User generated content is fine as long as it's something that's used to lengthen the replayability to a game. I am not a fan of it at all when it makes up the majority of the game. Someone mentioned Blast Works earlier and I think that this is a perfect example of what I dislike about how user generated content is being used. There is not much of an actual game at all and the level editor is basically the meat and potatoes of the entire package. It's a shame because the campaign is fantastic and if more of it existed, Blast Works would be a top rate shooter. It is worth the price that you can find it now though.

Also, I find user generated content to be a bit of a cop out by companies and it could be troublesome to gaming in the future.  It's kind of like reality television in the way that it can be used to cut jobs.  The way that reality television cuts jobs by not needing to pay writers or directors, games with user generated content can get away with having less programmers, artists, etc.  Furthermore, this can make for a lot more "amateur" games.  In other words, leave it to the pros. 

Does anyone have an actual link to the article?

http://seanmalstrom.wordpress.com/2009/08/19/the-source-of-anti-content/

Actually, Malestrom makes a brief comment on Animal Crossing in his diatribe. 

"But imagine their disapointment with Animal Crossing Wii which could have been so much more than a Gamecube Plus version."

But he goes off on Nintendo like every game it has produced lately has been content-devoid, when he only has four or five examples, including free DS Ware offerings and a title he cannot remember.

Nintendo's "slide" has as much to do with external events (the economy has stalled sales for all systems) as it does its own releases.  Also, I still contend that Nintendo intentionally left the door open last holiday season for third parties, only to see them not rush through it. 

Still, only Nintendo can have a game (Wii Music) sell 2.5M copies and bought by 5% of its owners considered a "failure." 

Mike from Morgantown

He actually stated a better case today.

http://seanmalstrom.wordpress.com/2009/08/20/email-youre-wrong-about-girls-mode/

It's a long read, of course, but he's quoting Iwata's recent investor conference speech, which lends the idea more credence. I'm still not completely convinced either, mind you...

Me thinks that Malstrom is adding 1+1 and getting 5 -- when at the most he should be getting 3.

It sounds like Iwata is talking about a few titles and editors with level sharing.   It does not sound like the end of gaming (as in pay us $50 to write your own Mario adventure).

Mike from Morgantown