From most players' perspectives,Nintendogames already provide people with more than enough things to do. Games likeThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildandSuper Mario Odysseyallow players to come up with ridiculous ways to beat them, and fans can make their own fun. But Nintendo isn’t satisfied with this.
During the company’s latest financial briefing,Nintendopresident Tatsumi Kimishima said that fans should expect more DLC for its games in future. As Kimishima explained, “To promote longer gameplay for individual software titles, we plan to implement even more downloadable content and events that build excitement for games.”
Nintendo is already well-versed in releasing DLC for its games to keep players investing more time. For example,The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildgotDLC expansionsand the Nintendo Switch exclusive fighting gameARMSreceived several new fighters and maps post-launch.
Meanwhile,Super Mario Odysseyadded abrand new game mode for free. Plus, the Wii U version ofMario Kart 8added new characters and tracks as DLC (all of these are included in the Nintendo Switch version of the game).
This can also be considered as Nintendo’s first careful steps into the world of games as a service. Games as a service refers to any game that makes money beyond its initial sale. Titles such asDestiny 2,Final Fantasy 15, andAssassin’s Creed Originsare several games that fall into the category, as they have received DLC, updates, and live events.
In many cases, titles under the umbrella of games as a service also offer microtransactions andloot boxes. There’s no indication that Nintendo wants to use that sort of monetization, and any heavy-handedness could see the company hit with backlash. But in any case, many will seeNintendo’s new strategy as a positive for players who will now be given even more reasons to play games they already enjoy.
