Livingstone Believes Nintendo Should Release Their Games On All Platforms

Should Nintendo release their games across all gaming platforms? Ian Livingstone seems to think so.

Livingstone is one of the leading names in interactive entertainment and therefore speaks with a certain level of experience and authority that Nintendo might be wise listening to.

Speaking at a Games Hub in Bristol he remarked: “Nintendo should have their IP on every platform. Otherwise a whole generation of young people will miss out on their games.”

There is logic in what Eidos life president says. Nintendo has produced some wonderful games in the past – Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda – but have restricted the games to their brand.

While it is understandable they might be reluctant to share their franchises, Livingstone believes they will end up paying for it if they choose to strengthen their own brand, not their games.

With an announcement for The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker on the Wii U already revealed, it seems unlikely Nintendo is going to listen to Livingstone’s argument.

The odds are even greater now that Nintendo has stated that tablets aren’t viable for their games.

How weird considering Zynga believes that tablet gaming will fast become the best platform to use. Maybe Nintendo just doesn’t want to face facts and admit they’re wrong?

Many fans of the Wind Waker installment, originally for Gamecube, will be sadden that they can’t play the game unless they have a Wii U.

Many gamers are put off by the Wii and the new Wii U because it lacks the seriousness of rival consoles such as PS3 and Xbox 360.

Sony and Microsoft have delivered gaming to a more niche market while Nintendo sticks to family fun.

Although that has been making them money, it seems unfair to deny gamers stories that they know and love simply because they don’t want to buy a Wii U.

Is this a smart move by Nintendo, or will it ultimately cost them in the long run?

Livingstone’s open views might stand alone at the moment, but it won’t be long before gamers, franchise fans, and other critics throw their opinions into the mix.

All platform sharing has worked for other consoles and games; The Mass Effect series, for example, has been available for PS and Xbox since the release of the second game.

Should Nintendo alter how it operates? Ultimately, it’s a decision the public has little say in.

[Image via Wikimedia Commons]