Nintendo’s new president and restructure
Two months after Satoru Iwata’s passing, Nintendo has finally elected a new president!
On Monday, Nintendo announced that Tatsumi Kimishima was elected as Nintendo’s president, at least for a year.
In case you never heard of him, here’s his career record:
Kimishima said Satoru Iwata did not give him instructions about how to run the company. He also said that he’s been elected for only one year, so he’s unsure what will come next. However, he’s not against having company outsiders lead Nintendo one day.
Kimishima also noted that plans have not changed regarding Nintendo’s smartphone and IP-related initiatives. The main task now is to develop new businesses.
His personality is described as “soft and friendly” and, despite his business background, he is quoted as saying it’s wrong to lead a gaming company on numbers alone.
According to the paper, Kimishima predicted the Wii U’s failure when it was introduced by warning it was too similar to the original Wii.
The Nikkei also claims Kimishima wasn’t Iwata’s favorite choice and that Nintendo was first looking for somebody younger but didn’t have the personnel needed.
The article even suggests the troika was a rushed decision because of the near holiday season, where Nintendo makes 50%+ of sales.
Accordingly, Kimishima is quoted as saying one task for him will be to develop the next group leadership structure for Nintendo.
Representative director Genyo Takeda also said that the aim is to establish a future-proof group leadership system inside the company.Moreover, according to Nintendo’s recent announcement document, Shigeru Miyamoto and Genyo Takeda have now changed titles to the newly created Creative Fellow and Technology Fellow respectively, which will allow them to better direct their branches while providing advice and guidance regarding various matters.Much more curiously, Shinya Takahashi now has many new titles and managing roles under his belt, to the point where he’s as important as Miyamoto and Takeda, I would say. Maybe they start grooming him to be the next long term president, who knows!?Furthermore, the company’s large scale restructure is now well underway, with the announcement that its EAD and SPD divisions have been merged.
Here’s what Nintendo had to say about the merging of EAD and SPD:
Establishment of the Entertainment Planning & Development Division
We will integrate personnel who are involved in the development of software for Nintendo platforms and smart devices in addition to work associated with effective utilization of character IP, and in order to create a structure that operates efficiently and rapidly, the Entertainment Analysis & Development Division and the Software Planning & Development Division will be consolidated into the newly established Entertainment Planning & Development Division.
Nintendo also established two new divisions: the “Platform Technology Development Division” and the “Business Development Division”. These two will be primarily involved with hardware and business / IP licensing, respectively.
Nintendo shared the following information about both divisions:
Establishment of the Platform Technology Development Division
We will integrate personnel responsible for the technology development essential for Nintendo’s hardware formation such as hardware, OS, development environment and network, and in order to create a structure in which we can more broadly and efficiently conduct technology development necessary for new products and services, the Integrated Research & Development Division and the System Development Division will be consolidated into the newly established Platform Technology Development Division.
Establishment of the Business Development Division
We will newly establish the Business Development Division, a division with the aim of refining the business model for the dedicated video game system business, and creating and making profitable the smart device business and the new business that utilizes character IP.
Finally, Nintendo has confirmed that “Nintendo Directs will continue”, although they had no details on the next one, in a statement to IGN.
Super Mario Maker and 30th Anniversary
Super Mario Maker is now out and userd have made more than one million levels in the game! To celebrate, Nintendo created a new video showcasing some of the levels players have created. Check it out below:
Next, we have a new trailer and some commercials:
https://youtu.be/FyQF0ecKqww
https://youtu.be/P5OlhiNYnjc
Shigeru Miyamoto also gave us another look at the Super Mario Maker artbook in the video below:
Nintendo also uploaded a special interview with Miyamoto and Tezuka where they talk about the creation of the original Super Mario Bros. and how it influenced the new game. You can watch that below:
Tezuka was also interviewed by USA Today about this same subject, the origins and legacy of Mario and why it has managed to maintain such longevity. You can read it here.
The various directors involved with Super Mario Maker also gave GameInformer several tips on how to make your own levels, during an interview. You can read that one here.
During Japan’s 30th anniversary Super Mario Bros. event this past weekend, Shigeru Miyamoto apparently stated that Mario’s full name is “Mario Mario”. As for Luigi, he’s “Luigi Mario”. It’s sort of like someone named Yamada Yamada having a brother named Itou Yamada.
Miyamoto commented before with Game Informer, which you can find below, about Mario and Luigi’s names back in 2012, but it seems like these have become the official name now.
“This is an old story, but Hollywood did a film version of the Mario Bros. many years back. There was a scene in the script where they needed a last name for the characters. Somebody suggested that, because they were the Mario Bros., their last name should be Mario. So, they made him “Mario Mario.” I heard this and laughed rather loudly. Of course, this was ultimately included in the film. Based on the film, that’s [how] their names ended up. But, just like Mickey Mouse doesn’t really have a last name, Mario is really just Mario and Luigi is really just Luigi.”
Finally, we have two episodes of Nintendo Minute, where Kit and Krysta showcased some of their favorite Super Mario Maker levels. You can watch them below:
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS
The official website for Super Smash Bros. has announced that the game will be receiving a new stage dedicated to Super Mario Maker on the 30th of Septmeber.
It will cost $/€ 2.49 if bought for a single console and $/€ 3.49 for the bundle.
You can find a trailer for the stage below:
Splatoon
A new stage called the Hammerhead Bridge has recently been added to Splatoon.
You can find the official overview, some screenshots and footage below:
“Verticality is a feature of the stage, with the terrain split into two distinct layers. Ink assaults can come from any direction, but watch out for attacks from above or below gratings in the floor or ceiling in particular. Battles here are sure to be dynamic affairs playing out in all corners of the stage.”
https://youtu.be/V1TyYZ9jOX8
The results of the 5th Japanese and North American Splatfest are also now in. They are as follows:
Japan (5th Splatfest) – Boke (Funny man) vs. Tsukkomi (Straight man)
– Votes – 43% / 57%
– Wins – 49% / 51%
– Final Results – 239 / 261 – Tsukkomi Wins
North America (5th Splatfest) – Art vs. Science
– Votes – 51% / 49%
– Wins – 51% / 49%
– Final Results – 255 / 245 – Tsukkomi Wins
Europe (5th Splatfest) – Messy vs. Tidy
– Votes – 56% / 44%
– Wins – 52% / 48%
– Final Results – 264 / 236 – Messy Wins
Finally, Famitsu has published the full list of songs that will be included in the Splatune disc which will be released in Japan on October 21st. You can find the list and a behind the scenes video of the recording below:
Disc 1:
01. Opening / Squid Squad
02. Splattack! (Jam Session) / Squid Squad
03. Splattack! / Squid Squad
04. Ink or Sink / Squid Squad
05. Seaskape / Squid Squad
06. Kraken Up / Squid Squad
07. Metalopod / Squid Squad
08. Now or Never! / Squid Squad
09. Battle Win – Jingle
10. Battle Win – Results
11. Battle Loss – Jingle
12. Battle Loss – Results
13. Friend List / ABXY
14. Quick Start / ABXY
15. Hooked / Hightide Era
16. Sucker Punch / Hightide Era
17. Character editor
18. Inkopolis – First time entering the city
19. Inkopolis – Tutorial
20. Plaza
21. Lobby
22. Ika Jamaica / Cala Marley
23. Lookin’ Fresh / DJ Lee F.
24. Inkopolis News
25. Splatfest – Theme announcement
Disc 2:
01. Inkopolis Sinker / Squid Sisters
02. Splatfest match Opening / Squid Sisters
03. Kimi iro ni Somete / Squid Sisters
04. Ima・Nuraneba! / Squid Sisters
05. Splatfest – Final results announcement
06. Reward Jingle
07. Cap’n Cuttlefish Theme
08. Octo Valley
09. Eight-Legged Advance / OCTOTOOL
10. Tentacular Circus / OCTOTOOL
11. Cephaloparade / OCTOTOOL
12. Tornado Shuffle / OCTOTOOL
13. Tacozones Rendezvous / OCTOTOOL
14. Octoweaponry / OCTOTOOL
15. Hero Mode – To be continued!
16. Hero Mode – Miss!!
17. Sunken Scroll
18. I am Octavio / DJ Octavio
19. Squid Sisters Song / Squid Sisters
20. Maritime Memory / Squid Sisters
21. SE：Lurking in Ink
22. SE：Jumping into the Ink
23. SE：Swimming in Ink
24. SE：Splattershot
25. SE：Splat Charger
26. SE：Splat Bomb
27. SE：Quick Super Jump
28. SE：Killer Wail
29. SE：Inkstrike
30. SE：Voice (Girl) – Happy
31. SE：Voice (Girl) – Sad
32. SE：Voice (Boy) – Happy
33. SE：Voice (Boy) – Sad
34. SE：Voice (Squid Sisters) – Stay Fresh!
35. Ganso Seichou Shiokara-bushi (Lit: Original Traditional Tune Salted Fish Melody)
36. Splattack!（2014 E3PV）
Picross 3D 2
Nintendo is releasing Picross 3D 2 in Japan on October 1 and in preparation upoaded some videos to introduce the game. Check them all out below:
Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer
Nintendo has uploaded some extra trailers dedicated to Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer. You can watch them below:
https://youtu.be/5zw6OnsvVyk
Nintendo also announced that the second wave of Animal Crossing amiibo cards will be available in Japan from October 29 onwards.
Finally, you can read an interview from Nintendo Dream with the developers of the game on its origins over at Nintendo Everything, here.
The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes
The Japanese website for The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes is now open and you can check it out here.
Moreover, you can find some gameplay clips and screenshots below:
Hyrule Warriors: Legends
Koei Tecmo announced during a stage event at the Tokyo Game Show that Hyrule Warriors: Legends is launching in Japan on January 21, with pricing for the physical version set at 5,800 yen, while the digital version will cost 5,143 yen. You can find a new trailer for the game below:
Like the original game, Legends will be getting a Premium Box and a Treasure Box. You can find a list of the items included in each box below:
Premium Box – 9,800 yen
– The game
– Compass pendant watch
– Book with artwork and other documents
Treasure Box – 13,800 yen
– The game
– Compass pendant watch
– Book with artwork and other documents
– Ocarina
– Fluffy fairy plush
You can take a look at some of the included items in the video below:
Finally, in an interview with 4Gamer, producer Yosuke Hayashi confirmed that the game will only be able to use 3D on the New 3DS.
Since the 3DS is not as powerful as the Wii U, Koei Tecmo worked hard to balance the enemy count, since trying to display as many enemies as possible on the screen was important. The New 3DS gave Hyrule Warriors: Legends that extra processing power needed to make stereoscopic 3D possible.
Hayashi also talked about other things we’ve heard in the past, like the 3DS version of Hyrule Warriors coming about because of fan interest, that more characters are coming, that amiibo will be supported, how DLC characters from the Wii U version will be immediately available on 3DS, and how DLC is still possible. They also mention that a code will be included with all copies of the game so that players can unlock Toon Link, Tetra, and the King of Hyrule in the Wii U version right away.
Koei Tecmo is nearly done with the development of Hyrule Warriors Legends, and they’re currently just working on polishing the game, which makes sense, considering it’s launching on January 21 in Japan.
Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water
Nintendo has released a new batch of screenshots from Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water. You can view them in the gallery below:
Chibi-Robo!: Zip Lash
Nintendo has released a new batch of trailers, commercials, screenshots and artwork for Chibi-Robo!: Zip Lash. Check them all out below:
Pokkén Tournament
Bandai Namco has released a new Pokkén Tournament trailer, focusing on Pikachu Libre. You can watch it below:
Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon
The North American site for Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon is now open and you can find it here.
In the meanwhile, this month’s issue of CoroCoro has revealed that the game will have over 120 dungeons spread across five continents, which is the largest amount of dungeons in any Pokemon Mystery Dungeon title to date. Additionally, the magazine says that the special Meowth dungeons will take you down to Level 5 and have their own special rules.
Next month’s issue will apparently have a special distribution for a unique dungeon, the CoroCoro Dungeon. This dungeon will have 20 floors and features Garchomp as the boss.
You can find the scans of the magazine below, followed by another gallery with a new batch of screenshots and artwork from the game.
Pokémon
The Pokémon Company has recently released some official info on the new Zygarde forms and Ash Greninja. You can read about them below, and then check the artwork in the gallery that follows.
Zygarde Cell
This stage has been identified as the single Cells that make up Zygarde. Cells do not possess any will or thought processes. They’re found scattered throughout the region. Since they can’t use any moves, researchers question whether they can even be called Pokémon!
Zygarde Core
At this stage, this aspect of Zygarde is little more than a part of the Pokémon’s brain. Unlike the Cells, the Cores are self-aware and can communicate with Cells and other Cores via telepathy. When a change occurs in the local region’s ecosystem, Cores have been known to take action.
Zygarde 10% Forme
Zygarde 10% is the Forme that the Zygarde Core takes when it gathers 10% of the Cells nearby. Capable of traveling over 60 mph (100 km/h), it defeats enemies with its sharp fangs and its incredible speed.
Zygarde 50% Forme
This Legendary Pokémon watches over and maintains the local ecosystem. Until recently, this was the only known Forme of Zygarde. In actuality, this Forme only has 50% of the Cells in its structure.
Zygarde Complete Forme
This is the perfect Forme that Zygarde takes when the Core gathers 100% of the Cells. When the ecosystem is under threat, and the Core concludes that the 50% Forme will be unable to deal with it, the Core takes on the Complete Forme. Its power is said to be greater than that of the Legendary Pokémon Xerneas and Yveltal!
Ash-Greninja
Plus, Ash’s Greninja takes on a mysterious new appearance in the latest season! Ash-Greninja is the form that Greninja takes when the bond between it and Ash is raised to the limit. The strength of their bond changes Greninja’s appearance, and it takes on the characteristic look of Ash’s attire. This phenomenon is also said to have happened just once several hundred years ago in the Kalos region, but it remains shrouded in mystery.
A trailer of the new Pokémon XY&Z anime series has also been made available. You can watch it below:
You can also find a translation of a recent Famitsu interview with The Pokémon Company president and CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara, over at Nintendo Everything, where he touched on Pokémon Shuffle, Pokkén Tournament, Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon, and even a little bit on the future of the franchise as a whole.
Star Fox Zero
Nintendo released a statement by the end of the week, revealing that Star Fox Zero’s release has been postponed until 2016.
Shigeru Miyamoto has left the following message on Facebook about the reasoning behind the delay:
A Message from Mr. Miyamoto Regarding Star Fox Zero
I made a big decision last week.
We have been developing Star Fox Zero for Wii U with the aim of releasing it this year. Although we felt that the development had been progressing well, we now believe that we will need a little more time to work on areas such as the unprecedented discovery that we want players to experience in the game by using two screens, and further polishing the level designs and perfecting the tone of the cut scenes. While we have already reached the stage where it would be technically possible to release the title in time for the year-end holiday season, we want to polish the game a bit more so that players will be able to more smoothly grasp the new style of play that we are proposing.
To the people looking forward to the launch of the game this holiday season, I am very sorry.
Star Fox Zero is going to bring new game play and experiences that take it far beyond the framework established by Star Fox 64. All the members of the development team are doing our best so that the final product will not betray your expectations. And the game will not be delayed for a very long time – we’re aiming to launch the game in Q1 2016. Please stay tuned for further announcements.