You are an example as the why these forums are some of the best on the Internet. Intelligent, respectful discussion.
Well done.
We will have to simply disagree on Reggie.
"My job is hard" isn't an excuse in my eyes, though, I do think compassion is sadly lacking in this world. My comments are stated point blank and matter of factly (opinionly?). While I don't take the time to balance those comments with compassion, I did mention that he shouldn't be fired, but reassigned to a position he would fit better in.
He was an American liaison of sorts with developers and in that role, he did not do well at all. As a stonewall versus the press, he did what Nintendo needed: be a wall that won't admit weakness, no matter how true the questions. The Wii era needed that. And I conceded that point. But that time is gone and Reggie seems a little lost. Iwata took up the reigns where needed. Reggie isn't a CEO. He's a "talker." So he should be reassigned to a "talker" position. A PR guy. Everything you mentioned about his job seems to reflect the truth of this. PR. Not developer relations. Not product development input. Talk. Specifically to the press. Whether its Xpasy, IGN, the numerous gaming news outlets, or late night with akin my Fallon. Let Reggie do that stuff. He's OK. But now with the potential of Wii U, Nintendo doesn't need a stonewall tough guy defending Nintendo from critics. They need someone who oozes excitement for the console and creates it with his energy and words. And good PR person knows that every question. Every public comment is an opportunity to do that. Reggie doesn't do that. Maybe he needs to refresh himself. Everyone does from time to time.
But my point was that iwata did the right thing in taking some of Reggie's responsibilities. For Nintendos sake. It had to happen. It's also merciful of iwata in my opinion, because it saves Reggie the heartache if being fired and replaced by someone else. That may still be coming. But the way it's handeled says a lot about Iwata as a man as well as a CEO. The human element is what has made Nintendo stand out amongst cold, corporate competitors. And Iwata is maintaining that heart alongside his business skills.
Ultimately, a CEO has to make decisions that are very hard and even heartbreaking for the benefit of the company, long term. Apples Tom Cook had to recently let to of a guy (Scott Forstall) who had been part of Apples skyrocketing comeback from the brink. But then the asset became a liability and that situation had to be addressed. I think Nintendo is much more compassionate about addressing the issue: anyone not focused on the news sees the same thing: Reggie at E3. Reggie on Nintendo Direct. Reggie on YouTube, Nintendo.com, etc. Reggie talking to press. So gamers aren't shaken up and Reggie saves face. Iwata deserves credit for they too.
There are many sides to the coin (only two actually, but this is the Internet...) and you have given some truthful, insightful, and valuable commentary. I agree with what you said actually. But I also believe it was necessary for change and that Reggie isn't the best guy for his former position. At least it is being handled nicely and with respect.
It is coincidental that you responded right when I returned home from grocery shopping. Before I begin, I share your sentiments, and, even before I began posting, would always wait for 'socialmuscle' to chime in. Between you, 3dude, routerbad, and morbidgod, I was elated to see such rational and intelligent thinking on display in a medium that is usually a place for anything but.
Anyway, I always go to the electronic section of any store that I visit. It is simply a rule. What do we see with the Wii U display? First, there is not a 'Wii U' banner, only 'Wii'. There were 6 or 7 Wii U games present, and Nintendoland was mixed in with the Wii titles.
Now, I did not go to the kiosk, but, the last time I checked, there were videos, and very few demos, if any. Plus, they use the white model. I ask you, if you wanted to show off Nintendo land, and asymmetric gameplay, why not have a wii mote there, a black model, and a special demo for a single player game, and a multiplayer title within the game? There is your Wii Sports thing, in a way, right there.
My problem with the white model is that it is too similar to the Wii, and their current kiosk is relatively useless.
I blame Reggie and NOA for this. However, to respond to your post in its' entirety, I have to ask you to remove Reggie from the equation, and think of him as a metaphor. Since Iwata is now the CEO of NOA, just as the one fellow was before him, Reggie more or less is in the same position as COO (unless they gave him the title and asked him to only pop up when asked, Ha). So, Iwata, more or less, Instructs the subsidiary as president. Then, as CEO, he is also in charge of the subsidiary.
From my perspective, this is Nintendo saying, "We do not have a clue as to how the American gaming industry works right now, at least from the standpoint of certain demographics and partners. We need to further study this to increase consumer utility (which ultimately results in more third party support and Nintendo giving fans what they want quicker, or rather, being less stubborn)".
Alternatively, they could have a completely different vision, and what we saw was not what Iwata wanted. This could be your point coming true.
My point is, people are quick to judge, quick to criticize. This is especially true with Nintendo. They see it as Nintendo and Sega, or Gamecube, PS2, XBOX Original. Heck, many are blind to market changes, and think this generation will be business as usual. The reality is that Nintendo has to be different, as it has a different goal. It will never be the powerhouse, even if tried (technical). Its' first parties will never win over the fans that want Halo or Killzone first. Yet, you can match the graphics at a different resolution, offer stuff like Bayonetta and X, and possibly even snag a few other exclusives that appeal to the Halo crowd (hopefully in the sci fi, Metroid way, but with more action I guess and not just multiplayer).
I think we are on the same page, and even the same paragraph. Possibly just different sentences:).
