Theres a lot of psychology in marketing, and this is no different when it comes to the mind of gamers in deciding what game or system to buy next. Why would someone decide to support Nintendo when their presentations dont fill them with confidence or enough excitement that the Wii U is the must have piece of gaming kit. If youre leaving the public unsure or feeling that theyll wait and see if the Wii U is a hit before they buy its a very dangerous position for Nintendo to leave themselves in. If someone feels theyll wait and see one year, they may give up all together if youve not won them over the next. Nintendo Direct videos if anything should more than make up for any missed opportunities at trade shows, but they dont. And heres why. Nintendo Direct videos are boring. Yes, what it all comes down to in the end is entertainment. No one wants to sit in an Odeon and watch five minute clips on the making of movies before the main feature. No, they want entertaining glimpses of whats to come in a way that will get them pumped about the upcoming films. Nintendo Direct videos are a sales pitch. Their whole purpose is to get the gamers interested enough in the games so that when they are released they will send their dollars on them. Unfortunately Nintendo have the knack at taking information and footage of amazing games and present them in a way that would be more at home in a board room meeting. Nintendo have done a wonderful job at expanding the market to women and grandparents, but their videos at times feel like they would better suited to be aired during Count Down and presented by June Whitfield.
One of the best things about Nintendos presentations at videos or shows is that over the years the gamers have come to know the key figures in the company. We know who Shigsy, and Reggie and Mr Iwata are. For those really interested in games hearing speeches and interviews with these figures is an interesting insight into where the games are coming from. But having Mr Iwata present the videos is a factor that makes them dull. He talks slowly, dresses in a business suit and is far too apologetic (though the argument there is that Nintendo should stop botching console launches). Basically, the presentation is wrong. You can have Louie Walsh on your judging panel, but you wouldnt want him as the host. Reggie Fils-Aime won over many a fan when at E3 2004 he proclaimed "My name is Reggie. I'm about kickin' ass, I'm about takin' names, and we're about makin' games." It was refreshing and unexpected from a Nintendo representative. Its not that Mr Iwata shouldnt present videos, but more thought needs to go into how they are presented.