The Nintendo Direct Has Lost Its Spark | Opinion

I often find myself underwhelmed by digital showcase events, which are supposedly the future of game announcements. However, they usually involve sifting through numerous games that don't pique my interest before stumbling upon the few that do. In this digital era, can't we devise a more engaging, creative, or personalized approach? The video games industry, of all sectors, should be pushing the boundaries of innovation. The latest Nintendo Direct, which took place in its customary February time slot, was devoid of significant surprises. The presentation was dominated by remasters and DLC, with the announcement of Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games being added to the Nintendo Switch Online service. The showcase began and ended with games that were already known to the public. This lackluster presentation may not have alleviated the concerns of nervous shareholders who are worried about Nintendo's plans to build upon the success of the Switch. However, if rumors are true that Nintendo has a quieter lineup this year, it's not the end of the world. The COVID-19 lockdowns have slowed down development for everyone, and gaps in the schedule are inevitable. At least Nintendo has digital options, such as its subscription service and DLC, to keep players engaged. What frustrated me about the latest Direct wasn't the plethora of remasters, the endless stream of JRPGs, or the lack of big surprises. It was something more fundamental, exemplified by the reveal of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom's collector's edition. Nintendo seems to be following a formula for special editions, which typically includes a base game, steelbook, artbook, and a few small trinkets, all for double the price. This formula has been applied to games like Metroid Dread, Xenoblade Chronicles 3, and Fire Emblem Engage. I had expected something more elaborate for Zelda, especially considering the impressive collector's set for Breath of the Wild, which included a replica of the Master Sword and a soundtrack. However, the formula was adhered to, with the collector's edition featuring an artbook, steelbook, and pin badges. The same predictability applies to the Directs themselves, which follow a familiar pattern: a first-party game kicks off the presentation, followed by a slew of niche indie and JRPG games, a brief appearance by a Nintendo representative, and a rapid montage before concluding with a 'big' reveal. It's acceptable if Nintendo doesn't have major surprises up its sleeve. The key is to make the most of what it has, and lately, it feels like the company has been phoning it in. I recall the 3D collection of Mario games released in 2020, which was a great collection but felt like the bare minimum. It was three games on a cartridge with some music, but where was the fancy anniversary set, digital collection of artwork, or secrets hidden on the cartridge? I wasn't a fan of the Wii U, but I look back on that era and see a Nintendo that was trying to think outside the box. When the company had digital events lacking in big content, it would entertain us with creative presentations, such as using muppets or Robot Chicken characters. When the lineup was lacking, Nintendo would focus on a single game, like Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and make it a massive success. The Nintendo Direct concept was once fresh, but it has become stale through overuse. When people ask me if I'm worried about Nintendo's future, they're concerned about the lack of visibility on games, declining Switch sales, or the company's historical struggles with console transitions. I'm not worried about those aspects, as Nintendo has a wealth of IP and game-making talent that makes it a safe bet in the gaming industry. What concerns me is the lack of creativity and the fact that I haven't been impressed by Nintendo in a long time. It's time for the company to rethink its approach to game announcements and lead the way in innovation once again.