390°

Nintendo is Leaving Their Family Friendly Image Behind

Brandon Lyttle writes: "Known for iconic characters like Mario, Kirby, Link and Samus; Nintendo’s largely known as being a family-friendly company when compared to rivals Microsoft and Sony. It seems now more than ever that it is embracing more mature themes and content on their systems. This cultural shift could reinvigorate Nintendo’s franchises if they continue to embrace it."

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FallenAngel19842090d ago

Nintendo has embraced mature games for generations yet people frequently overlook them to continue believing Nintendo only produces child friendly games. Why would that narrative suddenly change now when said mature games have existed on Nintendo consoles prior?

Nebaku2090d ago

Well, Nintendo has always allowed 3rd parties to publish mature games on their consoles.

The narrative won't change until Nintendo themselves do a first party game that is truly more mature than what they've done in the past.

Theknightofnights2090d ago

They have done that quite a few times with titles such as Geist and Eternal Darkness.

2090d ago
Officialxandr2090d ago

Bayonetta is basically a 1st party. Splatoon 2 Octo female is pretty sexualized.

2090d ago
King_Noctis2090d ago

Xenoblade 2 is also a very sexualized game.

Gaming_Cousin2090d ago

Resident Evil 4 was Gamecube exclusive at one point

kreate2090d ago

What's the game shown on the switch screen that's on this article's thumbnail?

tehpees32090d ago

Nebaku

Its not that simple. Once you have an image engraved in your brand and you have a target market set for who you cater to its extremely hard to break that image, especially when you take a certain route with your income focus. It seems like its changed because Nintendo stuck to their guns that there is a market for every type of game on the go and not just JRPGs or niche Japanese or Indie games. Since they've successfully shown shooter players there is an advantage to playing these games on the go fans of that genre have come over and experimented with the idea but nobody knows for sure how big the market is or if it will stick.

Thats why it looks like things have changed but it remains to be seen if it has.

SuperSonic912089d ago

Whoever wrote this article is so stuck in the past.

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 2089d ago
2090d ago Replies(1)
Segata2090d ago

I think what has truly changed is Nintendo is marketing M rated games themselves and happily. In the past they either would not or do a half-assed job. Did anyone remember Nintendo pushing for people to buy Ninja Gaiden 3 or Devil's Third? No, they quietly published them. Sure they made a big deal about Bayonetta..until it came time to do an ad. Now they make amiibo of M rated games. Proudly feature them in directs and paid for the distribution of Wolfenstein II. Nintendo is bordering on boasting about them. That's the main difference.

BeardRanger2090d ago

Exactly, Bayonetta being prominently featured in Sm4sh was a huge endorsement by Nintendo of an M-Rated franchise. It's part of what led me to write the article.

Also Senran Kagura: Reflexion actually getting a western release. It's exciting times for Nintendo.

Concertoine2090d ago

I actually remember seeing Bayonetta 2 ads all the time around release. Saw some on Adult Swim even. It appears Nintendo deleted the old ads when they put up new ones for the Switch version so I couldn't give a view count. Also, I don't think Nintendo really WANTED people buying Devil's Third. They almost didn't release out of Japan and bowed to fan backlash.

I don't think things have changed too much, Nintendo just has a tendency to focus ads on certain games rather than others. Other non rated M games like Project STEAM and Wonderful 101 were put out to die by Nintendo with hardly any ads.

I do think the success of more niche games like Fire Emblem Awakening and Bayonetta 2 has taught them the value in promoting such games though.

MADGameR2090d ago

There are mature games on Nintendo handheld/console, but the handheld/console lacks a lot of power AND those mature games they have are NOT exclusive.

Noclos2090d ago

Exclusives define the the whole console.

Switch is all about Mario, Zelda, Splatoon, Pokemon, Kirby and Bayonetta.

There isn't anything wrong with these titles, but its a fact that these are so friendly, except Bayonetta.

2090d ago
Apex132090d ago

Exactly. If people know Nintendo they should go back and look at their games catalogue from the Nes all the way through to the wii. It’s just the reluctance to embrace tech when everyone else does which hurt them when the ps1 dropped,. Sometimes they are right not to and other fines they are right to like 4K.

2089d ago
Apex132089d ago (Edited 2089d ago )

@madmoose, I didn’t mention who had the superior hardware, I mentioned fheor lateancy in adopting tech sometimes. Staying with cartridge for the sake of loading quicker over CD like the ps1 was an example.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 2089d ago
PhoenixUp2090d ago

That depends if Super Smash Bros will be T rated again with SSBU

2090d ago
PCgamer982090d ago

Yeah I'm surprised nintendo allowed games like lux obscura which has sex and nudity on the switch.

2090d ago Replies(3)
psuedo2090d ago

Not really. Any game that gets released on any other console (besides exclusives or due to not making for cost) what Console has banned a game from its console that any other has not? It usually is the ratings board that does the banning of a game with the AO title anyways. See Manhunt 2, or San Andreas after Hot Coffee was made.

If Nintendo banned non family friendly games they would not be in business. Non family friendly games is like half the market...maybe over?

G3ng4r2090d ago

Eh, some games are a little more extreme than others but did you know ps2 had the only censored version of bmx xxx? Switch isn't at all a leapfrog tablet. Literally every console since the current esrb system has had mature rated games.

Segata2090d ago

Platinum almost had Bayonetta wear more clothes in Bayo 2 with Nintendo costumes. Nintendo told PG to have here worn more revealing outfits. Also, have you played Xenoblade 2? That game got the SJW's at ResetEra all upset for all the revealing boobage.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 2090d ago
DarXyde2090d ago

Manhunt 2 or Bayonettta, anyone?

I guess I don't really understand the reason why mature vs. Non- mature content is even a discussion. I never understood the reputation they had for "kiddie games" either. Isn't it a little immature to need bloodshed, sex, etc. just to feel that you're playing a game "for adults"? I think a game like Splatoon accomplishes a lot of the experience that rated M shooters provide. If I had to summarize, to me, it's like saying "I need some sleep" vs "I need some ****ing sleep": both accomplish the same thing, one is just edgier.

2090d ago Replies(4)
Benjaminkno2089d ago

Because older people in their 30’s need to play games that make them feel their age.
It doesn’t matter what the gameplay is like or if it’s the same garbage they’ve played before.
They want sex, violence and graphics because that’s what adults want out of video games.

Gameplay, innovation and new ideas are secondary in the age of mindless violence. It’s a pride thing. It’s gotta be “cool”

I’m in my mid-30’s and I have more fun playing Mario kart and splatoon more than I do CoD or Fortnight.
I play games to feel like I kid again, duh.

syphon322090d ago

FUCKING MADDDDD WORLLDDDDD, I STILL PLAY THAT SHIT

Venoxn4g2090d ago

I play it as well..such a great game! interesting, would it be possible to get a remaster? but I know nothing would replicate some moves like they been done with Wii controllers.. nintendo switch maybe?

Show all comments (63)
120°

Steam Account Transfer Via Will on Death is Not Permitted, Valve Confirms

In case you were curious, a Steam account transfer via will is not permitted according to an official response from Valve.

anast20h ago

The games are theirs. People just pay to ride the ride.

Skuletor3h ago

Would be nice if the article's writer looked into and reported whether other digital game libraries could be transferred over via will (Xbox, Playstation, Nintendo, EGS, EA app, GOG, Ubisoft Connect, Rockstar Launcher etc) instead of this half-baked piece but it's probably the same for all of them anyway

Kornholic3h ago

This seems like a way bigger issue than mandatory PSN account linking for PlayStation games.

So where is the outcry?

Skuletor2h ago

It's not like PlayStation is doing any different.

"You may not sell, buy, trade, or transfer your Online ID, Account or any personal access to PSN Services through any means or method, including by use of web sites."
https://www.playstation.com...

NotoriousWhiz2h ago(Edited 2h ago)

It's not like your account just stops working when you die. Include your email, account id, and password in the will (including the password to your email) and your survivors should have no problem using your games.

anast17m ago

PC gamers are a different lot. They don't mind renting their games forever, they don't mind spending money on overpriced equipment, and they don't mind fiddling with settings for hours before they even play the game, but linking a PSN account demands a riot. This is hard to understand, but then again, we all have to draw our lines somewhere.

thorstein2h ago

So just give your progeny the passwords.

OtterX1h ago

Keep the password sealed in the Will, only to be opened after death. :)

350°

[Exclusive] Xbox Reaches Agreement With Batman: Arkham Trilogy Creators For A New AAA Game

Ex-Rocksteady directors' Hundred Star is collaborating with Xbox Game Studios Publishing for its first-ever AAA game.

Lightning7715h ago(Edited 15h ago)

Highly doubt it'll be an actual Batman game that IP belongs to WB Games along with other DC property.

They're making an action adventure game. IMO I think it needs to be another Marvel game despite MS already have Blade as that action Marvel game. Dead Pool? Punisher?

Realistically it'll probably be a new IP entirely.

The_Hooligan14h ago

I agree with you. I think I'll be a brand new IP. Now it could be a superhero themed, kind of like infamous. Speaking of which, Suckerpunch needs to make one after Ghost 2.

neutralgamer199214h ago

would love a infamous collection for ps5/pc

Lightning7713h ago

I definitely think it'll be super hero themed game 100%. Something MS needs in their portfolio.

ThinkThink11h ago

Please, no more super hero games.

PhillyDonJawn11h ago(Edited 11h ago)

Dead Pool or Punisher would be amazing!!!
Don't tease me like that man lol. I see them making a new IP that's like an arkham knight clone

Dirty_Lemons7h ago

I loved the old Punisher game back in the day. Those executions never got old.

porkChop6h ago

I don't think it needs to be Marvel. It needs to be a totally new IP. That's what Rocksteady should have done after Arkham City. They've pigeonholed themselves as DC devs.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 6h ago
MIDGETonSTILTS1714h ago(Edited 14h ago)

I hope these devs needed support to start/finish (like Stalker 2), vs are basically done with the game but wanted to secure an exclusivity-bonus because they know Xbox needs a system seller (like Titanfall).

It’s a bit strange that they’d rather invest in this game than Tangoworks’ TWO canceled projects; or just trust a single dev from their existing massive stable of talent to emerge with a system-seller themselves anytime soon.

Either way, it is just cool that we’ll likely get a new IP from the geniuses behind the Arkham Trilogy. I wonder how creative they’ll get now that they aren’t married to an established franchise.

darthv7214h ago

This is about the former co-founders of Rocksteady and their new studio. So naturally it makes people think its Batman related with the way its worded, even though its not.

-Foxtrot13h ago

Exclusive? Sure

This year alone Microsoft has changed their plans so much with Xbox regarding multiplatform releases as they step closer to just being a full blown third party publisher and it's only been 4-5 months, imagine where we'll be once this game is finished. It will be a completely different landscape.

ThinkThink11h ago

I don't think MS will ever go completely full 3rd party with all of their games. I can see them looking towards expanding their own mobile store and moving into Mac as ways of expanding. I'm sure ms will bring more exclusives over to ps and nintendo, but I don't think it'll be as many games as you think it will. I hope I'm wrong.

Lightning7710h ago

The ever contradictions thoughts and actions of MS definitely says otherwise MS changed up so much on the past 6 months of the year I lost count.

Though I'm more declined to believe they also won't go full 3rd party also.

But.

This year they're having Renaissance a super bowl of gaming with Gamepass this year. BO6, older ABK games, Avowed, Indy and other 3rd party exclusives all to grow and expand gamepass. If these games don't grow the service or grow only a little bit. Then you can fully expect MS to hit the red button and put everything everywhere. Satya will have full Xbox take over doing what he wants from that point on next year.

It's up to Xbox to advertise these games and gamepass in the next 6 months or so get the word out.

Profchaos10h ago

The more the news evolves the more I'm inclined to believe we will see MS embrace full third party status but not call it third party in their word soup ways.

It will be Xbox everywhere plays best on a Xbox.

Next gen Xbox is rumoured to be a reference design similar to the 3d0 where any company can make and sell it.

If you're offloading hardware costs to a third party yet still profiting from the games then you've cut out losses on the hardware you still have a store front that users can use and still make a 30 percent cut on that.

Your games sell for a profit on PS and Nintendo platforms and on Xbox reference hardware along with PC

You lose .kney on DLC and games sold on a competitor storefront they are seemingly already comfortable with this.

The ms bean counters are coming for the ROI that was promised they don't care if they kill the brand as it stands Xbox was never a profitable business it was always just done for reputation

PhillyDonJawn10h ago

@Lightning the would end the console then. No one would buy Xbox over PS at that point cause now you get both with just a PS. If GP flop for them, Logically, rolling back on GP would be the smarter than to do. No more day 1 title. Less quality titles. They'd lose subs but people would go back to buying the games.

Lightning778h ago

@Philly They could scale back gamepass put Indies only, AAA 1st party games coming 4 to 6 months from release. The thing is MS will have to tell their fans to buy their games again and that's gonna take years and years to condition them to buy games again. MS will lose money from that also. They'll lose out on gamepass revenue, lose out on games sales because their fans don't buy as many games anymore.

I can't see them scaling back or axing gamepass it does make them allot of money, they just want more money from it. They're not gonna condition their fans to start buying games either.

As I said they'll go full 3rd party and yes you ate right, if they do that then there would be no reason to buy the next Xbox. I know j won't be, you better hope the next 6 months they advertise the games and GP there little hearts out because this could be it.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 8h ago
purple10112h ago

Spawn (as well as master chief) are the only characters I associate with Xbox. Are there more I can’t remember?

rlow112h ago

Gears is another big game one.

purple10112h ago

Yeh big game, do you know the name of the lead character. Or team of lead characters. I don’t

rlow111h ago

Marcus, Dom, Cole Train. And I can’t remember the fourth.

Profchaos10h ago(Edited 10h ago)

Also the chick from gears 5 seems to pop up on all their modern advertising I can't remember her name either.

Cars also feature heavily in a Xbox ad it's always master chief front and centre with cars and maybe a gears character hanging around

Show all comments (26)
90°

Boosteroid Plans On Adding More AAAA Titles Exclusively To The Service

The VP of Marketing at Boosteroid revealed that the company is in talks with major publishers to secure exclusive games on the service.

Relientk771d 22h ago

So they're adding Skull and Bones to their service? That doesn't seem exciting at all lol.