In an interview with Joystiq, EA president Frank Gibeau explains that not developing for the Wii U was a rational decision on the part of the company. Assuming Nintendo sold more consoles, EA would develop more games for the Wii U.
As he explains:
“We’re a rational company, we go where the audience is. We publish games where we think we can make a great game and hit a big audience, and make money. That’s why we’re here, that’s why we have an industry.”
Should the Wii U become a ‘viable platform’, EA will once again consider developing for it. I suppose this fits in with their previous backpedaling about still developing for the Wii U, but focusing on the Sony and Microsoft consoles.
Perhaps they are going to see how many units ship of all the respective consoles and develop accordingly. I just wonder if they’d have made the same sweeping statements about the Xbox or PS. Suppose it’s always easier to pick on the little guy. That said, even Nintendo admits that they will focus on growing their install base; they’re hoping that the new games coming in the next year will drive more users to the Wii U, thereby making it more appealing to third party developers.
Last Updated: June 18, 2013
Admiral Chief Groot Wors
June 18, 2013 at 15:09
Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
u
Argentil
June 18, 2013 at 15:09
Add Ubisoft to this list.
Edit: For exclusive titles, not multiplats.
ElimiNathan
June 18, 2013 at 15:09
Lol makes sense
Umar Kiiroi Senk?
June 18, 2013 at 15:11
WiiU has got it all wrong…the system needs unique games. What’s the point of Batman AA or Darksiders, it’s on current Gen. They need to focus on either making unique First party games or looking for devs who has innovative ideas or who can just bring something fresh to the table. Get a sequel to Forbidden Siren, use the second screen to sight jack, get some unique tower defense /fps/platformer hybrids using two screens, hell, make a The World Ends with You Sequel. Market better and get more unique games
Argentil
June 18, 2013 at 15:14
Nintendo aren’t in a strong enough position to barter with third-parties to release games exclusively on their system. If they’re not exclusive, then why would I buy it on Wii U? PS4/One are better, graphically, with smartphone/tablet integration. PS3/360, most people own these already, so why would you buy a Wii U to play the game if you have the console already, and it will have the same level of graphical fidelity.
Umar Kiiroi Senk?
June 18, 2013 at 15:40
Exactly my point, Ninty will never, EVAR compete with ps4 or ONE … so they need to find strength elsewhere …. they should not try and compete at all, bring the uniqueness,bring that wiiU freshness
Argentil
June 18, 2013 at 15:43
But no one will create a Wii U exclusive game until it has sold a respectable number of units. It’s a spiral only Nintendo themselves can break free from.
Umar Kiiroi Senk?
June 18, 2013 at 16:07
Finally got an avatar lol nice, Meryl?
Argentil
June 18, 2013 at 16:32
MGSIV did her no justice.
Yoji Shinkawa is a great artist, and I like this picture. It has ‘tude.
Umar Kiiroi Senk?
June 18, 2013 at 22:22
i will always remember her in mgs1 . she seemed a bit immature in 4. but vell done on zee avatar !!
Rinceyouropinion
June 18, 2013 at 16:10
Well done, AVATAR! ADVANCE!
Argentil
June 18, 2013 at 16:32
Woop Woop!
GTO
June 18, 2013 at 15:56
Nintendo has plenty of exclusives on the way the next year a ton of big Nintendo titles hit. The user base should grow quickly in the next year starying august.
Umar Kiiroi Senk?
June 18, 2013 at 16:06
Hopefully, they need to bring some innovation, but I think once Zelda hits, the tables will turn
Wyzak
June 18, 2013 at 16:13
That’s exactly where Nintendo’s focus has been all along. Have you looked at their up-coming games? It’s all first-party unique Wii-U games.
Umar Kiiroi Senk?
June 18, 2013 at 18:09
i don’t know…it’s the usual games though, but it is good.but look on 3ds , if fire emblem or a game like 999 was on the wiiU that system would fly. we all know Mario is awesome but we need some new first party games , I’m really only excited for W101,SMTxFire emblem, and pikmin
Rinceyouropinion
June 18, 2013 at 15:48
Was that a death rattle I hear? I think this console could have worked. But its so called relaunch with new titles is also coming at a time when SONY launches it’s monster. I don’t see it saving itself to the point where EA want to come back on board.
DrKiller
June 18, 2013 at 16:18
Nintendo must become a publisher for other platforms, that would be a win for everyone!! Imagine Pokemon for Xbox 😀
silverscorpio
June 18, 2013 at 17:34
So if Microsoft does not sell the Xbox One, then EA will not develop for the Xbox One. Nope, I think there is another reason.