Off Topic: Nintendo Confirms Plans For WiiWare Downloadable Content
Officials from Nintendo have confirmed plans to release original
downloadable content on the Wii, with an announcement today at a
private Nintendo developer conference.
The company describes WiiWare as a “game-creation service” that will
allow developers of all sizes to create downloadable games content for
sale by Nintendo through the Wii Shop Channel.
Currently over one hundred retro tiles are available for download via
the Wii’s virtual console, with games paid for via redeemable Wii
Points. Other content has so far been restricted to new interactive
channels, all of which have been free (although the Internet Channel –
featuring a re-purposed Opera Web browser - will incur a charge of 500
Wii Points ($5) from the beginning of July).
In a press statement Nintendo suggests that WiiWare will pave the way
for “smaller, more creative games” at lower prices and without any
inventory risk to developer. Despite the announcement today, though,
the first WiiWare content will not be launched until early 2008.
"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 Nintendo of America president Reggie
Fils-Aime. "WiiWare brings new levels of creativity and value to the
ever-growing population of Wii owners."
David Jenkins
June 27, 2007
Source:
Gamasutra