Reggie: Nintendo Is an Entertainment Company, Not a Games Company

by Menashe

In a recent interview with the Seattle Times, Reggie took the time to address Nintendo TVii and how it fits with their business philosophies:

Q: If this really grows, will it change the character of Nintendo? Will it become more of a consumer electronics company vs. a game company?

A: We\’ve always been an entertainment company, going all the way back to the hanafuda cards and our key equities. We\’re an entertainment company. I think what the Wii U does is further show that our vision is this broader entertainment landscape.

Because in the end the time that consumer spends in any form of entertainment that’s not on our device is a missed opportunity for us. It’s that type of thinking that led us to create \”Brain Age,\” same type of thinking that led us to create \”Wii Fit.\” It’s looking at the broadest landscape possible as to what constitutes entertainment.

Q: Do game companies have to evolve this way because the box and games business is declining?

A: From a Nintendo perspective this makes sense for us because we view ourselves from this broader entertainment landscape. We view every potential consumer as an opportunity. Whether they\’re 95 years old or 5 years old, we want to create entertainment that’s going to speak to that consumer. In our view whether we deliver it in a handheld device or in their home, it’s an opportunity to engage with that consumer, make them smile, give them something positive.

You look at the way we\’ve managed the Mario franchise, the Zelda franchise, all our of our key franchise characters, utilizing a variety of different gameplay styles — it’s always been about driving entertainment.

Check out the full interview here where Reggie discusses many other topics, such as Apple TV, Xbox 720, and Google.