Japanese gaming giant Nintendo is still taking baby steps into the mobile gaming world, something that until about a year ago was an idea shunned by the legendary game console makers. Because of their inexperience in the field, they roped in Japan-based mobile outfit DeNA to guide them through the process of launching their first few games. The first one has been launched, and DeNA says the next two mobile game apps from Nintendo will be free to download.
DeNA partnered with Nintendo to launch Miitomo, the company’s first mobile gaming app. Nintendo is scheduled to launch around 4 more game apps towards 2017, and DeNA says the next two will be of the “free-to-download” type. The next two games will be role-playing franchise “Fire Emblem” and community simulation “Animal Crossing,” both popular Nintendo games. “Fire Emblem and Animal Crossing are both free-to-start apps,” DeNA Chief Executive Isao Moriyasu confirmed.
These free-to-play games are often part of a strategy used by mobile gaming outfits to increase revenue. The app will allow players to start playing a game for free, but offers in-app purchases in the form of power-ups and special items. This newer business model increases opportunities for the company to earn from games.
Fire Emblem is a tactical RPG franchise, while Animal Crossing is a community simulation game noted for its open-ended gameplay. There is no clear information yet on when these titles would launch for both Android and iOS.
VIA: Wall Street Journal
