Speculator's Domain - Can you shake a stereotype?

[shams]

ampillion said:

Nintendo's Kiddie stereotype has held onto them for generations, and sadly, I don't see that changing anytime soon. While I honestly don't believe the system itself has ever been 'for kids', the amount of sentiment towards that thought has influenced a lot of releases on Nintendo systems. Even with Red Steel at launch, and soon to be Manhunt 2, Resident Evil offerings, No More Heroes, the 'kiddie' stereotype is used more as an insult, and chances are better that the world falls into global peace than a truce between fanboys, and this stereotype will continue.

I think that is actually completely wrong.

The only reason Nintendo may have a "kiddie" stereotype, is because of their competition. MS & Sony have been more, and more focused on the "hard-core" gamer - much less than Nintendo has. It has nothing to do with Nintendo solely developing games for kids - they actually develop games for everyone (and have basically since the start of gaming).

So its not that they have a kiddie stereotype - its that they are MORE kiddie than their competition.

If you ask the average person which of the three companies is more "pro-kiddie" - the answer will always be Nintendo. Its not a stereotype - its a fact. They develop for games that kids can play ;)

If you ask the average person the same question, but for the "average person/casual gamer" - Nintendo will also win out. These are the casual gamers (i.e. my parents!).

As you say, its about fanboys (calling Nintendo 'kiddie') - and they are becoming more and more irrelevant everyday. This is the generation of the casual gamer.