Wii Belongs In Toy Market, says Will Wright GDC 10

[Gamerace]

While I don't agree with all his wording (and no one should have to watch every word they say for fear of misrepresentation although that's exactly what's happened here) I do agree with Will Wright.

In a broader sense games that are successful on Wii are the most social, pick-up and play, lacking real story-line games which can be considered 'toys' in the way WW means it (not offensively).

HD systems are fixated on ever more cinematic experiences with epicness and violence galore that tell a story and are virtually always primarily a solo experience with added multiplayer online. Frankly, that's not a 'game' in a traditional sense either.

Traditionally a game required two or more people playing together competitively. Wii games (Wii Sports, Boom Blox, NSMBW, Etc.) are games in this sense, as are the online or split-screen parts of Halo, CoDMW and such. God of War to FFXIII to Zelda are more interactive entertainment than 'games' as you basically 'play' through a story. These are really closer to the definitation of a 'toy' because, like a 'toy', it's something to distract/pleasure one person by playing with it.

When you want to play with your kids/friends you play a game - 'Casual' Wii games, split-screen FPS/racing, sports, Mario Party, MMO, etc.
When you want your kids to leave you alone, you give them a toy - 'Core games', Endless Ocean, puzzle, arcade, SIMs, adventure, etc.

Most Wii owners want games to play with their friends/kids (living room). Most parents buy their kids a 360 as a toy (basement/bedroom) or a 360/PS3 as a toy for themselves.

Which is why solitary 'games' on Wii don't sell gangbusters as it's not in line with owners intentions. Same goes for social games on HD systems.

Wii appeals to people in a very different way than the HD systems. I agree with Wright totally. Although personally my Wii library is split 50% games - SSBB, Kart, TvsC, Strikers, GS Tennis, Boom Blox, Dokapon Kingdom, and 50% toys - Endless Ocean, Tomb Raider, Splinter Cell, Silent Hill, etc.