| fatslob-:O said: DLC appeals to OWNERS of the game, it doesn't net new audiences ... X is a lot smaller than you think since it's predecessor didn't even net a million units. Most of the fans of Mario are already on the WII U with the release of NSMBU, SM3DW, and MK8. How exactly is an accessory like amiibo supposed to sell consoles ? |
Normally DLC appeals exclusively to owners. However this is a fairly unique situation. The Wii U has undersold and not even fully tapped into its own audience yet, and with a game like Mario Kart 8 or Smash unique appearances can appeal to those outside the current owners. It also acts as advertising too. Having some of the cast of F-Zero or Star Fox pop into MK8 lures some interested in and exposes the characters to more people prior to a release.
The original Xenoblade's sales were crippled by some of the worst handling ever seen in video games. X is bigger now because there's a great dearth of JRPGs this gen, looks to be gigantic, and has all of Nintendo's support. They're even making a new version of the original that'll likely see proper localization and raise brand awareness. Yeah theres a few JRPGs down the pipe, but stuff like FFXV will be lucky to be out by 2017.
As for the amiibo, I can easily see one way it could push systems: "Mommy/Daddy I want that toy!"
That's besides the real point though. While we piss and moan about sales, companies piss and moan about profits. The amiibo is a great way to increase profits. Cheap to make, possibly a Skylander's like attach rate, easily makes almost every Wii U sale more profitable.
