Posted Wed Apr 16, 2014 at 03:41 PM PDT by Brian Hoss
Nintendo passed on a full commitment to the eventual $2 billion grossing franchise.
In a fascinating look at 'Skylanders' developer Toys for Bob, designer Paul Reiche has revealed several Nintendo related aspects in the origins of the $2 billion plus grossing franchise.
Not only was the figure to videogame concept developed with the Nintendo Wii in mind, but the original prototype was built for the Nintendo Wii. After getting a pitch together and getting the support of owner Activision, Toys for Bob was sent by Activision to Nintendo to demonstrate the idea and pursue an exclusive realtionship.
From Polygon, "Nintendo, flush with the success of Wii, also with experience of the toy business, and with a reputation for 'blue sky thinking,' seemed like the perfect choice. Toys for Bob journeyed to Nintendo of America's offices to present the idea, very early in its development cycle."
"'We had been directed towards thinking about something that would play well with Nintendo,' says Fred Ford. 'I think there was some co-marketing money and the Wii was doing well. They had some success with peripherals.'"
"'They spent a long time looking and looking,' says Paul Reiche. 'They were just like "we have never seen anything like this before." I've always wondered about the full meaning of that comment [laughs].' Although there was a limited co-marketing deal, Nintendo did not want to make a full commitment to Skylanders. 'We have no idea why,' says Reiche. 'Clearly, they have got properties well suited to this world. Why it is that they didn't rush in here will probably haunt them for the rest of their days.'"
Next week, Activision is likely to unveil the next installment of the 'Skylanders' franchise. The franchise is essentially platform agnostic, with installments on the Wii, Wii U, and 3DS among many other platforms.
Source: Polygon
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