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Nintendo's E3 2014 plans

by: Sean Colleli - posted: 4/29/2014 11:43:00 AM
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It looks like Nintendo is forgoing a physical press conference again for E3 2014. This time it's called the "Nintendo Digital Event." Last year's Nintendo Direct presser wasn't the unmitigated disaster I was fearing, and considering their last few physical E3 events in 2011 and 2012 were pretty underwhelming this might just be the way to go from now on. I'll still miss the old days of the E3 grand slam though.

On the bright side, they'll be hosting a tournament for the new Smash Bros Wii U game, with 16 of the world's best Smash players competing on a live stream. They'll also have the Treehouse localization staff on hand for live demos. Wrapping up the festivities will be open-to-the-public events at select Best Buy retailers, similar to what they held last year. This way fans will be able to try the new Smash Bros even if they can't make it to E3.

This is all well and good but I'm hoping for some pretty killer surprises this year. It's no secret that the Wii U isn't doing too hot, and while finally trying the new Smash Bros is exciting, we've been hearing about that game for two years now.

What about Monolith's RPG X? What is Retro Studios working on now? Will Nintendo announce any new IP? Can we at least have a new Star Fox? Hopefully Nintendo will have another E3 like 2010's stellar lineup, because this track record of "too little, too late" with the Wii U is going to put that console in the ground if they don't do something big and soon.

Play Nintendo: New Games, New Events and Live, Nonstop Programming on Tap for E3 2014

Super Smash Bros. Tournament Highlights Nintendo’s E3 Approach

E3 Expo 2014

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Over the last few years, Nintendo has repeatedly reinvented its approach to E3 by creating unique ways to break news and get fans at home involved in the fun, while also offering great experiences for on-site attendees. That mission continues in 2014 as Nintendo offers a series of new channels to communicate news directly to its key audiences, including fans, media, analysts, investors and business partners. This includes a new format for unveiling news: the Nintendo Digital Event; a Super Smash Bros. tournament; a full slate of live, in-depth game demos from the Nintendo booth; and an opportunity for fans to play Super Smash Bros. for Wii U for the first time at their local Best Buy.

“We demonstrated last year that we are never afraid to reinvent a proven tactic or to break completely new ground if we believe it will provide the best experience for our fans, followers and partners,” said Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America’s president and chief operating officer. “So, whether you’re attending E3 in person or joining online, there’s an amazing lineup of games, experiences and events coming your way.”

At E3 2014, Nintendo will offer four unique experiences, all under the unifying banner of “Play Nintendo.”

Super Smash Bros. Invitational

  • 2014 will see the arrival of not one, but two new Super Smash Bros. games: Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS andSuper Smash Bros. for Wii U. To commemorate this occasion, Nintendo is inviting 16 highly skilled Super Smash Bros.players to the NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles to compete in a Super Smash Bros. for Wii U tournament. Thousands of fans in the audience and countless more watching a live stream online will see new Super Smash Bros.characters clash with existing favorites in action for the first time. More important than declaring a winner, however, this event is a celebration of all things Super Smash Bros., and a great way for new and veteran fans to take part in a tribute to this legendary franchise. More information about the 16 invited participants in the tournament, the identity of the announcers, and how fans of the franchise can view the tournament in person and via webcast, will be communicated shortly.

Nintendo Digital Event

  • Every year, Nintendo looks for the best way to show its games and share its news with fans, media and other key audiences. In 2013, Nintendo decided to forgo a traditional press conference and use a video – in that case a Nintendo Direct – to share its news from E3. The company is building on that approach at E3 2014 with the “Nintendo Digital Event,” a new kind of video program that will reveal and provide further detail about the gaming experiences on the way for Nintendo platforms in 2014 and beyond. The Nintendo Digital Event will air at 9 a.m. PT on Tuesday, June 10.

Nintendo Treehouse: Live @ E3

  • This year, Nintendo will offer fans a deeper look at Nintendo’s biggest games of E3, with information directly from the source. The “Treehouse,” the Product Development department at Nintendo of America, will provide in-depth game demos live and unscripted from Nintendo’s booth. This new program will be live streamed during all hours of the E3 show. Fans can get settled in, open their browsers and experience the Nintendo games at E3 like never before.

Super Smash Bros. Smash Fest @ Best Buy

  • In 2013, Nintendo broke new ground by expanding its E3 activities outside of the walls of the Los Angeles Convention Center and letting fans play some of the games being played on the show floor at participating Best Buy stores. The partnership between Nintendo and Best Buy continues in 2014 and will mark the first time around the world that fans have had the opportunity to get their hands on Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

More details about each event, including dates, times, locations and game content will be revealed shortly. To follow all of Nintendo’s E3 activities, keep an eye on Nintendo’s Facebook page, Twitter feed and YouTube channel. Or visithttp://e3.nintendo.com.