As we creep towards the one-year anniversary of Wii U's launch, players are readying themselves for the second-generation lineup of games that will hopefully make up for the rather dull spring and summer months. But with upcoming eShop titles like Shovel Knight and Armikrog turning more than a few heads, it may be Wii U's digital software that draws the most attention.
This kind of exposure isn't exclusive to Wii U, of course. Both Sony and (after much kicking and screaming) Microsoft are stacking their new fun boxes with digital delights. The rising importance of a strong indie presence is not lost on Nintendo, which has gone out of its way to rethink its online strategy from the Wii era.
On the final day of PAX, I returned to the Grand Hyatt Hotel to meet with Dan Adelman, Nintendo of America's head of business development, and Damon Baker, NoA's licensing manager. Mario Manor still has plenty of hurdles ahead regarding the eShop, such as turning negative perception of the company around and addressing the lack of a unified account system. But if anyone could provide clear direction on such matters, it would be these two gents.
Or so I thought.
["Destructoid - Max Scoville vs Tara Long" by LegionWings]
No snark remarks from me today. I'm just here to wish two very talented people the best of luck in their careers.
I met Max and Tara for the first time during E3 2011. Max and I actually shared a room at a very shady Howard Johnson in the middle of Koreatown, with non-functioning air conditioning and bedsheets of suspect cleanliness. But we made the most of it -- our room number was 310, so we dubbed it the "3:10 to Yuma" Room.
I didn't see Tara as much that week, but I did get the chance to chat a few times and share some laughs. She was there that final day while we all watched Rollerball on TV and tore it to shreds. Good times were definitely had.
I know they aren't gone gone, but their direct connection with Dtoid is no more. For that, I am sad. I get sad whenever one of our own moves on, especially considering that I only get to hang with these people once a year, twice if I'm lucky.
We'll miss you, guys! Peace!
Destructoid Originals:
Outlast - Now Bloody Playing Pt. 3
Watch the last ever Destructoid Show LIVE today!
Impressions: Disney Infinity: Lone Ranger Play Set
A Vita for all seasons - Office Chat
Live show: Legend of Dungeon launch celebration
Close encounters of the explosive kind - Daily Spelunk
The Destructoid Show's Final Episode
Community:
Friday Night Fights: Comfort games
Community blogs of 9/13
Forum thread of the day: Capcom Has $152 Million In The Bank
Reviews:
Review: Elgato Game Capture HD
Events:
Sony's giant Tokyo Game Show lineup revealed
Nicalis on Raven's jump to Vita, new color man and more
