More developers comment on Wii name
May 6th, 2006
All comments come from an article posted at AMN
Erick Dyke,
n-Space, Nintendo
When I initially heard that the official name for the Nintendo Revolution was going to be �Wii� I was shocked. The name seemed odd, and I was very interested to understand why the console was given such an unorthodox name.
After the shock wore off, I realized that I truly liked the name. Why? Because it is shocking � It is different � It is everything that Nintendo is trying to accomplish with this wonderful piece of hardware.
When naming a product, you want consumers to remember it. I can guarantee that this name will stick in the consumers mind.
Back before the launch of the Playstation, when we were working with SCEA, we tried to tell the powers that be that the name Playstation was too juvenile and child like for the American market � Boy were we wrong.
Nintendo has created hardware that will change the way we play and think about games. It is only appropriate that the name makes us think, wonder, and discuss as well � No matter what, you will not forget the name.
Greg Szemiot
Crossbeam Studios Entertainment, Director
Just like everything else Wii related, the name caught me off guard, and I think I had the same initial reaction as everyone else. When the controller was shown, a slight sinking feeling. when the specs were shown, a slight sinking feeling. when the name was revealed, a slight sinking feeling. So why am I supporting Wii after all those sinking feelings? Becasue that only lasts until we understand the reasoning behind it.
True, some people might snicker, some people might make jokes, but if they were truly interested in that the Wii has to offer, a name isnt going to stop them fro trying it, and then buying it. However after getting a sinking feeling because of the controller, and then a day later reworking Orb, and coming up with Thorn, well, if Nintendo wants to call it Wii, Ill support the Wii, just because I want to see gaming move beyond a tech race and try something new, and give people new experiences and adventures. To truly immerse them. So really, the name becomes just that, a name, nothing more.
Joseph Hatcher
AGFRAG, Director of Development
I think the double ii is attention getting, and is unique. Once people understand its pronounced we combined with Nintendos message of bringing all types of gamers together (people who have never played a game, that may now play with their kids or grandkids) I think it fits with what Nintendo is trying to do in their own market space.
The name is unique, and when people first read it they think what the heck. You dont forget it easily. So yes, I like the Nintendo Wii name.
How will it affect consumers?
Let me shake up my magic-game-industry-fortune-telling eight-ball here and predict the future for you
I think it may put off some hardcore gamers initially, but as soon as those gamers realize all the gamers playing the Nintendo Wii are having alot more fun in new ways then the games on the other consoles, theyll come and play. The average consumer will like it.
Names do have an effect on your sales and sometimes they dont. It depends on the marketing message that is projected and how it is projected and distributed with your name. Nintendo has one of the top 5 game industry marketing teams (in my opinion) and I dont think they are going to do anything that will hurt their profits and goals of bringing in new gamers to our industry.