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3DS

Iwata on 3DS Development Costs

by Pedro Hernandez - May 13, 2010, 2:29 pm EDT
Total comments: 5 Source: Gamasutra

Nintendo's President chats about the costs of developing for the 3D enhanced handheld.

In a recent investors meeting, Nintendo President and CEO Satoru Iwata talked about the upcoming Nintendo 3DS, the successor to the Nintendo DS. When talking about the system's development and if there were any differences between it and traditional development, Iwata explained that it all depends on how developers are planning on using the system's features. Iwata elaborated that while developers can just make a game in 3D, "If you try to make something that's not in a 3D world into 3D, you'll probably have some cost. However, I don't really feel that there's any substance to that. Naturally, you won't make a game interesting by just making the visuals 3D."

Satoru Iwata then explains further that, "It's when you offer an interactive experience in the 3D visuals as part of a set with something that is interesting that you first have value as entertainment."

When concluding the topic, Iwata explained that development can keep costs down during the trial and error phase through good management, such as keeping teams small during the experimental phase, then grown once the team is properly trained.

Iwata was then asked about the possibility of the 3D affecting gamer's health, he assured that the 3D can be turned off. "While the 3D image is a special feature of the 3DS, we won't force the player to use the 3D functionality. By making it so that the player can at all times play with [the 3D feature] off, we believe we can comply with those who have difficulty with the 3D view or those who are worried about their childs' eyes."

Finally, the Nintendo CEO was asked about the possibility of software prices rising for the 3DS. He explained that third-party developers are free to decide on pricing, though concrete pricing details haven't been elaborated on yet.

Talkback

Ian SaneMay 13, 2010

While having the ability to turn off the 3D feature seems like a good option to have, it seems to be inconsistent with the idea of making 3D games with substance, instead of just offering 3D visuals.  If I can turn it off and the game is still playable how is that at all substancial?  Wouldn't that just be "wow neato" graphics?  I couldn't turn the analog stick off in Super Mario 64 and there was a reason for it - it was essential.  I don't see how one can logically make 3D visuals essential to a game if one can merely turn them off.

Mop it upMay 13, 2010

Super Mario 64 could have functioned with a D-pad (Super Mario 64 DS does), but it wouldn't have controlled as well. The same might hold true for 3DS games, you can play them without the 3D feature but it won't work as well.

BlackNMild2k1May 13, 2010

This is the same article I tries to send to you guys 3 days ago.... but from a different source.

I actually commented on it in the 3DS thread. so if you care that's where you'll find it.

GalfordMay 13, 2010

Also a lot depends on if the Tegra rumor is true.  If it is I expect a lot of 3rd parties to make pretty psp-ish type games while Nintendo will be the only on doing "3d" at launch.

BlackNMild2k1May 13, 2010

3rd parties DO NOT want to miss the boat for the 3rd time in a row.

they will want to be on board 100% with Nintendo if this thing takes off and ride it all the way to the bank for the next 5 years if possible, like Nintendo is doing with the Wii and DS right now.

They will make PSPish games, but they will shoe-horn some 3D and other gimmicktry in there as best they can.

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