Nintendo on Thursday rolled out its first smartphone game after years of refusing to stray from a consoles-only policy as it tries to better compete with rivals.
The Japanese company has struggled as Sony and Microsoft outpaced it in console sales, while the three companies are also fighting off a trend toward cheap -- even free -- downloadable games for smartphones and other mobile devices.
Kyoto-based Nintendo had been criticised for its longstanding refusal to license some of its iconic brands for use on mobile applications.
Now, free-to-play "Miitomo" allows players to create their own "Mii" avatars, customise their outfit through in-app purchases and interact with characters created by other people or friends.
Mii avatars also ask questions to players such as "What did you do on the weekend?" and "What is your favourite food?," with the answers shared with other characters.
The release of the smartphone game "is another step forward" for Nintendo to increase the number of people who play games, a spokesman told AFP.
The game was only released In Japan initially but wi be rolled out in 15 other countries including the United States and France in eight languages this month, he said.
The move comes after the maker of the Super Mario and Pokemon franchises last year announced a tie-up with Tokyo-based mobile gaming company DeNA to develop games for smartphones.
Nintendo also bought a stake in DeNA as part of a deal to develop smartphone games based on its host of popular characters, possibly including Super Mario and Donkey Kong.
Then Nintendo President Satoru Iwata, a leading figure in the videogame industry who died from cancer in July at the age of 55, had said the Nintendo-DeNA tie-up would help tap a new customer base.
AFP
Thu Mar 17 2016
Kyoto-based Nintendo had been criticised for its longstanding refusal to license some of its iconic brands for use on mobile applications. - AFP photo / Toru YAMANAKA
Spotlight on ASEAN business: Charting new frontiers
Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry
Levi’s Buka Semula Kedai Terbesar di Suria KLCC, Malaysia
Levi’s telah membuka semula kedai flagship terbesar di Asia Tenggara di Suria KLCC, seluas 393 meter persegi, dengan konsep NextGen Indigo dan pengalaman membeli-belah moden. Kedai ini menawarkan pelbagai koleksi unik serta opsyen personalisasi berinspirasi Malaysia.
Jiwa SME: Reclimate Sdn Bhd: Inovasi Teknologi Bersih Mengubah Sisa Pertanian Menjadi Biochar
Berpusat di Kuala Lumpur, Reclimate Sdn Bhd berada di barisan hadapan inovasi teknologi bersih, mengubah sisa pertanian menjadi biochar untuk meningkatkan kesihatan tanah dan mengurangkan pelepasan karbon. Platform digital mereka menggunakan IoT untuk memastikan ketelusan dan memperkasa petani dengan kredit karbon berkualiti tinggi.
Siasatan ke atas GISBH, 740 rakaman percakapan direkod - KPN
Tindakan ini diambil menerusi Op Global yang dilaksanakan bagi fasa pertama dan kedua.
[Data & Statistik] Prestasi ringgit setakat 18 September 2024
Ketua Ahli Ekonomi Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid berkata sejajar jangkaan Rizab Persekutuan AS (Fed) untuk mengurangkan kadar faedah minggu depan, ringgit dijangka terus mengukuh dalam tempoh urus niaga singkat pada minggu ini.
[Data & Statistik] Kedudukan MYR berbanding SGD setakat 18 Sept 2024
Niaga AWANI bawakan prestasi terkini prestasi Ringgit Malaysia berbanding dolar Singapura.
Unpacking the key drivers fueling economic expansion in 2024
Discussion with Chief Executive Officer, BIMB Securities Sdn Bhd, Dr. Rosnani Rasul to understand the multifaceted dynamics shaping Malaysia's economic landscape in 2024. From projected GDP growth and robust private consumption to navigating global economic conditions and commodity price volatility, the country faces both opportunities and challenges.
Ringgit dibuka rendah berbanding dolar AS
Pada 8.13 pagi, ringgit susut kepada 4.2610/2785 berbanding dolar US daripada 4.2535/2645 ketika ditutup pada Selasa.
Piala EFL: Manchester United pesta jaringan di Old Trafford, belasah kelab divisyen tiga
Rashford menjaringkan gol pertama sejak pertengahan Mac ketika melakar kemenangan aksi Liga Perdana Inggeris ke atas Southampton.
Keterjaminan Makanan: Tingkat kelangsungan bekalan beras negara
Untuk mengulas lanjut berkenaan industri padi beras negara, serta usaha yang boleh dilakukan untuk meningkatkan tahap sara diri, kita bersama dengan Prof Madya Dr Muhamad Shakirin Mispan
Pensyarah di Institut Sains Biologi, Fakulti Sains, Universiti Malaya (UM).
Pensyarah di Institut Sains Biologi, Fakulti Sains, Universiti Malaya (UM).