The Wii Gets Games Download Service

The old model of buying a game in a case is slowly dying out. One more nail in the coffin is the WiiWare initiative from Nintendo. It aims to be a digital distribution channel for games that is easily accessible, largely customizable and offers all developers the possibility to get games out to players.

Think of it in terms of Steam. While initially restricted to only Valve games, it now offers various games for quick, legal and paid downloading. More and more game producers choose to make their games available via Steam, while also launching them in game stores. With the launch of the Steamworks application package, all game developers will be able to quickly create digital distribution channels so that they can get the games they make to the players quickly and easily and sometimes without needing a designated publisher. Such a system has the advantage of promoting innovative and indie games side by side with the big releases. It also lets users choose and acquire the games they like without leaving the comfort of their favorite gamer chair.

Nintedo intends to replicate the Steam success with the WiiWare. All the game developers that target the Wii platform can develop a game and then send it to Nintendo for certification. We are not quite sure what the process of certification implies and Nintendo did not clarify further, but they said that the process is to be as simple as possible. If it passes certification, then it will get a place in the virtual marketplace that is WiiWare, and anyone willing to pay can get the game. Prices will vary and users will be able to rate a game and therefore influence the success of any of the titles available.

Demos might be available on the Wiiware, but Nintendo says it will not require games to provide demos to qualify for WiiWare. On May 12, look out for the North American release, while in Europe stay tuned for a soon-to-be-announced release date.

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