Nintendo 2004 Annual Report Download - page 5

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Since the launch of Famicom in 1983, video game industry revenue has grown to exceed that of the
movie industry. During that time span, Nintendo has become a well-recognized international brand
name, known for developing quality hardware products that enable the creation of unique games that are
enjoyed by people regardless of nationality, culture, age or gender. The breadth and diversity of
Nintendo's fan base illustrates the distinctive appeal of our products.
Unfortunately, in the current market, increasing numbers of casual gamers are not picking up controllers
because games created using the old formula for success are no longer as appealing as they once were.
Increasingly complex games with intricate game controls, while popular with avid game enthusiasts, are
not what the majority of the game playing public is seeking. Most players are not looking for games that
require them to invest large amounts of time and energy, instead most want games they can enjoy
periodically, when there's a free moment in their day.
Nintendo's powerful software development teams have the most impressive track record in the history of
video games. Using our unparalleled talent and resources, Nintendo will continue to create innovative
entertainment which resets players to the same starting point, regardless of the age, gender or whether
they've played a video game. The first and most visible example of this effort will be our new handheld
product, code-named Nintendo DS. With dual screens, touch capabilities, wireless communication, voice
recognition technology and other unique features, this unprecedented portable game device will bring
gaming to a new dimension.
Currently, the game play skills of avid gamers far surpass those of novice players. Led by Nintendo, the
industry needs to present a style of play that levels the playing field, so players of all skill levels can enjoy
video games. In order to expand the market, we need to place everybody back at the same starting point.
Our efforts won't stop there. Nintendo's renewed focus will also effect software under development for
Nintendo GameCube and Game Boy Advance. All together, our efforts will begin a gaming revolution.
In Japan, the software market has been shrinking for the past few years and the North American market,
which used to experience significant growth year after year, is seeing a slowing of that trend. Under
such circumstances, a revolutionary approach to video game creation is required more than ever.
Satoru Iwata
President
Nintendo Co., Ltd.