Reactions to the Nintendo Wii
How Attitudes Towards Video Games Might Affect Popular Television
Nov 4, 2009
Since the initial release of the Wii console in late 2006, Nintendo has used every promotional tool at its disposal to promote the idea that the Wii is a games system aimed as much at video game novices as it is at dedicated gamers – stressing this idea in interviews and numerous television advertisements. It would seem that the target audience for the Wii is quite different to that of other games consoles, such as the Sony Playstation. Games available on the three models of Playstation released thus far - such as the Grand Theft Auto series – often require a considerable amount of concentration and playing time in order to achieve in-game targets.
Hardcore Gamers Vs. The Nintendo Wii
While Nintendo’s decision to target a broad demographic with the Wii console makes sense in terms of maximizing profitability and differentiating the Wii from its competitors, some dedicated gamers have criticized the move. Many expressed concerns that the name Wii might convey a sense of “kidiness” [sic] – presumably asserting that the console should not be targeted towards children.
Why though should young people be excluded from playing video games? Is it not possible for the young and the old – or even the casual user and the dedicated fan – to share a pastime? It also seems odd that this elitist attitude is applied only to video games. While a dedicated gamer might criticize a games console that includes children in its target audience, it’s hard to imagine anyone complaining when a TV channel produces child-friendly programming.
Attitudes to Video Games Applied to Popular Television
If then the elitist attitude of some gamers were to be applied to the medium of television, how exactly would it manifest itself? Perhaps casual viewing – for example, catching the odd episode of a TV show without dedicating yourself to watching the entire series - would be frowned upon as casual gaming is now.
Perhaps the content of television itself might change. Some criticize the Wii’s somewhat simplistic gaming style, preferring games that require a larger degree of concentration and playing time. Conceivably then in this elitist take on television more ‘lightweight’ forms of TV program, such as the enduringly popular talent show format exemplified by the likes of ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ and ‘The X-Factor’, might be cast aside in favor of more intellectual fare – documentaries, political discussion forums and the like.
The Future – A Video Game Democracy?
It seems rather obvious that attempting to conform and control either the public’s viewing habits or television content in an elitist fashion is an absurd notion. Perhaps instead the medium of television – with its wide range of programming designed to appeal to a broad general audience – should be used as a template for the future of video gaming. With the introduction of the Nintendo Wii perhaps gaming is beginning to develop along these lines – offering simple, uncomplicated gaming for the novice or casual user while rival consoles such as the Playstation and X-Box models present a more complex and thoughtful alternative. Considering the alternative, this approach – a sort of ‘gaming democracy’ - seems the logical way forward.
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