In a recent discussion, renowned composer and ex-Capcom developer Masakazu Sugimori stepped up to defend Nintendo’s innovative Game-Key Card initiative, asserting that these cards serve to safeguard both the gaming and digital entertainment sectors. Highlighting the resilience of digital items, he stated, “Can non-digital goods be used indefinitely? In most cases, no. Physical objects have a limited lifespan and eventually wear out. In contrast, digital items endure.” Here are the pivotal points he shared in an X post:
- Game-Key Cards: Aimed at thwarting piracy and minimizing the burden of unsold inventory.
- Increasing Prices: Faced with soaring production costs, Nintendo has set a precedent in elevating game prices, allowing other struggling developers to follow suit.
- Ending Online Services for Legacy Hardware: This establishes a definitive ‘lifespan’ for older systems, simplifying the process for companies to re-launch their titles on newer hardware, essentially creating a new “porting” opportunity.
“With Nintendo taking the lead, it becomes easier for other companies to follow suit and protect themselves, that’s a fact.”