@lstormy10, Here is my source for the number of titles being developed for use with the Wii Balance Board:
"IGN: Under $100 for another peripheral is still a chunk of cash to shell out. Do you have anything in line that will make further use of the Wii Balance Board?
Reggie Fils-Aime: I think what you're speaking to is, from a consumer perspective, help me feel good about this purchase. There are over 10 games in development that take advantage of the Balance Board. Certainly in terms of ongoing enjoyment, we believe that Wii Fit plus the Balance Board will provide that to the consumer."
I don't think it will be marketed as "another form of exercise" , it will be marketed more along the lines of "something to get you interested in exercise". That's a very subtle distinction and certainly an interesting marketing challenge. The Will balance board can never replace actual physical exercise but it can certainly make people more aware of the need for it, which is the key thing.
Nintendo are going after an entirely separate demographic with this product...much more than they were with Wii Sports and that's turned out pretty well for them. Sure, many core gamers will buy this product to see what it's all about and as a result, other games will be made to use the balance board, it has a lot of potential for that but you're going to see this thing marketed to housewives, mothers and the like more than anything along with phrases like "fitness sensation" etc.
Don't forget, even at worst case scenario this is a total flop; Nintendo have enough room to price cut a Wii + Wii Sports + balance board + Wii Fit for under $200 such is the markup they're making on the Wii at present. I don't expect that to happen but you've got a very compelling package there for most families come fall 2008 if they need to use it.
@vGInfidel, On the topic of other games that support the Wii Balance Board that comes with Wii Fit, it has been reported that there are over ten games already in development for use with the board. We already have the example of Family Ski (or We Ski as it will be known in the U.S.). There is also a really good chance that a future skateboarding or snowboarding game that appeals to less casual gamers will support the board.
i thought about GH3 when typing that post actually, whilst GH3 shows that higher priced games will sell to some extent, is there enough demand from the install base to sell 13million at that price? im also not sure how many people will see this as a truly viable alternative to other forms of exercise to justify spending that amount. is there going to be many other games that use it that appeal to alot of people so that it can be seen as a proper accessory or is it going to be a one off.
@deftangel, And being marketed along the lines of lifestyle software or as an exercise option, Wii Fit would actually be a cheap option compared to many other options.
I think people are missing the point if they expect Wii Fit to be marketed as a "game" ; it won't. It will be marketed as lifestyle software or something similar.
I walked past a local Woolworths the other day and saw a poster on the window for Wii Fit, at least a month before release. As any TSE UK members will tell you, Woolworths are hardly a traditional games retailer and the middle aged couple were hardly games buyers either.
If Nintendo market this game correctly, especially with the concerns of obesity, childhood fitness etc etc it will transcend most predictions around sales of a "game" which is why I'm long on this stock. It's not a peripheral, it's not a "game" in the traditional sense. It's already done almost 2m in Japan and is regularly in the top 5. I think it can do 10m lifetime in the US alone personally.
This game is being valued in the league of Wii Play and SSBB etc. and yet $90 is a very high price point. Especially for the mainstream casual gamer this is aiming at where its two nearest comparitives Wii Sport and Wii Play cost effectively nothing and $10 respectably. Makes me wonder if there is the demand for this product at this price point.
@vGInfidel, If this turns out to be confirmed by Nintendo, then it will be lower than what was expected by many people (including myself) after Reggie's comment that Wii Fit would be under $100 in the U.S., $99.99. I still think they are missing a sweet price point of $79.99 if they go with $89.99 - though a ten dollars less than $100 still sounds a lot better than $99.99.
The charge for admission into the Wii Fit club will be $90. We've confirmed with various local GameStops that the game is listed in its system for $90. Pre-orders are being offered for $10 instead of the regular $5.
3
Here is my source for the number of titles being developed for use with the Wii Balance Board:
"IGN: Under $100 for another peripheral is still a chunk of cash to shell out. Do you have anything in line that will make further use of the Wii Balance Board?
Reggie Fils-Aime: I think what you're speaking to is, from a consumer perspective, help me feel good about this purchase. There are over 10 games in development that take advantage of the Balance Board. Certainly in terms of ongoing enjoyment, we believe that Wii Fit plus the Balance Board will provide that to the consumer."