NOA Reggie scoffs a lot in post-GDC interview

What doesn't kill us makes us stronger? NOA's chief executive Reggie Fils-Aime fills us in on his skepticism surrounding OnLive, DSi competition and used games.

OnLive, a new digital gaming distributor, revealed at the recent Game Developers Conference, has been referenced as a threat to this generation console's downloadable content. Reggie Fils-Aime found that idea ridiculous. The Wall Street Journal said Fils-Aime 'scoffed' at the talk of OnLive. "We're not worried." The system cannot compete and its founder said 'lag time' with larger downloads is inevitable. Expecting results from what could amount to 'dial-up' is no real threat. "What's the better experience in what they have described?" confounded Reggie.

Asked whether the DSi could address the competitive challenge from Apple and its AppStore for the iPhone/iPod Touch, Reggie was more reluctant. "It could. But let me be very clear. What Apple is trying to do with the iPhone and iPod Touch is very different than our vision. There are no ongoing subscription fees for the DSi. There are no monthly costs for us. With us, it's about the content."

But aren't the seeming endless varieties of apps and games, both for charge and free, a threat to the upcoming DSi? "What we've embraced is the concept of digital content. It's delivered to your personal device and you can take it with you anywhere. That's a powerful concept. We believe the content has to be innovative, high quality, distinctive versus derivative of what you might find on a plethora of other platforms.

"The latter is not very appealing to us."

Reggie's final scoff came at the used game market, something Nintendo historically dislikes, mostly for reasons of profit. Reggie gave a different spin: "We don't believe used games are in the best interest of the consumer. We have products that consumers want to hold onto."

What if retailers chipped in some of their used game profits? "That could make it more palatable. But we just think it's a bad idea."

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  same as always, console vs. pc, controlled, refined product vs. sometimes crude

  LesThom, 30-11--0001 at 00:00