Building on the success of its Wii game console, Nintendo has launched WiiWare, a software service for games. Wii owners who have their machines hooked up to an Internet connection will be able to download games from both large developers and small shops. As a game service, WiiWare competes with services on other consoles, such as Microsoft's Xbox Live Arcade and Sony's PlayStation Store.
"By reducing the barriers that make console game development prohibitively expensive," the company said, "WiiWare showcases original ideas in the most democratic environment in industry history."
Like Independents to Hollywood
Nintendo Executive Vice President Cammie Dunaway told news media, "WiiWare is to the game industry what independent films are to Hollywood."
To download WiiWare games, users go to the WiiWare section of the Wii Shop channel, pick the game, redeem Wii Points, and begin to download. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop channel or at stores. Parental controls are available. New games are added weekly, and users can see videos of WiiWare games on the Nintendo Channel.
The launch of WiiWare will be accompanied by an inaugural lineup of six games, including Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King, LostWinds, Defend Your Castle, Pop, V.I.P. Casino: Blackjack, and TV Show King. Prices are $15 for Crystal Chronicles, $10 for Lost Winds and TV Show King, $7 for Pop and Casino, and $5 for Defend Your Castle.
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles from Square Enix draws on an established franchise to create a simulation game in which players must rebuild a kingdom and lead a king on a path of discovery.
Frontier Development's LostWinds gives the player the power of a weather god. The user can control winds ranging from tornadoes to breezes, all the while maneuvering through jumps, enemies, friends and puzzles.
More 'Shovelware'?
Your castle is being attacked by invaders...
More...