LucasArts President Jim Ward on Nintendo's third-party relationships

[Bodhesatva]

I don't think the relevant part here is that LucasArts wasn't initially on board; that's clear. My concern is that Nintendo still hasn't opened up to third parties to include them more, because it's necessary in order to maintain solid third party support.

Obviously, third parties have to get on board right now, because of the Wii's amazing sales. But what happens next generation, or even later this gen when an opening for a competitor arrives? What happens if third parties are no longer forced to work with Nintendo by sheer economic necessity? That's my concern, long term. 

I've heard reports that Nintendo has opened up, and some that they have not done so.