The new forums will be named Coin Return (based on the most recent vote)! You can check on the status and timeline of the transition to the new forums here.
Please vote in the Forum Structure Poll. Polling will close at 2PM EST on January 21, 2025.
Nintendo 3DS Thread: New Thread for 3DS Discussion
I liked how Nintendo region locked the 3DS citing language, age ratings and currency as the reasons... and then put Australia and New Zealand in the same region as Europe. Pillocks.
Did Nintendo ever cite reasons, or are you just going with the internet's assumptions?
I always thought the reason was to make sure that localization teams get their due in each region - in other words, the people who bothered to translate the game into German get money from German gamers, rather than everyone importing the US version and putting them out of business just because it took them a couple weeks/months to finish localization.
Did Nintendo ever cite reasons, or are you just going with the internet's assumptions?
I always thought the reason was to make sure that localization teams get their due in each region - in other words, the people who bothered to translate the game into German get money from German gamers, rather than everyone importing the US version and putting them out of business just because it took them a couple weeks/months to finish localization.
No, I am not making this up. Those were Nintendo's reasons that they have reiterated whenever asked. Age ratings (and wanting to "control" what content we get) is the one they play up the most... despite Australia and New Zealand not using PEGI.
The reason you cited is fictional. A lot of RPGs and adventure games on DS don't get released in Europe because it's too expensive to localise into several other European languages. Most Germans don't want to play an RPG in English. That's why games like 999 and Radiant Historia don't come out over here, we have no choice but to import them. Atlus are a really bad offender, they didn't even release the second Trauma Center DS game over here.
Do you say it's fictional because you've worked in the industry and know how these things work, or is this just an opposing assumption?
The games you spoke of that don't get localized in European countries because it's too expensive - you know why it's too expensive? Because they can't make their money back on it, since people will just import the English version rather than waiting for localization.
Maybe most Germans don't want to play an RPG in English, but then that renders the import discussion moot. If they don't want to play it then they won't care whether the console is region free or not. However, since a non-region free console acts as an incentive to localization teams, even a small one, there's a chance they'll get their wish.
No, I'm not campaigning for region locking, there are more negatives than positives overall. I'm just saying this is a logical reason to do it - to make sure local teams get their money. Heck, not just the game translation team, but the localized web site team, the localized marketing teams, everything that deals with the game's release in that specific region. If the console's region free and the localization is on a sixth month delay, and most gamers do understand enough English to get through a game...you'll see a not-insignificant amount of people importing, which means less sales to support that local effort.
Do you say it's fictional because you've worked in the industry and know how these things work, or is this just an opposing assumption?
The games you spoke of that don't get localized in European countries because it's too expensive - you know why it's too expensive? Because they can't make their money back on it, since most people will just import the English version rather than waiting for localization.
Maybe most Germans don't want to play an RPG in English, but then that renders the import discussion moot. If they don't want to play it then they won't care whether the console is region free or not. However, since a non-region free console acts as an incentive to localization teams, even a small one, there's a chance they'll get their wish.
You don't need to have worked in the industry to know the English literacy of most non-British Europeans is not good enough to play a text heavy game. They might not care about the option to import an American copy but British and English literate Europeans certainly do care. A region locked system is not going to make Atlus suddenly decide to bring out everything in Europe.
Again you are speaking about something you have no experience of. I have been importing games since the 90s and despite this it is something I would rather not do if given a choice. I can put up with dodgy release dates but a game not coming out here gives me no option but to import. Just like I am competent with a soldering iron and capable of modifying consoles it would be great if we didn't have to do that to play all region games but we don't have a choice.
And that's what it comes down to: *choices*. I don't like being dictated to what I can or cannot play.
No, I'm not campaigning for region locking, there are more negatives than positives overall. I'm just saying this is a logical reason to do it - to make sure local teams get their money. Heck, not just the game translation team, but the localized web site team, the localized marketing teams, everything that deals with the game's release in that specific region. If the console's region free and the localization is on a sixth month delay, and most gamers do understand enough English to get through a game...you'll see a not-insignificant amount of people importing, which means less sales to support that local effort.
The solution is to localise the European game concurrently with the American one instead of finishing one then starting the other. Nintendo manage this perfectly with the Mario & Luigi games with 5 languages. If a publisher treats the European market with contempt and have a non-existant presence here then they can't expect a loyal customer base.
And yes it does seem like you are campaigning for region locks. Whenever someone brings it up you vehemently defend the principal of them. If you lived in Europe, Australia or New Zealand you would understand why they are so toxic.
The thing that always baffled me is that there has never been any distinction between English European and Non-English European versions of console games. The UK market is, and has been for a couple of years now, larger than Japan's - and that's not counting Australia and New Zealand. When the UK gets the 'localised' version of a game, the English text is almost never localised in any way - it still uses the US spellings and phrases. I understand that there are some costs associated with splitting versions, but is the UK market seriously not large enough to justify direct copies of the US version with the region changed in the event that a game proves too tricky to translate into 5 languages?
My understanding is that a lot of games are currently exported from the UK right now simply because prices are lower and the language barrier frequently isn't a problem. Mainland Europe could still import, but in a far more convenient and cheaper way. Wouldn't releasing something UK-only rather than not at all produce higher sales numbers for minimal cost?
The thing that always baffled me is that there has never been any distinction between English European and Non-English European versions of console games. The UK market is, and has been for a couple of years now, larger than Japan's - and that's not counting Australia and New Zealand. When the UK gets the 'localised' version of a game, the English text is almost never localised in any way - it still uses the US spellings and phrases. I understand that there are some costs associated with splitting versions, but is the UK market seriously not large enough to justify direct copies of the US version with the region changed in the event that a game proves too tricky to translate into 5 languages?
My understanding is that a lot of games are currently exported from the UK right now simply because prices are lower and the language barrier frequently isn't a problem. Mainland Europe could still import, but in a far more convenient and cheaper way. Wouldn't releasing something UK-only rather than not at all produce higher sales numbers for minimal cost?
Sometimes there are games with English only while say France will get its own version with just French so this does happen already.
I think a big problem is companies like Atlus and Xseed that localise games for America have no European presence. Then a different publisher has to pay to license the game for Europe. I think Square Enix published the PS2 Persona games for example.
I do find it annoying that a handheld console is region locked. A home console? I guess I can see it. But many of us travel abroad, so it'd be nice to look in a local game shop and pick up a game to play on the train ride somewhere else.
I do find it annoying that a handheld console is region locked. A home console? I guess I can see it. But many of us travel abroad, so it'd be nice to look in a local game shop and pick up a game to play on the train ride somewhere else.
Oh well. I'm sure it'll be unlocked soon enough.
Indeed, I got my GBA SP while on holiday in Japan. My Gameboy Pocket was bought while waiting for a flight.
I do find it annoying that a handheld console is region locked. A home console? I guess I can see it. But many of us travel abroad, so it'd be nice to look in a local game shop and pick up a game to play on the train ride somewhere else.
Oh well. I'm sure it'll be unlocked soon enough.
Indeed, I got my GBA SP while on holiday in Japan. My Gameboy Pocket was bought while waiting for a flight.
I was disappointed when I visited Germany and couldn't purchase any of the games there because of region locking. I know it's Germany, but man I thought it'd be cool to have the German version of a game. :P
I do find it annoying that a handheld console is region locked. A home console? I guess I can see it. But many of us travel abroad, so it'd be nice to look in a local game shop and pick up a game to play on the train ride somewhere else.
Oh well. I'm sure it'll be unlocked soon enough.
Indeed, I got my GBA SP while on holiday in Japan. My Gameboy Pocket was bought while waiting for a flight.
I was disappointed when I visited Germany and couldn't purchase any of the games there because of region locking. I know it's Germany, but man I thought it'd be cool to have the German version of a game. :P
Off topic but there is a really good German (and Australian) exclusive for the DS called Giana Sisters DS. It's better than New Super Mario Bros and everyone should play it.
And yes it does seem like you are campaigning for region locks. Whenever someone brings it up you vehemently defend the principal of them. If you lived in Europe, Australia or New Zealand you would understand why they are so toxic.
That's why I said there are more negatives than positives overall.
But this is one clear positive, at least on the publisher's side of things. One reason why it's done, that's all. It seems like you're arguing that it's done for no reason, just to fuck with people, but that is not the case.
And yes it does seem like you are campaigning for region locks. Whenever someone brings it up you vehemently defend the principal of them. If you lived in Europe, Australia or New Zealand you would understand why they are so toxic.
That's why I said there are more negatives than positives overall.
But this is one clear positive, at least on the publisher's side of things. One reason why it's done, that's all. It seems like you're arguing that it's done for no reason, just to fuck with people, but that is not the case.
If you agree it is overwhelmingly negative then why defend it? You just come across as pointlessly argumentative and an apologist.
I know why they might choose to region lock but as a consumer that's not my problem, I don't care about their reasoning only that they do it. The PS3 is region free but nobody imports for that (I only have one import: RGG Kenzan) because Sony treat the European markets with respect. That's how it should be done.
If you agree it is overwhelmingly negative then why defend it? You just come across as pointlessly argumentative and an apologist.
Because I'm realistic and can understand pros and cons?
If everyone was complaining about the price of HD video games, it's not pointlessly argumentative to point out that high quality games demand higher budgets and thus higher prices, even if I'd rather not pay a higher price.
It comes across as pointlessly antagonistic to insist that a logical reason for doing something can't possibly be part of the explanation, simply because you hate it.
If you agree it is overwhelmingly negative then why defend it? You just come across as pointlessly argumentative and an apologist.
Because I'm realistic and can understand pros and cons?
If everyone was complaining about the price of HD video games, it's not pointlessly argumentative to point out that high quality games demand higher budgets and thus higher prices, even if I'd rather not pay a higher price.
It comes across as pointlessly antagonistic to insist that a logical reason for doing something can't possibly be part of the explanation, simply because you hate it.
*sigh*
I know the reasons, I've heard them all before. I have extensive experience with the importing scene and all the reasons game companies spout for fighting it. Like DVD regions and unskippable anti-piracy messages of course I know why they might do these things but it's so profoundly anti-consumer that I don't care. Same with region locks on games.
This is the last time I will entertain discussion with you on this subject because at this point I don't know if you're for real or just trolling.
Partly I think because taking in all of the waves of information feels exhausting after awhile, but also because there are no shortage of cynical (and stupid!) knee jerk reactions to read which eventually get to people.
I bought Punch Time Explosion. First Impression is that Green tricked me and is getting commissions on every copy he gets someone to buy
god, tell me things about this game
I want it but it's by CRAVE and I know that can't possibly end well
Kuribo's Shoe on
0
The_SpaniardIt's never lupinesIrvine, CaliforniaRegistered Userregular
edited June 2011
I am 20 points from Platinum and I have 2 post play surveys to do. Should I hold off registering Zelda until the end of the month when the calendar year rolls over so I can get 40 coins towards the next platinum or should I register quickly to get the soundtrack?
Quit getting mad at people getting mad at video games. This phrase is neither cute nor helpful.
I agree with you though, ha ha, the reality of it is the reality, and disliking an aspect of the industry doesn't mean it doesn't exist for a reason.
Anyhow, playing this thing. Picked up shantae and cave story... probably should have waited for cave story 3d, but I don't like the aesthetic they're showing for it as much as the original.
Wonder if Nintendo would ever bring Mario Sunshine over to 3DS.
I could only wish.
Along with Windwaker, Pikmin, and Luigi's Mansion.
Just port every first party title from the Gamecube, Nintendo.
I hope this is sarcasm.
Why would it be? Are they tying you down making you rebuy and play them? They have been porting their games non-stop for years and people buy them. I would buy/rebuy a few GC games that I liked or didn't have a chance to play.
Probably related to the misnomer that people didn't like the PSP because it was a port machine, which isn't quite the case.
PSP's failure in the west had to do with it being a lousy port machine. Extra load times, worse graphics, same price as the game on the much more successful PS2.
Handhelds have been rife with ports since the beginning. Some of my favorite GBC, GBA, DS and even 3DS games are all ports or rehashes of older games. Well done ports and rehashes.
well, why would they port the original luigi's mansion to the 3ds when they're making an entirely new luigi's mansion SPECIFICALLY FOR the 3ds?
see also: super mario
Exactly.
So, why make a Mario Galaxy 2 when there's already a Mario Galaxy 1 on the Wii? Why make any 3D Zelda sequel when Ocarina does just about everything right and plays the same? Why ever make another 3D Mario Game? Why ever make another 2D Mario game?
That is the stupidest argument, and still doesn't address Windwaker or Pikmin or Sunshine which is totally its own experience.
InkSplat on
Origin for Dragon Age: Inquisition Shenanigans: Inksplat776
Posts
If they let you use the touch screen it'll work just fine, though that's not necessarily lefty-friendly.
I always thought the reason was to make sure that localization teams get their due in each region - in other words, the people who bothered to translate the game into German get money from German gamers, rather than everyone importing the US version and putting them out of business just because it took them a couple weeks/months to finish localization.
No, I am not making this up. Those were Nintendo's reasons that they have reiterated whenever asked. Age ratings (and wanting to "control" what content we get) is the one they play up the most... despite Australia and New Zealand not using PEGI.
The reason you cited is fictional. A lot of RPGs and adventure games on DS don't get released in Europe because it's too expensive to localise into several other European languages. Most Germans don't want to play an RPG in English. That's why games like 999 and Radiant Historia don't come out over here, we have no choice but to import them. Atlus are a really bad offender, they didn't even release the second Trauma Center DS game over here.
The games you spoke of that don't get localized in European countries because it's too expensive - you know why it's too expensive? Because they can't make their money back on it, since people will just import the English version rather than waiting for localization.
Maybe most Germans don't want to play an RPG in English, but then that renders the import discussion moot. If they don't want to play it then they won't care whether the console is region free or not. However, since a non-region free console acts as an incentive to localization teams, even a small one, there's a chance they'll get their wish.
No, I'm not campaigning for region locking, there are more negatives than positives overall. I'm just saying this is a logical reason to do it - to make sure local teams get their money. Heck, not just the game translation team, but the localized web site team, the localized marketing teams, everything that deals with the game's release in that specific region. If the console's region free and the localization is on a sixth month delay, and most gamers do understand enough English to get through a game...you'll see a not-insignificant amount of people importing, which means less sales to support that local effort.
You don't need to have worked in the industry to know the English literacy of most non-British Europeans is not good enough to play a text heavy game. They might not care about the option to import an American copy but British and English literate Europeans certainly do care. A region locked system is not going to make Atlus suddenly decide to bring out everything in Europe.
Again you are speaking about something you have no experience of. I have been importing games since the 90s and despite this it is something I would rather not do if given a choice. I can put up with dodgy release dates but a game not coming out here gives me no option but to import. Just like I am competent with a soldering iron and capable of modifying consoles it would be great if we didn't have to do that to play all region games but we don't have a choice.
And that's what it comes down to: *choices*. I don't like being dictated to what I can or cannot play.
The solution is to localise the European game concurrently with the American one instead of finishing one then starting the other. Nintendo manage this perfectly with the Mario & Luigi games with 5 languages. If a publisher treats the European market with contempt and have a non-existant presence here then they can't expect a loyal customer base.
And yes it does seem like you are campaigning for region locks. Whenever someone brings it up you vehemently defend the principal of them. If you lived in Europe, Australia or New Zealand you would understand why they are so toxic.
My understanding is that a lot of games are currently exported from the UK right now simply because prices are lower and the language barrier frequently isn't a problem. Mainland Europe could still import, but in a far more convenient and cheaper way. Wouldn't releasing something UK-only rather than not at all produce higher sales numbers for minimal cost?
Sometimes there are games with English only while say France will get its own version with just French so this does happen already.
I think a big problem is companies like Atlus and Xseed that localise games for America have no European presence. Then a different publisher has to pay to license the game for Europe. I think Square Enix published the PS2 Persona games for example.
Oh well. I'm sure it'll be unlocked soon enough.
Indeed, I got my GBA SP while on holiday in Japan. My Gameboy Pocket was bought while waiting for a flight.
I was disappointed when I visited Germany and couldn't purchase any of the games there because of region locking.
Off topic but there is a really good German (and Australian) exclusive for the DS called Giana Sisters DS. It's better than New Super Mario Bros and everyone should play it.
That's why I said there are more negatives than positives overall.
But this is one clear positive, at least on the publisher's side of things. One reason why it's done, that's all. It seems like you're arguing that it's done for no reason, just to fuck with people, but that is not the case.
If you agree it is overwhelmingly negative then why defend it? You just come across as pointlessly argumentative and an apologist.
I know why they might choose to region lock but as a consumer that's not my problem, I don't care about their reasoning only that they do it. The PS3 is region free but nobody imports for that (I only have one import: RGG Kenzan) because Sony treat the European markets with respect. That's how it should be done.
http://blog.ghostlight.uk.com/post/the-public-has-spoken
Because I'm realistic and can understand pros and cons?
If everyone was complaining about the price of HD video games, it's not pointlessly argumentative to point out that high quality games demand higher budgets and thus higher prices, even if I'd rather not pay a higher price.
It comes across as pointlessly antagonistic to insist that a logical reason for doing something can't possibly be part of the explanation, simply because you hate it.
*sigh*
I know the reasons, I've heard them all before. I have extensive experience with the importing scene and all the reasons game companies spout for fighting it. Like DVD regions and unskippable anti-piracy messages of course I know why they might do these things but it's so profoundly anti-consumer that I don't care. Same with region locks on games.
This is the last time I will entertain discussion with you on this subject because at this point I don't know if you're for real or just trolling.
Quit getting mad at video games.
Quit getting mad at people getting mad at video games. This phrase is neither cute nor helpful.
Partly I think because taking in all of the waves of information feels exhausting after awhile, but also because there are no shortage of cynical (and stupid!) knee jerk reactions to read which eventually get to people.
god, tell me things about this game
I want it but it's by CRAVE and I know that can't possibly end well
I agree with you though, ha ha, the reality of it is the reality, and disliking an aspect of the industry doesn't mean it doesn't exist for a reason.
Anyhow, playing this thing. Picked up shantae and cave story... probably should have waited for cave story 3d, but I don't like the aesthetic they're showing for it as much as the original.
edit: this was pretty amazing, though:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPKmObAddKo
I could only wish.
Along with Windwaker, Pikmin, and Luigi's Mansion.
Just port every first party title from the Gamecube, Nintendo.
I hope this is sarcasm.
Probably the only ones that wouldn't work spectacularly are the Mario Party series.
Why? Why is it wrong to want good games on portable console?
Why would it be? Are they tying you down making you rebuy and play them? They have been porting their games non-stop for years and people buy them. I would buy/rebuy a few GC games that I liked or didn't have a chance to play.
uhhhh you didn't watch E3, did you?
PSP's failure in the west had to do with it being a lousy port machine. Extra load times, worse graphics, same price as the game on the much more successful PS2.
Handhelds have been rife with ports since the beginning. Some of my favorite GBC, GBA, DS and even 3DS games are all ports or rehashes of older games. Well done ports and rehashes.
Apparently not the same one you did, if you saw something that made it pointless to port any of these titles?
see also: super mario
Because that would be taking resources away from new games.
If I want to play these games again I can turn on my Gamecube.
Exactly.
They are probably already working on an original Zelda game for the 3DS.
So, why make a Mario Galaxy 2 when there's already a Mario Galaxy 1 on the Wii? Why make any 3D Zelda sequel when Ocarina does just about everything right and plays the same? Why ever make another 3D Mario Game? Why ever make another 2D Mario game?
That is the stupidest argument, and still doesn't address Windwaker or Pikmin or Sunshine which is totally its own experience.