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Ubisoft CEO praises Nintendo

by Michael Flynn - November 8, 2007, 2:19 pm EST
Total comments: 17 Source: http://www.next-gen.biz/

French publisher striving for "Nintendo-like quality" in future releases.

At the BMO Capital Markets' Annual Interactive Entertainment Conference in New York City on Tuesday, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot delivered a presentation that was not short on praise for Nintendo. He was particularly enamored with Nintendo's success in both the handheld and console markets, as well as their strategy of attracting casual gamers outside of the usual hardcore gaming market.

"[Nintendo's mass market strategy] is very profitable for Nintendo, and very profitable for all third-party publishers," he said. "...Because [the strategy] is working, we create more product [for Nintendo platforms] and this will actually bring more people into the industry. The Wii is going to continue to do extremely well with no limit to growth."

Ubisoft is actively funneling resources into Wii development, with 400-500 people currently working for the France-based publisher on various Nintendo projects. Guillemot believes that by next year, Ubisoft will be achieving "Nintendo-like quality" with their Wii games.

He also revealed some figures on the current costs of development, stating that DS games only need to sell around 100,000 units to become profitable. By comparison, a game developed for PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 has to sell upwards of 1.3 million units to achieve profitability.

Ubisoft's upcoming Wii releases include multiple games in the Petz franchise, as well as a sequel to last year's party game hit Rayman: Raving Rabbids.

Talkback

GoldenPhoenixNovember 08, 2007

I'll believe this so called strive for quality when I see it.

Smash_BrotherNovember 08, 2007

The fact that he's acknowledging the need for quality is a huge plus in and of itself.

UltimatePartyBearNovember 08, 2007

Words. Nothing but sweet, sweet words that turn into bitter orange Petz games in my ears.

Smash_BrotherNovember 08, 2007

For the record, I believe that BG&E or PoP quality applied to RedSteel 2 could result in a stellar game, but time will tell.

NinGurl69 *hugglesNovember 08, 2007

That would first require committing funds and their top non-Shanghai dev teams to the project.

But they'll probably meet that halfway and produce the best Horse Riding game imaginable. With said funding and non-Shanghai dev teams.

UltimatePartyBearNovember 08, 2007

Quote

Originally posted by: Smash_Brother
For the record, I believe that BG&E or PoP quality applied to RedSteel 2 could result in a stellar game, but time will tell.

Well, sure, but it's clear that the dollar signs in his eyes are focused on the casual audience Nintendo's found, like he's forgotten how well Red Steel sold at launch. Of course, I don't really think Ubisoft's got nearly 500 people working on non-games, because they simply can't require that much manpower.

Ian SaneNovember 08, 2007

"Guillemot believes that by next year, Ubisoft will be achieving 'Nintendo-like quality' with their Wii games."

AH HA HA HA HA!! Yeah right. Being "Nintendo-like" is a rarity that only the most talented devs achieve and often only for a few years before they decline. Ubisoft has never been what I consider an elite developer in terms of quality and I really doubt they're suddenly going to be in a year. Nintendo has been one of the top five game designers in the world since 1985 (or possibly even 1981). I can't think of a time where Ubisoft would be one of the top five. Hell it's not only about being good but being influencial and innovative. Ubisoft? Come on.

If they want to try that's good but the problem is I don't believe they will. Ubisoft is the European EA. They come across as too corporate so I don't trust them.

PlugabugzNovember 08, 2007

How can Ubi make their games good? Delay them.

GoldenPhoenixNovember 08, 2007

I may be mistaken, but to be "Nintendo like" shouldn't Ubisoft first focus on beating EA in quality on Wii?

Shift KeyNovember 08, 2007

Quote

Originally posted by: GoldenPhoenix
I may be mistaken, but to be "Nintendo like" shouldn't Ubisoft first focus on beating EA in quality on Wii?


What the hell have EA done for me lately?

GoldenPhoenixNovember 08, 2007

Godfather, SSX, Medal of Honor 2, and Madden to name four.

Shift KeyNovember 08, 2007

Quote

Originally posted by: GoldenPhoenix
Godfather, SSX, Medal of Honor 2, and Madden to name four.

Now name me an EA game worth buying.

Oh yeah, Rayman 2 will be a much more enjoyable game than any of those, except for those of you who have offrine friends.

BlackNMild2k1November 09, 2007

Ubi will show all of you their "Nintendo-like" quality with the release of BG&E2 this upcoming spring.

sirfireDecember 26, 2007

haha Nintendo quality like no stock, no free support, no local phone calls.

Yes thats great quality.

ArbokDecember 26, 2007

Quote

Originally posted by: sirfire
haha Nintendo quality like no stock, no free support, no local phone calls.

Yes thats great quality.


Bumping a month plus old topic to troll and not bothering to proof read your signature to the point of humor?

Ha ha... priceless

philkensebbennr1.jpg

Nintendo quality like no red rings of death, consistently highly-acclaimed games, and accessible entertainment.

Sirfire, I think your lack of Nintendo support is really due to your being situated in Australia. Nintendo of America actually has a pretty solid reputation with regards to customer service. They're sending out free Wii jackets, free Wii straps, they do a lot of replacements under warranty and even replacements not under warranty sometimes! Nintendo's difficulties in Europe and Australia are well documented and indeed disconcerting... but from my personal experiences in the US they're quite respectable.

NinGurl69 *hugglesDecember 27, 2007

NEED COFFEE

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