Why Iwata Would Evolve Directs (and is the Global Playtest what's next?)

[@jacksonlovesnintendo]

I certainly agree that digital broadcasts may be over saturated, but Directs still have BY FAR the strongest brand recognition and viewership numbers in the sea of presentations. Maybe rather than outright replacing them, they can try a hybrid approach? Still keep those core 3 Direct slots open (February, June, and September), but then in addition or maybe sometimes instead of the Direct at that time, they try something different? But ultimately I still feel like Nintendo still has such an iron grip on the internet with their Directs that they really shouldn’t stop. Not only are they a great way to connect with fans, but they’re incredible for marketing.

[@elsamarks8477]

I agree with this. I think that utilizing anything that is exclusive to their own hardware will artificially deflate the advertising potential of a direct successor. And as you’ve said the Direct format is much more of a powerful entity than a State of Play/Inside Xbox etc.

[@woodchi]

Interesting idea. What if it was a Direct virtual con. The presentation happens (or can be re-watched), then the ‘doors open’ for a Grand Fest style space where the announced games are showcased for a few days, and you run around as your avatar sharing the same space with ghosts of other attendees who are there ’live’ with you to visit the booths to see the new game demos and trailers etc, including multiplayer demos.

[@llamadrama1090]

Nintendo land but for directs?

[@toekneemart5597]

Mii, not an avatar a mii and wii won't stand for anything else

[@nintendoforecast]

That's an amazing concept! Love it!

[@phoenixmorphix]

I really hope this is true. 😭🙏

[@birdflox1337]

This sounds like a really cool idea, but it also sounds *extremely* ambitious. If it was necessary to download something ahead of time for these interactive directs, I would imagine you'd run a high risk of people datamining that download's content.

[@filegnaru]

Could use streaming, that way it can't be datamined before. But even with that I agree, it sounds a bit too ambitious imo

[@RogersBase]

Brilliant concept and great video! You've earned my subscription; keep up the great work!

[@Usith]

This channel is a goldmine! The best researched Nintendo channel by FAR

[@nintendoforecast]

Thank you so much!

[@Gx3Tri]

Goats subbing to goats. You love to see it

[@nin10ja]

24:58 Iwata was spot on there, look at the reaction to the ps5 pro.

[@davidtitanium22]

He was saying that during the ps3/ps4 era, which was at least still noticeable, but not as impressive as the jumps between ps1/ps2/ps3. Ps5/pro graphical difference is just sad

[@Crafty_boy70]

@@davidtitanium22 Even the jump from PS4 to PS5 felt rather small imo

[@EnigmaticGentleman]

I think they'll keep directs just because they keep everyone on the same page, but I think revealing more games individually could be a good move. It worked well back in 2020 and got more people talking about certain games then they would otherwise.

[@NiNGalaxU2]

I never knew Mr Iwata personally but he's one of the only public people I would've wanted to ever meet. There was something genuine about him. Something that made you think he's actually a good human despite being a big corporate boss who actually cares about his workers and customers alike. After seeing Mr Sakurai's video yesterday about him I only felt validated in my opinion about Mr Iwata.

[@davidtitanium22]

The idea is so cool it would be crazy if you actually predicted it

[@RakastanPorkkanakakkua]

The idea of a playable direct is simply amazing, especially the way you described "get your controllers ready, mystery game time!", now imagine someone like a huge F-Zero fan being surprised by F-Zero 99. Truly an unforgettable experience. Now I will put my "Business Hat" and say Nintendo should sell "tickets" for at least the Direct live reveal, it is basically like going to a show, so I might as well profit from it. After the direct ends, lock the playable version behind NSO and keep the "unplayable version" on YT.

[@evermillcreek]

An interactive Direct is a stellar idea 💡 great thinking - not many people that are thorough at researching have your imagination 💫

[@amygeer2217]

I don’t know if replacing Directs is such a good idea.

[@ThePaulineu]

Yeah I just love them

[@TakisEnjoyer]

While I agree, people been saying the same stuff about Directs when they were just introduced and now everyone loves them. We'll see how things go and maybe Nintendo actually cooking a great replacement

[@AmbiVA-g8d]

That’s never stopped Nintendo

[@marcheharvey2301]

Have you even watched the video? It's not about replacing but an innovation of the formula because of the different factors stated in the video (leaks/controls).

[@davidtitanium22]

TLDW: The video talked about possibly adding an interactive element to the directs for NSO EX subscribers. In other words: other people gets the regular directs, but also the personal experiences shared by the NSO EX members it would be a goldmine for content creators as well

[@wootmasterzorsx]

I think the proposed concept is very interesting. But I feel like this kind of idea would be the most beneficial as a free feature, when this play test is for one that’s for NSO. Not that NSO at the base tier is light on members, but just that it would feel like it has the maximum reach for anybody to play along with a Direct overhaul. Also, I’m gonna say, if the next console is more iterative than an evolution for Nintendo, I have a hard time seeing them changing how Directs work. Since the Wii U at least had a substantial gimmick, and the Switch successor, from what little we can glean seems like just a… well, a Switch 2. Still, there is a mystique about the idea I can’t deny, though I’d need to be able to experience something like it firsthand to really get behind it. And I can’t deny there’s always the possibility they adjust how Directs are done.

[@nintendoforecast]

Good point on NSO. Theoretically, it would be easier with an iterative successor since they can stream games to the old Switch without a console compatibility issue.

[@nindieboy4194]

Your channel is the most interesting Nintendo channel. I love the content and listening to you.

[@nintendoforecast]

Thank you!

[@thepresident4806]

I want to point out that the idea you are proposing as a possible evolution for Nintendo Directs sounds pretty similar to Fortnite events as in "Interactive presentations with mini games", they even upload video versions of those events in their KZbin channel.

[@TehJimlad]

I LOVE your idea of a playable direct!

[@beegusburger]

I’m not sure if this is in development there…but it’s a fantastic idea that I hope in some form they do. Great video, I hope someone internal can see it!

[@thesirms]

i think you’re absolutely right. look up Camp Hyrule. we are getting an elevated/spiritual successor to that

[@nintendoforecast]

Hadn't known about this. Thanks!

[@smcclure3545]

Now that I've seen the entire argument, I think that yes: it's a brilliant pattern to connect the dots with. In fact, I will be surprised if it isn't mostly what you're describing. First reaction, I'm not sure about the practicality of having users move over to their Switch for Directs... But, they wouldn't need "everyone"... it's a portable device... so bringing in pre-registrations, and engaging in some operant conditioning, I suppose it's not unrealistic. Gosh, I even HOPE it comes to be that! Nice man, no one else has offered such a nintendo-esque reason for what we're seeing. Very novel and well thought out!!

[@spectacularstarlight8206]

Yea I think directs have become such a staple that they can't get rid of them. Even if they did replace them people would just call it a direct, it's so popular that even when something isnt a direct or even Nintendo related people will call it a direct. Like PlayStation direct or sonic direct, trying to change it now would be a bad idea it is not over saturated, it might be one day but not now

[@smcclure3545]

😮 my thought as you hinted at your thesis at 20:15 ➡️ "You brilliant bas***d!" 🎉

[@Vee-o4c]

This is a great idea, I think that the way it could work is playing the games via streaming during this interactive direct, and as soon as the direct is over, they upload the video to KZbin etc of the interactive experience. They would capture gameplay of random participants. This would be an amazing experience as a Nintendo/gaming fan, and would work in conjunction with the existing Nintendo Directs, not necessarily replace them.

[@ShinyHuman]

This sounds like something similar to the Satelliview but more for previews and not full games. They did it before, and it definitely makes sense now

[@Pheicou]

Having an "E3 like event" we can have access to via the cloud directly on our Switch systems, a place where we can virtually hang out with our friends or alone using our Mii characters to watch the Direct and immediately after walk to places where we can try the newly announced games or other types of activities is a brilliant idea, it may take a few years but I hope Nintendo does this before someone else steals the idea.

[@vin_1113]

I like how the previous directs are constructed, we know a 1st party game gets announced first and then other games and then a big finale game. It was fast informative and it provided gameplay. I dont like having to interact with things like this, i just need a list of games, gameplay segments, release date or demo announcements and thats it

[@repoversemedium]

The Iwata directs felt so in touch with the Wii U era. The games may’ve been bland, but the marketing was something else.

[@israelnavabobadilla3503]

Nah, one of the reasons the Wii U failed was the marketing tbh

[@christiancountryboyilovejesus]

2013 - 2015 had some good games on Wii U. New Super Mario Bros U was awful though.

[@brock985]

It felt in touch with the core fan base for sure, it’s an odd thing to see for me. I care less than ever about Nintendo Directs, because they lack any personality, but they’re also more popular than ever simply because of how successful the Switch is.

[@Jackie_burnp]

It felt touched because there were so few Nintendo fans at the time. It felt like they were talking to US Not necessarily saying that era was worse or better because of it, but that certainly is the reason why it may have perhaps felt more personal

[@DANCERcow]

Oh piss off, you lot didn't care nor like the Wii u from the start. Now it's "man the Wii u era was so underrated and good" I wonder why? Because of you lot

[@marcheharvey2301]

An interactive direct is such a fun idea! Great video.

[@mettelindegardnielsen9411]

While your idea sounds cool and i think could be a good idea as a complementary thing to directs I see multiple obstacles for why it can't be a substitute or their new main way of doing announcements. Depending on the game it might not fit that way of announcement(like there are games that doesn't demo well) + third party(and nintendo themselves to a degree) might have a hard time supporting that type of announcements, since there is a lot of work needed to make it. Like the work needed to make a demo is a part of the reasons, why not more games have a demo. Also this type of announcement probably will have a hard time moving outside the hardcore fanbase. But no matter what I do agree that it makes sends for nintendo to become more experimental with announcements agian and that aspect of your idea might be a part of it.

[@elsamarks8477]

I’ve been stuck on this “Nintendo ‘Zigs’ when you expect them to ‘zag’” thing for some time. A phenomenon with Switch 2 speculation is that the system cannot just be the Switch again with better hardware because that would be boring. But only Nintendo has to deal with that problem! Sony and Xbox have been putting out the same system since their initial releases with small improvements and everyone remains generally pleased. Nintendos crazy innovation has always been consistent with Market trends. The analogue stick on the n64 was an innovation but one on the backs of work other hardware manufacturers were attempting. The DS was touch screen of course and that was innovative, but again touch screens were already desirable, they just did it best. Portable consoles like the Switch are not a huge innovation, it just makes sense. I have no doubt that Nintendo will try something wacky with Switch 2 (and Directs!) but they won’t toss out a proven formula until it stops working. And right now the Directs are absolutely working for them

[@Crafty_boy70]

I'm late to this video, but what if they were to combine the current system with this playable idea that you're proposing? They could have the "Interactive Directs" for the Switch Online members, but they could also livestream the tried and true regular ones on KZbin at the same time. The streamed Directs could use pre-recorded footage from the "Demos" during the timeframe that the Interactive viewers are playing them. (If that makes any sense)

[@_sparrowhawk]

What a brilliant idea! Iwata would be proud :D

[@Technically_Techy]

your voice and channel is really good at putting people to sleep. It's very monotone and you go very in depth in ways most people find boring which I like. it's like someone talking about one of their autism special interest which if it's a topic I'm passionate towards and care about then I love the content. I try to put myself to sleep with this channels content sometimes but then I'm interested in the content this channel is about so I end up watching the whole video instead of going to sleep, plus these videos aren't long enough. Maybe this sparks an idea for a 2nd channel or more content idea's.

[@ekurisona663]

iwata = iwata asks, nintendo directs, wii, ds, wii u, 3ds, switch 💙🧚🏼‍♂

[@evermillcreek]

I love how open and transparent Nintendo are when they feel it's appropriate 👌🏻

[@Neverbloomgaming]

I miss iwata. Things haven't been the same since he left us 😭

[@cyberrb25]

I think one of the most missed hits was the Partner Showcase. I've been preaching to the void that Nintendo needed to use it to give one company the premiere featuring, and use that to both give it a popularity boost and to entice the company to make games for them. For example, if on the early days where the format was extremely maligned, the Partner Showcases were something like "Nintendo Partner Showcase feat. Capcom", or Ubisoft, they would at least give some value to them. Have a bigger game from them as anchor, use a couple extra games if they can, and gather around other games from other publishers. I wonder who had the idea for Partner Showcases, and I assume part of it was that PS is a Direct without Nintendo games made during an era when Nintendo was unsure if they could deliver games - the pandemic era -, but they definitely fumbled the brand hard.

[@RMS_Gigantic]

The complication of a demo is that you're trying to make a portion of an unfinished game presentable, which is a risk from two directions: On the one hand, particularly when it comes to widely distributed demos, people might crack the files faster than expected and leak all kinds of information in advance (especially if you're essentially offering a time-limited version of the full game, as Super Smash Bros. Brawl did). On the other hand, if you try to reduce those leaks by removing spoiler-y data (and make your demo less bloated in the process), then you run the risk that something inside your demo might depend on something outside the demo, and crash unexpectedly during the player's experience. In fact, even beyond the point above, the use of an unfinished (and thus almost certainly buggy) game as the basis of a demo is bound to lead to unexpected behavior, if not outright crashes. This was the very reason why the E3 show floor-and even pre-release demos like the sort Nintendo used to show at Best Buys across North America-had attendants close by, to troubleshoot or reset the demo if bugs should arise. This is why, as Sakurai pointed out on his KZbin channel, the process of making a demo is a labor-intensive, time-consuming, and nerve-racking experience for developers. With that said, I found the idea fascinating that the playtest might be for streaming demos of upcoming games ever since you first floated the idea-namely because streaming these demos would (mostly) resolve the risk of secretive data leaking out through datamining, and it'd make a LOT of sense for such demos to require an active NSO account-heck, it even explains why the playtest would be limited to Expansion Pak members, since that would help reduce traffic to the streaming servers (and limit the player pool to those who would be least likely to leak information if they saw something they shouldn't have, or spread negative word-of-mouth if they found a bug). Come to think of it, in terms of the time and labor necessary to publish a demo... do you think that might've been the motivation for one of Nintendo's more recent studio acquisitions? For example, do you suppose Shiver Entertainment's experience porting pre-existing games onto Switch might translate to them being able to polish buggy, unfinished demos while removing potentially spoiler-y content?

[@nintendoforecast]

My feeling is that they would be streaming a limited amount - much more limited than a full demo. And because Nintendo generally only reveal titles within months of release, I think it would be rare to have a game previewed that was buggy in any way (or not that part of it anyway). Really interesting point about Shiver.

[@RMS_Gigantic]

@nintendoforecast That's an excellent point about how close to release Nintendo typically reveals titles-one which I hadn't considered! This would also make sense from a standpoint that Nintendo might make a demo of the digital version of a game available while physical versions of that same game are being produced (and thus are still a ways away from release).

[@cesarbarroso7225]

Everybody is forgetting about Metroid Prime 4. I believe there is a big chance it is the online testing for its online mode. Nothing new would be spilled beyond a few worlds.

[@nerdzone]

If that happens, I will be beyond ecstatic.

[@orangeoblivion]

I have to say, I miss Reggie a lot and I’m sad Doug Bowser doesn’t do advertising like he did.

[@toekneemart5597]

I absolutely adore this idea but this feels even more prone to leaks and huge data mine efforts than the directs I mean even assuming you don't leak the games early your still giving people access to a fair bit of game files and seeing as to how much gets leaked from demos already I figure you'd see a large increase in that particular type of leak when combining it with the hype and desire to leak that comes with a direct

[@MrGuy__]

wow. that idea is so striking, so "nintendo-like". you did make it clear that it's not necessarily a prediction for the playtest, but if you're somehow right, i mean, you win. might as well rename your channel to "the nintendo prophet" lol

[@baked7423]

I definitely see more twitter drops as a way to relay information when they don't have enough games for a direct. They scarcely did it over the switch's life with TOK and NSO but over the course of the last year, there have been many twitter drops where new trailers or information for all the new games upcoming. There's business reason for nintendo to do the directs where they have been but i think now Nintendo seems more comfortable doing twitter reveals possibly instead of artificially putting out directs. The new style for partner and indie showcase they tried also seems their attempt at driving more attention/not needing as many directs. Honestly even if directs are too standard, i see no reason for nintendo to get rid of them if they don't have nothing of equal or greater worth to replace it. Directs are too big and usually have way more eyes on them than the other console showcases. Usually they are not one to change just for the sake of it especially nowadays where i feel furakawa has a more conservative view. I also saw lack of directs as just a sign of whats to come really but if they are choosing to slowly lessen the amount of directs im interested in the direction since a common complaint nowadays for sony is how closely guarded with info they are and whats coming I really like the idea of interactive presentations. im unsure if it would be worth the effort than just making a demo. Especially since trailers generate hype more than anything and i feel like the novelty would wear off quickly. Scripted trailers also allow nintendo to showcase the game as they intend it to be while someone demoing might not get the intended experience. It would be a cool feature tho to go alongside maybe traditional directs. Like a real reason to watch on ur console or sub to NSo if it's a feature there. Especially if they do plan to add back some sort of 'miiverse' then i think it could work well

[@Smexbi]

0:46 "Roasted Kid" - meme

[@filegnaru]

I do love the idea but I very much doubt Nintendo would exclude everyone in the wrong timezone (at school/at work/asleep during the time of the Direct). Even changing the time for each presentation so that everyone in the world feels excluded sometimes and included at other times is still a bad choice imo. Whatever way Nintendo will evolve the current Direct format they definitely will not forget that they are a global company aimed at all ages and that this means the asynchronous experience of the Direct needs to be as good as the live experience.

[@nintendoforecast]

I imagine it would be available with time delays. Realistically, it would probably be easier to avoid spoilers if it's via their bespoke tech than on the wilds of the internet.

[@work_days8745]

I love directs... but what I miss are the funny skits.

[@xAfroMetalHead1990x]

So we start beaming info directly into people’s brains now?

[@Goolix_Aero]

They're going to start bringing the news 🙌directly🙌 to your brain with telepathy

[@madnessarcade7447]

Nintendo always updates the format

[@themaniniboy]

I have no problems with the idea here, but it does seem like a bit of a weird forecast, considering that there are no real signs that nintendo is dissatisfied with directs, or that they specifically have a new style of presentation on the way.

[@marcheharvey2301]

How about the possibility that the leaks came via youtube's end? You think Nintendo doesn't care about that?

[@pokemonduck]

Directs have already evolved considerably, they're nothing like what they used to be. Now they're just glorified ad reels instead of a sneak peak at what Nintendo is cooking

[@lyinginertia]

As cool as the playable directs sounds it seems like too much of an investment for little payoff. Would it be mandatory to be playable? if opt-in would people even use it compared to just downloading an eShop demo or watching the trailers uploaded to the main channel after a direct? streaming is pretty expensive and they'd have to rely on developers/publishers to issue out a playable state of their build + setup streaming servers which is expensive. Not to mention they'd have to get KZbin to integrate something like this. Since KZbin has the most amount of users, I'm not sure they'd create their own Direct app (in that case can just do eShop demos which is much cheaper and reliable) One of Iwata's points was reaching beyond their core audience (which KZbin provides from mobile users to PC users) how would they control the games in the direct? it sounds like you'd have to be on a Switch or its successor for it to work but that would take away from reaching beyond their audience

[@nintendoforecast]

I guess there'd still be a version that goes to KZbin but a playable version would be NSO exclusive.

[@breen7771]

Getting rid of Nintendo directs would just kill any potential for hype among super fans. I know Nintendo wants to appeal to the casual gamer but Nintendo fans need something to get excited about. It’s how to keeo us engaging with the brand even during the downtime between games.

[@wheatbread2944]

partner showcases were such a bad mistake honestly. nintendo has by a landslide the most beloved and notable and paid attention to presentations, and then they just threw it out the window to make presentations identical to the usual playstation or other company presentations :( and after february and august, its like theyre replacing nintendo directs with these really lifeless presentations

[@Crafty_boy70]

I think you misunderstand. Partner Showcases are for when they don't have many (or any) first party announcements at all. They started in 2020 when naturally, they only had a handful of announcement period, let alone enough to fill 3 Directs. They returned this year because most of their early 2024 games were announced earlier and were remakes with no justification to treat them like Direct-worthy blockbusters, and with the Switch 2 on the horizon, anything after 2024/early 2025 is mostly to do with that new system, so there probably isn't much left that we didn't see in June. Partner Showcases are purely supplementary and have no reason for or evidence that they will replace regular Directs.

[@MagnitudeReviews]

Fans are just a huge fan of directs. You can call them something else if you want. But there would be a massive blowback from nintendo fans if Nintendo were to stop doing them all together.

[@christiancountryboyilovejesus]

Nintendo Directs just need to get better. Get rid of the puns and annoying commentary. Show interviews with the game creators explaining their art. Make it feel special, not like a commercial, but a direct message from the artist to the audience. Don't waste time on games that don't look great. Just stick them in a montage or something. You can shadow drop demos right after the Direct.

[@oscarguzman3017]

The switch sports characters always look SO god damn terrible

[@xAfroMetalHead1990x]

So we start beaming info directly into people’s brains now?