchise and do something different.
All of Epic's games are pretty much the same. "Bang. Bang. Shoot-em-up"s.
Jmoney @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Oh Shut up and stop whing like a little girl.
Epic( unlike EA) has yet to mess up when it comes to their games...the FPS is their strong point. If they like to move on to something esle, they can go right ahead. Otherwise they can stay where they at cuz they have been and will be doin a great job.
Kris @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Dmitri - EA, unlike many other developers have bottomless pockets. They can afford to take "risks." Balls have nothing to do with it. BTW - companies tend to stick with what makes them profitable, until there is some massive dissruption in the market that changes the whole outlook of things - like the Ipod vs Sony's Walkman. So, if Epic is proffitable by making their "Bang. Bang. Shoot-em-up's" then so be it. Just apreciate what they bring, because it is usually quality stuff.
Cal The New Noise Thriller @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Yeah, but EA makes a shit-tonne of games. Every second game I try out is EA. So obviously if they make this many games some will be flops. But they also get many good games out of the mix. It's a different strategy than making 3 games and banking on the fact that all 3 will be good.
Embassy @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
i still belive this controller will become a gimmick..especially due to the fact that N will release a standard controller add-on...devs will then not have to worry about making games exlcusively work with the wand..and trust me..after your arm gets tired your gonna plug in the standard add-on and not look back...and how innovative has the touch screen been ont he ds..??..it seems like thrown-in concept on most games...
Mr nuclear @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Its all down to the games, plain and blasted simple people. Developers flocked over and embraced the DS because it offers a unique gaming experience much like the Revolution will. I own a gamecube and have loved all the games that have been developed for the system.
People have already suggested that the revolution will be 'a second' option but why second? because it won't play games the way people have been acustomed to? WELL GET READY TO BEING RE-EDUCATED BY THE MASTERS OF THE GAMING WORLD.
The possiblities that this controller opens up is truely mind boggling, gimmicky????? BULL F ***ING SHHIIITE and bullocks to anyone who think that. What many of the people can't stand is the possibilities that they( Nintendo) can generate a substancial amount of addictive gamers wanting badly to experience something new AND WE NEED SOMETHING NEW.
A while ago IGN had posted afew news on the controllers usages, especially the bit that was on sloting the controller into a gun type unit, the first thing I thought of ( which probably was mention) was resident evil 5, RESIDENT EVIL 5 !!!!! imagine it. you ACTUALLY hold the gun in your hands using the left hand thumb to using the joystick on top of the gun to control the character on screen and when aiming ( presumably a Z key button would be located closily ) and as holding the game gun itself transforms your EXACT movements to screen, am sure most you people can imagine it , RIIIIIIIGHT ?
This of cause is few of manya possbilties that I truely can't wait to see explored and explore nintendo will. Their whole thought process you can tell is more concret now compared to the gamecube.
If the games live up to anything then I do belive nintendo could be smiling for along time. A VEEEEEEERRRRRY LONG TIME.
LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL.
PEACE. : )
jago @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Who said a gimmick was a bad thing? You say that the DS touch screen was a "thrown-in concept" yet that "gimmick" has some great games for it. Developers have a choice of whether or not to use it and even those that don't use it are still great games (MKDS for example.) That so-called "gimmick" is beating the PSP in sales need I remind you.
Epic has yet to mess up? What about Unreal 2?
pyrthas @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
The way I see it, this controller (with the analog attachment) will be able to do most, if not all, of the things that standard controllers can do. It doesn't seem as though it's going to greatly restrict the Revolution; it's just going to allow for some interestingly different and novel things as well. If that's a gimmick, I don't see what's wrong with gimmicks.
Andrew @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
"but they will in 4 years, when HDTV becomes standard for tv."
Somehow, I don't expect many people to suddenly be able to afford a 1 500 dollar TV.
HDTV won't truly be a standard until more than 90% of people have it. Which probably won't really be for another 10 years.
Seriously, the whole HDTV craze is inane. The improvement in picture quality is so minimal but it's so hyped up to the point where consoles HAVE to have HD quality picture or else it's crap. This whole graphics issue and glitz issue is what's driving the games industry into the ground and is the reason games are costing more and more.
Gimme a break, people. You're fucking morons.
sharpfish @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
I don't even consider it a gimmick - it is obvious nintendo have thought deeply about the different direction / game it needs to play compared to the competitors that "beat it last gen".. They have taken a brave step that *could* fail but will giving it everything they have to make sure it doesn't fail. I am sure they are equally encouraged by the resurgance of the DS as a viable gaming platform even in the face of the technically superior PSP.. they will be glad to see there are players out there who want new ways of interacting (because interacting is the main principle of everything we do with videogames) and can go off on a different tanget to PS3 for example. I think there will be room for any console/PC owner to add a "complimentary" nintendo Revolution console based on a cheaper price, thousands of back catalogue and amazing first party titles - combine that with them literally risking their future by trying to enhance the future of games and you have one damn good company that I respect.
And on the PS3 Batarang issue - i hate the looks of it obviously - but until we hold it - who is to say it is not going to be comfortable and ergonomic? Give them all a chance and then call them when they mess up. :)
cakeshaker @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Whether you like the controller or think its a gimmick, one thing is for sure. The developers are excited and very interested. Thats a good thing for nintendo and a good thing for gamers. Unless you're just hardcore anti-nintendo, theres no way you can read the article posted and not come away with a positive notion of the controller and its possibilities. All the developers were positive about it. None of them think it will pose any problems for making games. Sure, games will be different, but thats the point. If people want the same as last gen, then people can buy the 360 and PS3 if they want or not (and theres nothing wrong with that, I personally will get a PS3), but who wouldn't want to give resident evil 5 a try with that controller? Who wouldn't want to play a metroid title with it, or a light saber game? I think most people will have at least one standard console (PS or XBOX) and a Rev. I will.
Cem @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
#12: I share your enthousiasm, although I do think developers will continue with developing multi-platform games (to save costs and get more sales). So the Revolution is going to need several killer-games to get people buy it. Like Nintendogs for the DS for example. I'm sure Nintendo will take care of that.
Paranoised @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Gears of War is not your typical run and gun First Person Shooter. Its a Tactical-Strategy based game. Besides, its nice to see Epic try an actual story this time instead of the usual Unreal Tournaments.
sick sick puppy @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Jmoney, The Revolution is apparently able to hookup to a computer monitor, so the HDTV standard doesnt really mean much. If someone has any console, I bet that 99.9% of those people own a computer too.
Anyways, back on topic to the controller. The controller will be fantastic.
Nintendo hasnt unvieled Mario 128 yet and who knows what else because they know that timing is everything in creating a trendy sell, like nintendogs. Which is different than selling hype, a lesson they learned with Virtual Boy.
The 'regular' controller add-on will just be one of many different things.
Duck Hunt will go 3D.
Imagine FPS's without having to have that stupid hand at the bottom of the screen, it will just be your own stupid hand. Sweet.
Developers can opt out of taking advantage of what the Revolution is capable of, but thats just stupid to think that they wont just because its something they havent had experience with yet. The controller might be just what some games have needed, like a new variant on Monkey Ball. There is an chance for some developers to shoot out some fun and fan games which in the long run might actually take less time to finish than most traditional games, so there'd be a bigger profit margin to boot.
Im just waiting for them to annouce the vibrator attachment so I can take my Nintendo love to its logical conclusion.
Paranoised @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Gears of War is not your typical run and gun First Person Shooter. Its a Tactical-Strategy based game. Besides, its nice to see Epic try an actual story this time instead of the usual Unreal Tournaments.
BlackYoshi @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Dmitri, most of Epics early successes were PC arcade shareware platformers, like Jazz Jackrabbit, which won PC Arcade game of the year from PC Format magazine in 94. They didn't start with Unreal until 98. This has obviously spun off many sequels. Mostly Epic makes middleware engines for other games to run off right now. So they don't really have the resources to pump out various games. They make an engine, and then they release a game or two every few years using that engine.
Jay @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Speaking of Mario 128, Nintendo have touted it to have a new, never before seen style of gameplay which is said to be immensely addictive. or so I've read in a number of old magazines and various interviews.
I love the sound of that. it has a dark, mysterious and powerful aura to it. if you're mind works like that. its going to be another classic Mario. Mario Bros 1= godlike, Bros 2= NoA being stupid, Bros 3= godlike, Mario World= godlike, Yoshis Island= godlike, Mario 64= godlike, Sunshine= alright.
An interesting thing to look at is that when Nintendo release a stinker they follow it up with something incredible. Mario Bros 2 to 3? Windwaker to Twilight Princess? I seriously worry that Mario 128 is going to be one of the best games I'll ever play.
littlestninja @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
I agree with Mr. Nuclear and Sharpfish. We need to keep an open mind with the Revolution. Though gorgeous graphics are nice, whats the point if its just another game in a played out franchise? We need something new. The Escapist has a great article about bridging the generation gap in gamers and I think Nintendo plays right into that idea. By simplifying game play and making it more intuitive, people of all ages will be able to play together. Now, most gamers don't care, but thats because the bulk of the first generation of gamers dont have families...YET. I'll bet in the next 5 years or so, we'll see more support for this idea. My only worry is that Nintendo isn't a head of its time with its thinking. An idea can be brilliant, but if its not relevant, there is nothing you can do to save it.
Chris Lawrance @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Windwaker a stinker!?
I'll admit it wasn't for everyone. To be honest I wasn't a fan of Ocarina, but I'm sure that puts me in the minority. What pissed me off is it had very little "classic" music including the main theme. Sorry for the sidetrack.
That's an interesting comment about being able to hook the Revo up to a computer moniter and a faintly recall that being said. If this is the case is it true that HD wouldn't matter? I've just recently started to research the technicalities of HD so I am by no means an expert on the subject. PS3 has an output of 2K X 1K progressive right? So I'm sure I'm misunderstanding something about this but my fathers new LCD TV has a max output of like 1366 X 768. So this isn't even going to be able to come close to PS3. When I was browsing Best Buy I didn't even see any of their flat panels at 2K X 1K. In short can someone please enlighten me on the subject and talk a little bit more about how hooking directly up to an LCD is an advantage.
BigKountry @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Okay, let's just get over the idea that the controller is a gimmick. Only time will tell. Let's look at what the Revo will offer...
Huge back library of Nintendo games (hopefully at a reasonable price)
Small compact size
There won't be a huge graphical leap from the Gamecube, but it will be significant.
Price point of $200 to $300 dollars
And for those who don't like the new controller, they still have a standard one.
Do I think the controller is a gimmick, not really. It's just a fresh idea, like the DS is. Whether you think it is a gimmick or not, it still will open up new game concepts and ideas. I think nintendo knows what they are doing this time around.
Slashbunny @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Screw 1up. I like this link better :P
http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20050928/hong_01.shtml
wondermonkey @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
I know this is not quite on topic, but it relates to a previous post.....
Am I the only one who loved super mario bros. 2?
I thought number 2 was fantastic. I got it right when it came out and I remember coming home from school and going straight to my room every evening and jamming on that game like crazy! And then going to school the next morning and talking about how far we had gotten the night before. "Oh, you beat mouser!? No way!"
It seems to me that people disliked it because it was too DIFFERENT from the original. It also seems like people say just the opposite about super mario sunshine, that it is too SIMILAR to 64, not much new. People need to make up their minds otherwise nintendo doesn't know what kind of game to give us! Also, I thought windwaker was incredible. I loved the graphics and I thought the gameplay was every bit as engaging as OOT, maybe better (I really like the improved sword fighting mechanics). Can't wait to play TP!
Mr nuclear @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
25 * Slashbunny :
am with you on that link, : )
26 * wondermonkey :
I loved mario bros 2 it is reguarded as the most different from the series but mosdef a great game, and mario sunshine too. It isn't just you bud. : )
Games now are becoming boring, well not just boring but standard , safe, when a style becomes predictable it loses its edge and so when playing a game you can't be able to generate any excitment, again just becoming too boring and so the FUN factor is left out. As been mentioned time AND time again WE ALL NEED TO BE WOKEN UP , graphics are not enough to generate excitment.
Nintendo are all about games and I really can't wait to see how the big N are going to take advantage of their online connection.
Past games like mario bros, but instead = WARIO bros, playing as wario himself in the classic retro game ( I did hear about them up dating their older games, maybe this COULD be one of the changes.
Regarding the next mario kart game I've had a thought :
. More karts in the game ( especially since it will use online, more the better).
. More power ups ( both NEW and OLD).
. More challenges ( most vital).
. Kart edit ( need we say more).
Till next time good people : )
btribble @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
SMB2 was too DIFFERENT from the original because it's actually another game! NoA took the Japanese game Doki Doki Panic and repackaged the graphics. Okay, maybe you know that. But for this reason it just never seemed like Mario to me, and never played as well either.
On the Revolution controller, I think it's a great idea, but I would've liked to see four main buttons on it instead of two - something more like a SNES pad instead of a NES one. I just don't think people are going to do much one-handed play - imagine how sore your thumb would be using the controller like a remote for any extended period of time! I'm also wondering if/when the DS will be used in conjunction with the system, with some kind of wi-fi/networking coolness...
Shagi @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
I shudder at the lack of creativity most of the interviews on the gamasutra article seemed to display. If the minds behind the games think the only way to create new experiences is to change the controller...its no wonder we live in a world of sequals and me too games. Honestly I know there are some game designers out the who are comming up and wont want to make the next quake, they will make new experiences and they wont need a new controller to do it.
God help the industry everytime I hear someone in the industry say innovation is dead, I can't help but wonder why they aren't innovating themselves. I know you got the marketing department, and your a public company so you need to forcast proven genres. The big money is in innovative titles...nintendo knows this, but thats not why they made the new controller.
Carl @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
To the one who said no one can afford a $1500 HDTV.
I enjoy going to Best Buy and buying a $600+ non progressive DVD player. The prices will fall...
And there is a clear (pun intended) difference between EDTV and HDTV. I use a Dell Widescreen 20" LCD for my Xbox360 setup and love it. Playing it anywhere else, like my friends houses, makes me cringe watching all the small details missing or jaggies all over the place.
As for the Revolution, it'll be my second console for this generation and I can't wait to play some interactive games with the guys over and have a great time with it's orignal controller. I don't see it getting the mainstream games due to it being too damn unique for game companies to feel like retrofitting their games for it or even make a single IP for Revolution only.
Hachi_roku @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
1900x1080 is 1080P I think
Most high end monitors go up to 1680x1050 which is just above 1200x720 which is 720p. So if the Rev can display at that high of a resolution a monitor can get better picture quality then 720p, but I dont think that can happen if it doesnt support HD.
kojo87 @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
you could not be more wrong Embasy. the standard controller add onis just for multi=platform titles and games where it wouldnt make sense to use the remote.
and you apperantly have never played kirby canvass curse for the DS. it uses no buttons what-so-ever. you can bet on more games like that for the DS and Revolution where the "gimmick" is what makes the game possible and more enjoyable
Al @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
There are two true HD resolutions. 1280x720 and 1920x1080. 1280x720 runs at 60hz, and thereforce can show 60fps. It is known as 720p. 1920x1080 runs interlaced which means only 1920x540 are displayed every 60th of a second, this means it'll run at 30hz or 30fps max.
Most projection tv's for the past few years have supported 1080i and some support 720p. No LCD's or Plasma TV's can display an interlaced picture, so it wasn't until recently that any could even display 1080i by upscaling it to 1080p. TV's that do this are very very expensive still and are out of the range of the average consumer. Most LCD or Plasma tv's will take an input of 1080i or 720p and scale it to their native resolution which is usually 1366 X 768. This is why good Projection tv's will have a sharper image than flat panels.
The revolution will support up to 720x480 at 60fps, this is known as EDTV (Enhanced Definition TV) and is the current standard for DVD movies.
I Hope this clears things up for you Chris.
Personally I have a 55" Mitsubishi Projection TV that will display 1080i but not 720p. I couldn't care less if the revolution supports these resolutions because to me gameplay matters alot more. This is exactly why I have a dreamcast hooked up to it still to play my old NES and SNES games.
Kenofthedead @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
I remember people calling the mouse a joke right before it was placed into games and done well (Quake series).
I remember the idea of a FPS on a homesystem being thought of as stupid.
Analog wasn't understood until N64 by most.
The Dual Shock controller was made fun of when it was introduced.
Wireless controllers made people shudder (though that one was the lack of good technology at the time).
I've seen and heard a lot of good ideas be made fun of and then turning out to be quite good or the standard today.
So I find it funny when people make fun of the Revolution controller or try and insult it by calling it a gimmick (which isn't a bad thing to be, media DVD player in the PS2 was a gimmick).
The same goes for the PS3 controller. Sure it is quite small and looks like a tool from Darkwing Duck or Batman, but it might end up being a comfortable controller for all we know.
Personaly, I think the Revolution's controller will be a very good thing. Mostly because I love RTS and FPS games, but also because I know Nintendo has done well with new controller interfaces in the past.
Eat, drink, and be merry for the legacy games should be hit those sweet spot prices.
Chris Lawrance @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Al,
Unlike my post, clearly stated and very informitive. Thanks for schooling me some.
checkmeatthedoor @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
"The revolution will support up to 720x480 at 60fps, this is known as EDTV (Enhanced Definition TV) and is the current standard for DVD movies."
So basically, its possible for the REVO to have graphics that look as good as current DVDs do on a standard TV? Well, thats good enough for me. Hell, PGR3 doesn't even look as good as DVD quality video. Sure its higher resolution but the image certainly doesn't look as good as a DVD image. It sounds to me like perhaps our current standard TVs are not the limiting factor in console graphics. If thats true then we should be able to have great graphics on REVO without HDTV. Right?
Krys @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Why are so many people afraid of things that are different? Different can be a good thing!
I can easily imagine a few people's reactions back to the SNES to N64 transition: "This is a gimmick - it will not work!"A statement which was soon silenced when the world saw a new future in gaming.
Standards have been set in the gaming world for quite some time now. But there's no reason to stop there, right? Is it that impossible to imagine outside of our preconceived standards? Heck just watch a little sci-fi to give your imagination a jump start into the infinite possibilities (I'm still waiting for the day for my own personal holodeck ;)).
Technology is taking a step forward every day. Don't be the only one standing still :-)
Embassy @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
andrew...u are a complete moron if iu think an hdtv will cost 1500 in 4 years..shit.. some dont even cost that much NOW lol...i swear the avg. consumer is a friggin idiot..and this is proof..lol@ " minimal difference" ...lol riight..and obviously u havent heard the mandate of hdtv by 2007 for all networks( or 8 i forget)....
and im sorry..im sure the DS has great games..but my point stands..the touchscreen DOES NOT SELL the system NOR is it an integral part of the DS gaming experience as people thought...yeh its a neat lil add-on to draw on in some games..but it in no way is needed at all to enjoy the Ds...which i think is EXACTLY wat will happen with the magic wand....
Revolver @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
In response to #41, do you really believe that games like Kirby: Canvas Curse and Nintendogs did not benefit from a touchscreen? I know that most 3rd party titles out there for the handheld hasn't taken full advantage of all the system's capabilities. However, you can't deny that certain Nintendo titles have used the touchscreen to great effect. The two games I mentioned above certainly could not have been possible without the use of the stylus and touchscreen.
Imp @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
I bought the DS because I was very intrested in the input mechanism which gave way to fun games.
So... about your point...
Embassy @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
the DS is classic nintendo practice...an intuitive interface that never reaches its true potential..by 3rd parties...OR nintendo itself...and have fun naming the handful of games that gneuinely take advantage of the touch screen input effectively...and since i know fanboys are like e-raptors..NO i hjave nothing against the DS or its games...i just see no real value in the current implementation of the touchscreen...just my opinion...
jago @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
#44:
Really now? Have you seen some of the better titles that use the touch screen? Meteos, Feel the Magic, Trauma Center, Phoenix Wright, etc.
Those are all 3rd party companies AND they are some of the best games for the system.
wondermonkey:
I'm with you bro...I loved Super Mario Bros 2. I liked that it was so different from the others in the series. After playing the "true" Super Mario Bros. 2 sequel from Japan, I am glad it never came out here b/c it was basically more of the same.
Dazzla @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Al, you desribed 720p and 1080i, what about 1080p? isn't that true 1920x1080 at 60Hz non interlaced.
IIRC the 360 does 1080i and the PS3 supposedly will do dual 1080p
pr0cs @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
so much misinformation in here.
* if you think HDTV is a gimmick you obviously have not seen HDTV in action. HDTV is probably the best thing to happen to television since the switch from B&W to color
* the broadcast mandate for 2007 (which may be pushed back) is to switch from analog television to digital television. this does not include HDTV though HDTV will be a side effect.
regarding the Revo controller. I reserve judgement until I see the thing in action. Though I will state that never has a "different" controller ever been a good thing for a console. especially in a market where games cost SO much to develop. It will be extremely difficult to convince AAA developers to include a lot of work for the Revo and it's unique controller.
I really think Nintendo may have made a huge mistake going this route.
jago @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
There are already AAA developers who have shown great interest in the controller (especially some of the industries most respected designers) so it obviously hasn't been to difficult to convince people.
SupaDave @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
"never has a "different" controller ever been a good thing for a console."
Your point has some validity but you're looking at this in the wrong context. Controller innovations have never been a problem. It's been mentioned a few times already but was the N64 or Dual Shock a bad thing? They were different albeit more subtle.
I'm sure when you mention "different controllers" you're referring to things like the PowerGlove, Katana Sword and that crazy octagon fighting thing on the Genesis. What you need to keep in mind is that all these "failures" were accessories. The revolution controller is included with the system so developers have every Revo user in it's install base. This situation is much different than relying on the sale of a periphal as your user base.
Andy S. @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Eric Holmes makes a good point in the last bit of the article:
"When was the last time you even saw a controller in a TV ad for a game?"
Really, he's right. Short of portable systems, where the controller and system are one piece, I can't remember the last time I saw a controller in an ad. Maybe in the teaser ads before the original Playstation launch?
But I think it's not because people don't care about the controller... it's because nobody has done anything truly original with the controller since the Playstation. The Dreamcast's VMU was interesting, and Nintendo's early embracing of wireless deserves mention, but the layout of the controls hasn't changed much in ten years. The PS2 controller is just a black PS1 Dual Shock, the Xbox controllers were just slight modifications to the Dreamcast controller, and the Gamecube controllers were the logical midpoint between the N64 controller and the Sony Dual Shock.
The point is, nobody bothers advertising the controller, because everybody already knows what the controller is like. It would be like a Honda Civic ad that goes into painful detail about the design of the steering wheel, which happens to be just like every other steering wheel ever.
Nintendo has just cause to advertise the controller now, because they actually have something new to show off.