Touchscreen functionality optional for developers on the Wii U, John Carmack approves Nintendo’s next console
Nintendo’s next console, the Wii U, has the support and the approval of John Carmack, the Technical Director of Id Software.
The studio is currently in the gaming world’s sights as being the developers behind the eagerly anticipated, post apocalyptic, first person shooter, RAGE. However, it seems that Carmack sees potential in the Wii U, in being able to run the company’s trademark
Tech 5 games technology, while at the same time conceding that Id Software had not actually given the move a serious thought.
In the end, however, for those who are considering whether or not to purchase the Wii U when it releases, Carmack did share a bit of good news citing the Wii U as an ‘intelligent decision.’
“It should be a slam dunk to move over to Tech 5 games on there. We haven’t had that discussion yet as a company, but it seems technically like it’s a valid target,” Carmack explained, before continuing, “I think they (Nintendo) probably made a fairly intelligent
decision with the Wii U.”
Carmack substantiated his support of the Wii U and seemed to warm to the idea of the touch interface on the console’s controller. He explained how many developers would welcome the option and revealed that Nintendo had experience with touch-sensitive gaming
devices with the 3DS and DS, both of which were hugely successful.
He continued his support of the Wii U, when he defended the touch-screen fitted controller from being more than a marketing gimmick.
The Wii U was officially unveiled at this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), in Los Angeles, where it was greeted with a mixed reception. While the console made the leap on to High Definition gaming, it did so with a slightly out dated processor
and with ‘single player’ focus in mind. The latter was a concern as the original Wii was marketed as a family oriented gaming device, and that too very successfully.
Nintendo themselves addressed the issue of the controller by explaining that it was up to developers to decide whether or not they wished to make use of the feature.
Katsuya Eguchi, Nintendo’s EAD, explained, “I don’t think it’s necessary for any and all developers working on software for the Wii U to make use of all of its features, including the touchscreen. Regardless of whether it’s a Nintendo developer or a third-party
developer, if it makes sense for the game to make use of the touchscreen, I hope they take advantage of that. If it doesn’t, I hope they don’t.”
A refreshing bit of honesty from Nintendo, which will go some way in allaying concerns any gamers may have, yet whether or not the Wii U can replicate the stellar success of its predecessor remains to be seen.
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