Nintendo's Approach to Mobile Transactions

By Jorge Ba-oh 02.07.2015 2

Nintendo

Nintendo boss Satoru Iwata discussed the company's different pricing approaches for mobile gaming apps.

When it comes to mobile apps, Nintendo are pondering different payment schemes for games: a one-off payment or free-to-start scheme with micro-transactions.

When it comes to free-to-start, Nintendo are aware of psychological issues with players "do not think twice about pushing the button, which immediately completes the monetary transaction." Over in Japan, a small number spend a high volume, whilst in other regions, more players spend less money within the games themselves. 

The business model Nintendo are looking to take is to "make applications that appeal to a wide variety of people so that the games can receive payments widely but shallowly from each consumer." 

Iwata feels that "even if a consumer makes a relatively small payment, because of the large consumer base, the game can generate big revenue."

Nintendo will also be providing more of a "service" with these applications, as the "release of the game does not mark the end of its development." Nintendo aim to entertain consumers with these ideas over the long term, and "would like to grow each one of our small number of game applications."

"We would like to make several software titles that are considered worldwide hits as soon as possible," stated Iwata.

Which approach do you think Nintendo should opt for their mobile games?

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Personally I think they should use a similar model to the one used in FF:RK which had one of the greatest F2P models I have ever witnessed. Sure, there were clear advantages if paying, but the game was never inaccessible for people not paying and the downtimes were highly reasonable.

If they can put the balance somewhere around where it is in FF:RK, then I am perfectly fine with that.

The difference between illusion and reality is vague to the one who suffers from the former and questionable for the one suffering form the later.

As long as they don't punish those who don't pay by making progress a complete drag then I'm fine with this model. I feel Pokemon Shuffle is a tad too restrictive to start with so hopefully they do something a bit better than that if that's the way they're going.

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