Nintendo's Iwata wary of becoming complacent (Joystiq)

[R.O.B.]

Filed under: Nintendo Wii, Business

When your system is flying off shelves faster than you can produce them, it's easy to simply lean back and play some Phantom Hourglass on your delightful money printer. Speaking to Newsweek's N'Gai Croal during E3, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata has expressed some concern about lapsing into just such a state. While he's obviously pleased with his company's mainstream success thus far, he feels Nintendo should avoid just laughing to the bank on autopilot.

"That's probably Nintendo's next obstacle is to not lose its internal energy and internal momentum," said Iwata. "I believe my most important role right now is to prevent Nintendo from being in a company where people say, 'Oh, Nintendo is arrogant,' 'Nintendo has let its guard down,' or 'Nintendo has lost its challenging spirit.' We want to avoid all of the pitfalls that can come from losing one's momentum." The introduction of Wii Fit and resolution of inadequate Wii production should keep the wrecking ball swinging through the casual gamer barrier -- but what of the longterm Nintendo fans?

Listing games like Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Super Mario Galaxy, Iwata explains that Nintendo has no intention of abandoning core players. "Still, we really believe that part of our mission is to make traditional games for our traditional audience." Just so long they don't involve carpenter tools.

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[The shoemaker]

I don't think Nintendo will lose it's heat, Because the Wii started out ok but now it's great.

[Pit 42]

Iwata is a smart man. He won't let Nintendo become the next Sony.