Nintendo Monetizes Mobile Games Based on the IP and Target Audience
During a recent interview, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa claimed the company decides on monetization on an app-to-app basis. The in-game monetization depends on the IP they’re handling, and the kind of audience they’re targeting. Though Nintendo entered the mobile market with a purchased title, Mario Run, the company has been making their mobile titles increasingly more monetized, culminating in this year’s Mario Kart Tour. Nintendo has the Switch Online app as well as several mobile games available for iOS and Android devices now.
“In terms of monetization, that’s something that we decided on an app basis,” said Shuntaro Furukawa. “It’s something we decide looking at the game content of each app, as well as the IP used and the player that we’re targeting. We also look at how we can best have the players enjoy the game, as well as how they would be comfortable in spending money.” The difference in monetization between Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp and Mario Kart Tour is stark so mobile fans shouldn’t be too surprised that the company judges each game on a case-by-case basis.
“Nintendo continues to search for new ways to enhance the fun that people can have through their gaming experience,” said Shuntaro Furukawa. “Nintendo is Nintendo because of our games, characters and IP. So giving our teams the freedom to experiment with new ideas is something I strongly agree with. Expansion can’t happen without the freedom to try something new, and the courage to step into unfamiliar territory.” Nintendo continues to branch out in innovative ways from the mobile market to an upcoming theme park. “We’ve never tried to imitate any other company, the idea of using our IP in things like theme parks or movies is simply an extension of the philosophy we’ve had all along,” said Furukawa.
What’s your favorite mobile Nintendo title and would you say it has greasy monetization? What’s your favorite Nintendo IP to date? Let us know in the comments below!
Source: Gaming Bolt