Why doesn't Nintendo make online games?
In recent years, with the rise of online games, many game manufacturers have turned to the online game market, but Nintendo has always maintained a unique strategic direction. Why doesn't Nintendo get involved in online games? This article will analyze it from multiple perspectives such as market positioning, business model, and technical capabilities, and explore the reasons behind this phenomenon based on hot topics in the past 10 days.
1. Nintendo’s market positioning
Nintendo has always focused on "family entertainment" as its core positioning, and its game consoles and exclusive IPs (such as Mario, Zelda, etc.) focus more on single-player or local multiplayer experiences. This positioning is naturally different from the "continuous online service" model of online games. The following is Nintendo-related data in hot topics in the past 10 days:
| topic | heat index | Main discussion points |
|---|---|---|
| The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom DLC Controversy | 95 | Players’ expectations for stand-alone content |
| Switch 2 rumors | 88 | Hardware performance and local online capabilities |
| "Super Mario Bros.: Surprise" sales | 82 | Success in the home entertainment market |
2. Differences in business models
Online games usually rely on "free + in-app purchases" or "subscription system" to make profits, while Nintendo prefers "buyout system" sales. Here is a comparison of the two business models:
| business model | Represent the company | Advantages and Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| buyout system | Nintendo | One-time income, but user stickiness is low |
| Free + in-app purchases | Tencent, MiHoYo | High user base, but dependent on continued operations |
Nintendo's business model is more suitable for the long-term value maintenance of its IP, while the operational pressure of online games may conflict with Nintendo's "high-quality strategy".
3. Technical capabilities and resource allocation
Online game development requires a powerful server architecture and continuous update capabilities, while Nintendo's technical resources are more focused on hardware innovation and stand-alone game development. The hot technology topics in the past 10 days also reflect this:
| technical topics | Related companies | heat |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud gaming development | Microsoft, Sony | 78 |
| Application of AI in games | Ubisoft, EA | 85 |
| Switch network service dispute | Nintendo | 65 |
As can be seen from the table, Nintendo's investment and reputation in online services are relatively weak, which may be one of the reasons why it does not get involved in online games.
4. Particularity of user groups
Nintendo's user groups are mainly families and casual players, while the core users of online games are usually hardcore players or young people. The following is a comparison of user behavior data in the past 10 days:
| user group | Game type preference | Online time (daily average) |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo users | Standalone/local connection | 1.2 hours |
| Online game users | MMO/Competition | 3.5 hours |
This difference makes it difficult for Nintendo to directly enter the online game market.
5. Summary
The reasons why Nintendo does not make online games can be summarized as follows:
1.Market positioning differences: The online service models of home entertainment and online games do not match.
2.business model conflict: The buyout system is incompatible with the sustainable profit model of online games.
3.Technical resource constraints: Servers and network services are not Nintendo’s strengths.
4.Different user groups: The needs of core players and casual players are significantly different.
Although the online game market has huge potential, Nintendo still maintains an unshakable position in the stand-alone field by virtue of its unique strategy and IP advantages. Will Nintendo try online games in the future? Perhaps only time will tell.
check the details
check the details
en
