Bplus: Nintendo WiiWare Unlike Xbox 360 Live Arcade
August 30, 2007
Bplus is the team behind PLÄTTCHEN - twist ‘n’ paint, which is the first title that was announced for Wii Ware, the sort-of Nintendo Wii version of Xbox Live Arcade.
In a recent interview, Bplus’ Bernd Geiblinger, the PLÄTTCHEN Art Director, talked about the new online service and how it’s different from what’s already out there.
N-europe.com: What was your motive to develop a WiiWare game rather than a game for the Xbox Live Arcade? How do you see WiiWare stacking up against a rival service like Live Arcade?
BG: Wii allows developers to deliver a game experience like no other console currently available on the market. That made our decision very easy. Nintendo suggests developers to create unique software that really stands out. This will make the Wii download service, like the console itself, very different to anything the competition offers.
The interview can be read in its entirely here.
Owen Wilson Reportedly Attempts Suicide, Hospitalized
August 27, 2007
According to The National Enquirer And Star Magazine, actor Owen Wilson has been hospitalized after an apparent suicide attempt. Their sources claim that he cut his left wrist as well as consuming an indeterminate amount of pills.
However, this has yet to be confirmed by more reputable sources.
The Santa Monica Police released the following statement: “On Sunday Aug. 26. 2007 at 12:10 pm officers from the Santa Monica Police Department responded to a medical assistance call from the Santa Monica Fire Department at the 900 block of 23rd Street. The person was transported to a local hospital where they are being treated.”
Because of medical privacy laws, the police did not release any further information.
The tabloids report that he was transferred from St. John’s after being stabilized and was going to be detoxed.
Rep: No Nintendo Wii Budget Label Plans In The Works
August 27, 2007
If you’re holding off on a buying a Wii title thinking that it’s going to be released on a future budget label…don’t. The company has admitted it has no plans to reinstate the Players Choice line, which released popular first party games at cheaper prices after a period of time.
“We have no plans for a Wii budget label. Nintendo Wii software is performing very well at its current price points,” a Nintendo rep recently told MCV.
“It’s important to note that Nintendo do not set prices. It is retailers that will ultimately set the prices of both hardware and software. And with brand new software titles available at estimated retail prices of between £19.99 and £34.99, we feel Wii represents great value over any current new competitor titles.”
Much as we’d always like to see prices slashed, it does seem perfectly logical for the company to keep the status quo for the time being. After all, it’s not like they’re having any problem with sales these days.