For better or for worse, Nintendo as a company has always followed their own path. While it’s been incredibly frustrating for some hardcore players who want Nintendo to emulate Sony and Microsoft more closely, it is what it is. The company is also in the process of expanding into new areas it never had before, specifically mobile and new theme park partnerships, but don’t think it’s their way of trying to emulate the likes of Disney, for instance. Nintendo’s President says they’re still on their own path.
In an interview with TIME magazine, Shuntaro Furukawa was asked if things like the expansion into the theme park business was their way of trying to emulate the business plan of Disney, who used things like amusement parks to extend their brand over multiple generations. He rejected the idea, saying extending their brand has always been part of what Nintendo has always done and using new avenues has always been part of that.
“The idea of using our IP in things like theme parks or movies is simply an extension of the philosophy we’ve had all along.
“Nintendo is Nintendo because of our games, characters and IP. So giving our teams the freedom to experiment with new ideas is something I strongly agree with,” he said.
“Expansion can’t happen without the freedom to try something new, and the courage to step into unfamiliar territory.”
Nintendo certainly has been going into some new territories lately, and its IPs will be joining theme parks over the world soon. It’s a brave new world for the company, but also one where they’ll always walk down their own road regardless.
