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Mario Can't use a Modem!
What is up with Nintendo and their lack of cohesive online gaming plans
I just don't understand how they built the hardware, sold the hardware but will make no initiative to make online games for the Gamecube or distribute an online gaming kit to game developers. Nintendo has said repeatedly in interviewes that they are not going to do online gaming until it is profitable. But it is a chicken and egg situation when they will not make games that take advantage of online gameplay. If you look at PC games it online game play is so common that a game will make headlines when it does not have online play.
If Nintendo were to get off their duff and take the Gamecube Online their methods would more resemble Sony plan with the PS2 Network adaptor. Sony supplies the hardware and the Network APIs but leaves it up to the game developer to do the TCP/IP Networking and to run their own servers. This is just about how PC gaming has worked.
Nintendo of Europe made this statement in an interview.
"Online is what everyone is currently focusing on, but that does not necessarily mean that it is here and now. The fact that all these games can be playable online doesn't mean people will be. It's a nice, sexy thing to talk about but I think the reality is a little way off. "
And then they flat out said that there will be no online Gamecube titles from Nintendo at the next E3 Expo.
What a bunch of Pokemon crap! Nintendo wants to wait until they can go with a pay for play method and has no intention of using a PC module where the game developers make their money by selling games instead of subscriptions. But the fact of the matter is that online gameplay sells games!
Q: You know why Tony Hawk 4 for PS2 is better than the Gamecube version?
A: Online game play!
Q: You know why Capcom VS SNK2 for Xbox is better than any other version?
A: Online game play!
Q: You know why I am more likely to buy Auto Modellista than any other racing game?
A: Online game play!
If you look at almost every best selling PC game with the exception of The Sims they benefited from online game play! Can you imagine Quake3 or Half-life off line?
Good thing I mentioned Capcom's Auto Modellista. Capcom built online PS2 racing game with some help from Sega middleware. You see the one company who knows more about online console gaming than anyone else is Sega. It is old hat to them since they shipped the Dreamcast with a built in modem back in 1999. Sega took their cross platform network gaming code toolkit and made it available to interested developers or SNAP the Sega Network Application Package. This allow a game developer to make a game online on both the PS2 and Gamecube without having to reinvent the wheel. If I were Nintendo I would strike a deal with Sega and make the SNAP toolkit available to all Gamecube developers at an affordable price.
Gamasutra has a good article called : Developing Online Console Games. Note: Registration Required
I am just venting because I love Nintendo, I love online game play, I have a spare Ethernet port on my network router, I see the Broadband adapter for Gamecube at the game store but I have no reason to get one.
Jake at March 31, 2003 
Games
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Comments
I bought one just for the simple fact that it came out. Other than Phantasy Star Online, I knew there weren't going to be any titles that would utilize the adapter. However, it's the first time Nintendo has ever released one of the promised adapters for the expansion ports that they put in all of their systems. LMAO! Nah, seriously, even if I never open the package at least I know I got one while you still can. Especially since they're not making them anymore.
Posted by: Mici at April 1, 2003 10:17 AM
You know some times I think that Sega was the only company who actually got Online gaming right. They had a modem in every box, a Web browser and email client, Network tool that were good to any developer who wanted them, lots of first party games that used the technology, A mouse and keyboard, Quake 3 and UT online, Customizable tags that were swappable over the net in Jet Grind Radio, Unlockable downloadable content in Sonic Adventure 2. I wish Sega was running the Gamecube.
Posted by: Jake at April 1, 2003 10:30 AM
Mici: They are not making the boradband adapter anymore? How can that be true fi they plan on more online games comming down the road. Perhaps they plan on only using the modem adapter?
Jake: I couldn't agree with you more. That's why I own an Xbox, but place it on a different shelf than the Gamecube. It really seems to me that the Xbox will provide the most robust multiplayer console gaming (which is sad, because I like Nintendo games better)
Posted by: Dan at April 1, 2003 11:03 AM
Well they still have the Broadband adaptor on their website and they actually were hyping it on their website in connection with Phantasy star Online GC. They also are still making and selling them in Japan. I think they are not making any more until games that use them come out. So it looks like it is up to Sega to bring the Gamecube online. I guess Mario is just happy raking in the Pokemon money to go after 20 something gamers with online games.
Posted by: Jake at April 1, 2003 11:13 AM
You mean SEGA is not in charge? LOL.
Dan: The online adapter is currently discontinued and knowing Nintendo's track record on extra hardware, I am not willing to risk the chance that there 'may be' more online games down the road.
Posted by: Mici at April 1, 2003 12:25 PM
I am still waiting for my Super Nintendo CD-ROM drive.
Posted by: Jake at April 1, 2003 12:28 PM
i am angry that they arnt making any online games for gc. i love the nintendo system and their games, legend of zelda was fun, super smash bros was the best, but nintendo should go online...think of the beauty....Super Smash Bros Online....ahh i am having a wet dream, that is soo cool...dang, and mario cart online, then EA should just let GC and PS2 play games on the same server so that gamnecube fans can play online!...man i wish some nintendo rep. would read this.
Posted by: Mark at September 1, 2003 2:11 PM
Well you should write Nintendo and let them know. They probably do not read this site but if you emailed them they might jot it down that there is a growing market of users who like to play games online. Perhapse the "N5" the next nintendo system and Gameboy can finally be online. The PS3, PSP and Xbox2 will all be online so Nintendo better wake up and smell the online.
Posted by: Jake at September 1, 2003 2:31 PM
Deleated due to fake contact info IP : 217.211.125.15
Posted by: GuessWho at April 7, 2004 6:45 PM
