2008 was a blast. Remember that? Non. Stop. Party. 2009? Well...
In 2008, Nintendo released Wii titles like Animal Crossing: City Folk, Mario Kart Wii, Super Smash Bros and Wii Music. In 2009, it didn't! When asked by The Economist why Nintendo had a better year in 2008 than last, Shigeru Miyamoto, creator of Mario and Zelda, replied:
Well, I think any entertainment products are less susceptible to changes in the economy. The fact that in 2009 we were not able to sell more than we did in 2008 was simply that in comparison, we were not able to produce fun-enough products. There are always ups and downs in this business. As long as we create unique and unprecedented experiences with video games, there should be nothing to worry about.
If it's any consolation, 2009's New Super Mario Bros. Wii was fun-enough for me. But I am only one man. I can only do so much, you know.
The wisdom of Miyamoto: Nintendo's gaming guru on the recession, innovation and the Wii [The Economist via VG247]