You aren't wrong there. Most normal games would probably be profitable, if not necessarily very profitable by adding the Wii U to their multiplatform list (saving costs of most assets like audio, video, etc, just scaled differently). Rockband unfortunately is much more front loaded cost wise than typical games, requiring more licensing fees and specialized hardware which must meet demand by a close margin otherwise huge losses can occur.

Every little helps as they say. This title has a potential market on the Wii U too so it's a little surprising.  However id be more surprised if they're skipping the Wii.  

I think that is due to Nintendo being different. It is basically a double edged sword; new features can be added but make it harder for 3rd party devs to make games.

With the gamepad, it makes games harder to port especially if the game will utilize it in some way other than just off screen play.

The Wii did fine and had 3rd party support but that was mainly due to a large install base. Bigger install base -> More 3rd party support -> More games  (repeat) . The Wii U, on the other hand, is not selling well so 3rd party devs don't see the need to invest to a small market..

Yup, basically this. Even though I don't really care for this game, others may and could potentially boost Wii U sales since there are more games and diversity.

I can understand that with Rock Band, but the audience not being there sounds kind of hard to buy. A lot of people called it that back then, and it does seem more a casual market compared to its other competitors.

I don't know why they call it casual. Sure it can be casual in the sense that it's a party game and you would find it at bars to play back in the past. But up front costs to buy the game w/ instruments with your group of friends? Those are not casual prices. If you want to go above and beyond, the pro drum kit cost me $250 on sale.

True, with the gamepad there it makes it more difficult to port a game and make use of it, but Retro showed that not only do you not have to use it, but you can turn it off. So I think that removes that as a reason to not port it. As for the 2nd reason, that`s likely why they won`t support it.

I think they made the right call. It's a shame really that it's come to this, but Wii U is a failed piece of HW and Nintendo gamers aren't really all that interested of this kind of game...

I thought we already established that Japanese people are crazy.

I`m guessing people call it casual for Ninten`s overall kiddie image they have with their family friendly IPs and lack of mature title games. Though buying the set to play the game can be said for any console. The game itself isn`t very casual price wise.