26th August 2005, 9:03 AM
Quote:In an interview just cropping up on flaccid, if connected IGN, Nintendo America’s head of communications Perrin Kaplan has savaged Microsoft, in an unexpected attack aimed at undermining the software giant’s chances in the Japanese market.
"Xbox has no recognition at all in Japan and very few people are aware of or anticipating Xbox 2 at this point," she said. "Microsoft has had no success in the Japan market and they were required to attract such developers in order to have a chance in the market. Further, those developers won't be making software for that system that are currently known and loved on other systems, such as Kirby."
Of course, it’s no secret that Microsoft has struggled in Japan, though it looks as though Xbox 360 will have as good a chance as any console might have in the market when launched. Speaking exclusively to SPOnG, Xbox VP Peter Moore said, “Where [Xbox 360] is today in Japan is one of our success stories. Now the proof of the puddin’s always in the tastin’. And you'll see that this holiday at launch. But I couldn’t be more proud of where we’re at there [Japan] right now. The first generation saw a very disappointing launch and the progress for the first generation has been disappointing.”
And on the dismal showing of the first machine Moore stated, “…it was a combination of not having the right content at launch, and when I say right content I mean not even having the promise of a role-playing game or anything like that. It wasn’t there. Secondly, the industrial design was not palatable…” You can the read the entire interview here.
Kaplan goes on to talk about the plans for the next-generation of home consoles and again shows off the bullish (Reggie-inspired) stance now taken at Nintendo’s Redmond office. “At this point, all gamers know what makes Nintendo unique -- innovation, creativity, beloved franchises -- things our company does better than nearly any other in the gaming business. It's these kinds of experiences that make Nintendo products unique, and gamers know that. No matter how new, flashy, or attractive another system may seem, there's something special about the name Nintendo that will always appeal to gamers of all kinds. Our ability to create entertainment experiences like no other makes us proud. We remain solidly dedicated to the sole art of gaming," asserts Kaplan. "It is too early for Nintendo to discuss our strategy for Revolution, but I can tell you that we have much experience running a successful global video game company, and Nintendo will come to the dance extremely well-dressed."
Updates on everything next-gen, especially mud-slinging, right here, as it breaks.
SPOnG