|
Starmistkarmic said:
Last week there were a few articles about the Wii that I feel totally miss the point. The ones about the Microsoft and/or Sony people talking about Wii users 'graduating' on to whatever console they worked for. And the one about the analyst who finally admitted that the Wii 'wasn't a fad.' I have my own theory about the Wii's success that I'd like to share with you.
I fully admit that I'm no expert and I generally know shit about shit, but I like to think of myself as reasonable and I hope you do as well. Still with me? Okay, here's my theory: Demographics. I generally hate the term 'casual. Do they exist? Sure. But not in anywhere near the numbers that are carrying the system to it's current level. I say that just having spoken on the phone with a friend who just now decided she wants a Wii. She's getting it for Wii Sports and Wii Fit(or as she literally said "the one with the bowling and the one with the yoga.") I think that far too much weight and credit is being given to these people. Like I said, yes they exist, but not nearly 30 million in a year and a half's worth. So what is it then if it isn't the so-called 'casuals'?
I think there are two groups.
- The first is the true Nintendo fans. The guys and gals who've been with Nintendo since the beginning. This also includes people who went back to Nintendo after moving to the PS or Xbox brands. There are alot of multiconsole gamers in this bunch and they were attracted(or re-attracted) by the unique qualities that the Wii possesses and Nintendo's die-hard franchises. Gamers, one and all, not a 'casual' among their number. Many populate this site.
- The second group is what I refer to as the 2nd generation. Here's where the demographics play in. These are the first children of the 1st generation of gamers. Those who played their days away with their friends on the 2600 and NES now have children of their own. These children are getting their very first consoles and handhelds. Their parents are not afraid of video games because they grew up on them, they know there's nothing to worry about. Out of the three consoles, which one caters to this 2nd generation? Ever try to stick a Dualshock into a new gamer's hands? Nintendo saw this demographic shift coming a mile away, hence the Wiimote. They built upon the franchises of old in fresh ways to draw back in those new parents they served so well a generation ago and welcomed a new generation to our fine hobby.
As Generation X and Generation Y(largest generation, ever, by the way) continue to bring new gamers into the fold, Nintendo's foresight will continue to pay massive benefits to the company. Nintendo is casting the die for many more generations of gamers, and they're doing it their way. Sorry that got a little long winded. I tried not to throw a bunch of numbers at you. Also, sorry if this is something someone else might have said before. If so, I didn't know. Hope you liked it. |
