Play’s Republic

In his 2005 “State of the Industry Address” at the national conference, Douglas Lowenstein identifies six fundamental issues in the video game industry. First, Lowenstein considers the games currently available on the market and issues an open call for games with a wider appeal. In particular, Lowenstein is interested in attracting the female gamer market and expanding the number of E & T rated titles available. Second, Lowenstein addresses the need for a more comprehensive type of game environment and more complete game experience. Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth are certainly interesting as well, but at this point, it seems appropriate to break from the reading and examine these first two points and a potential console solution that is already on the horizon.

Written in 2005, I’m not sure if Lowenstein’s insider information allowed him to write this piece with the Wii in mind, but it seems like a fair question to explore. Since it’s introduction in the final quarter of 2006, the Wii has already “revolutionized” the game experience. It is said to appeal to a wider audience, to capture “lost audiences” (namely seniors and women), and to offer an array of “E for everyone” games, thus answering Lowenstein’s first point. The Wii also offers a more comprehensive physical engagement with the game environment, creating at least part of what Lowenstein was looking for in the “complete” game experience. These seem to be, on the surface, the very things that Lowenstein is asking for.

Yet, problems in production have prohibited consumers from purchasing this console and, as the months stretch on, it seems questionable whether the Wii will be able to revolutionize the market if the customers can’t get it. As someone who casually surfs the web for deals, frequently checks WiiTracker.com, and hopefully checks store stocks at any available chance, I can say with confidence that the Wii is not readily available. Sure, it can be purchased through online auctions and classifieds, but there is something about knowing your vendor and walking out of the store with our new system that is lost in these online interactions. If a customer wants to avoid the auction hall and shop in a brick and mortar store and walk out with a Wii bundle, they simply cannot do it.

The Wii thus poses an interesting question to the market - how long can speculation and here-say hold interest? Will potential Wii consumers simply turn to the more traditional Sony and Microsoft consoles that do not offer many new developments in the way of game play? Will consumers seek out a new form of gaming, if the market demands that they wait to try it? Only time will tell. For now, we can think about how Lowenstein’s points could be realized in the Wii, if only production would allow. The latest Consumerist reports suggest that Nintendo is ramping up production on the Wii in the coming months. If we can get our hands on one, maybe we all will see how revolutionary this thing really is.