Four (or Five!) Reasons Why

…The Wii Is Saving The Video Game Industry

1. While the whole industry was moving toward increasingly complex games, Nintendo pulled a 180 and did something truly innovative - simplify. Rather than create games that require a Ph.D. and hours of study, the Wii is designed around putting the fun and ease back into video games. Even John Riccitiello, EA’s CEO, agrees. He was quoted this past summer as saying, “We’re boring people to death and making games that are harder and harder to play.” Consumers also agree, judging by Wii sales.

2. Not only did Nintendo simplify game play, the company also simplified the hardware. As games got more complicated, so did the controllers. From Atari’s one button/one stick controller, we have moved to a world where the PS3 has 20 inputs! Looks like you’ll need an Engineering degree in addition the Ph.D. Or a whole lot of time. The Wii takes a refreshing step backwards and the result is an elegantly designed, relatively uncomplicated controller - a perfect match for its games. (For those totally tech-minded, click here for a teardown of the Wii and other consoles.)

3. After years of sitting on the couch and watching our asses get fatter, the Wii has revolutionized the living room…and the retirement home…and school gym classes. With simple games, simple controls and game play that involves moving more than our thumbs, the Wii has turned the industry on its head. Video games are no longer passive, but action oriented. Visionary, some might say.

4. While “professional” reviewers have offered middling reviews of many Wii games, gamer reaction would suggest that developers may have an easier time of it in the future. Sales of some of Wii’s simplest games, like Wii Sports, Bowling and Tennis, have been off the charts. It’s great that developers are skilled enough to produce highly complex, yet highly expensive, games, but it is clear that there is a market for something easier and cheaper.

5. Adults seem to be the main focus for Microsoft, Sony and game producers. But what has Nintendo done? They’ve thought of the children. And we all know that children really are the future. Talk about seeding the market! It almost brings a tear to the eyes.

Bill Harris, from Dubious Quality, has a great essay courtesy of Newsweek on the industry and the Wii’s impact on game play. As an aside, it’s hard not to agree with Devin Coldewey at CrunchGear that Pac Man is still one of the best games of all time.

Update: According to Wired, there’s going to be a Wii shortage this holiday gift-giving season even though Nintendo has increased monthly production to 1.8 million units from one million units.