Miyamoto talks Wii online charges

Shigeru Miyamoto has defended Nintendo’s online console strategy while admitting that it perhaps has been a bit slow to develop its business model – and suggesting that the platform holder may at some stage charge for access to its online network.

Elements of Nintendo’s online strategy that have been criticised in the past include its use of Friends Codes as opposed to simple Friends lists and its refusal to offer post-release DLC for its core titles.

We are desperate to realise the core business structure,” the development star told Edge Online.

Do we need to demand customers pay monthly fees to enjoy online activities? Or give an online subscription that is free of charge, but then offer something extra for people that pay, so that they get some extra value? With these core business strategies I think we are less active than we should be.”

However, regarding the online services Nintendo already offers, Miyamoto things some of the criticism levelled at the firm has been unjust.

To be honest, I think it’s rather unfair whenever I hear such comments – that Nintendo isn’t proactive when it comes to its online strategy,” he added.The fact of the matter is that we always want all Wii consoles to be connected online, all the time, so Nintendo has never been less than proactive in that kind of endeavour.

It is true, though, that Nintendo hasn’t been very proactive in developing such online activities as an MMOG. But when it comes to our endeavours that try to take advantage of internet technology, where we can provide our customers with more fun and entertainment, then I think we can say we have been very, very proactive and well-received. And that attitude won’t be changed at all in the future.”