Ubisoft banks on 3DS mainstream appeal

The launch line-up may be packed with core-focused titles, but Ubisoft believes the 3DS will be as big a hit with the masses as the original DS.

The publisher has the biggest third party presence at launch, with eight games due in the first few months, including new Rayman, Ghost Recon, Splinter Cell and Rabbids titles.

Ubi is confident Nintendo’s new handheld will more than live up to the success of its predecessor and the variety of its own line-up will reach out to all potential audiences.

Given the innovation that’s inside a 3DS and what it has to offer, it’s difficult to imagine a scenario where the 3DS isn’t bigger than the original,” said Ubisoft brand manager Jan Sanghera.

We’re expecting the 3DS to have a broad consumer appeal from launch and, as such, have ensured we offer a variety of titles. We’ve historically been a leader in games developed for new Nintendo platforms, and with eight games available during launch and more to come, we hope to maintain this position.”

Sanghera added that the device’s mainstream appeal lies in more than just its glasses-free 3D technology, citing the broad spectrum of online and digital functions found in the 3DS.

Nintendo is offering more than just something that appeals to the core gamer,” she said. 3D itself will be a massive draw, but also with its connected digital features that allow not just social gaming gaming experiences, but also the ability to download and consume much more.

We’d expect 3DS to compete strongly in the broader handheld category, offering a wide range of good reasons for consumers to purchase it. All of which is brilliant news for third party publishers.”