You'll be able to communicate trough friend codes?

It certainly has potential. I like the idea of increasing the number of players, but it's the "Dungeon Master" feature that really interests me.

Well, last E3 had 5 player multiplayer.

With the increase of online multiplayer, I highly doubt that this move would push more hardware than it would hinder. One thing, for instance, that pushed Wii hardware sales was the need of two systems to be able to play three plus players online on Mario Kart Wii. And for Super Smash Brothers Brawl you even need two systems for two player co-op!


Of course there are positive sides as well though, but currently I think this move would do more harm than good (well, at least financial harm for Nintendo).

The problem is that with these tough economic that people don't have rooms big enough to hold over four people.

Did you even read my post? I said it may hinder hardware and software sales. Acessories would probably stay pretty much the same, however.

I enjoyed the OP, but I don't think a 7player game appeals to enough people to validate the investment.

In the same vein, I am VERY eager to see those dual view games (3D TV + shutterglasses + a friend) come out so that I don't have to share a screen for co-op games, but it simply isn't worthwhile for the devs/publisher, because it won't be used by so many people.

How do you expect to cram 7 people in front of a TV in Japan?

But I like the idea - I'm just kinda saying why I think they won't " go for it ". I suspect at least they won't go all out for it.

And you seem to come from a fantasy land where online didn't push sales at all. Mario Kart Wii (who is/were a great system seller) would have sold way less without the online functions.

And this is the future we're talking about. Wii U will improve all online features over the Wii, so why encourage people to play local multiplayer?

As someone who is already older and married, with a solid community of friends, neighbours, and an expanding family, I am actually looking for something which does successfully implement local multiplayer; this is probably the main appeal for the Wii with me. I think online multiplayer is more appealing to younger people in their teens and early 20's. I know I played online games far more when I was a teenager than I do now. Yet nowadays, I am perfectly happy getting having drinks with the neighbours and playing Just Dance 3 - plus it helps keep me in great shape =P

Plus this generation, I must have logged about 500 hours of local multiplayer Mario Kart between the three games (DS, Wii, and 3DS). Dragon Quest 9 is the only RPG I played over 100 hours, and it is due to the local multiplayer - and my game isn't just over 100 hours, it is over 350 hours.

Fair point. But doesn't it require a lot of work to turn a 4 player game into a 7 player game (especially the split screen)? There are so few fps game even on the HD consoles which offer 4 player split screen.

I'm just doubtful whether it'll be worth the time and effort.