Why no Wii version?

[RoadDoggFL]

There's a PS2 version still. What gives?

It's pretty likely that 09 will be released on the Wii, this should be a no-brainer.

[Cee_Nasty_00]

I believe their focus is to making 2k9 a better game and trying to develop a version for the Wii will detrimate the focus to the other versions, because making a hockey game for the Wii would require a real good amount of bodies and thinking and dedication, sure EA can do it because they have thousands of employees and don't care too much how games come out as long as they cash in $$$

[CrazyCougar]

The wii isnt really a next gen system. I wouldnt even call it a last gen system, so not sure if it could handle the games of the new generation. I could be comepletely wrong, and my apologies. Anyhow, this is a great question and I will see if I can get an official answer for you.

[RoadDoggFL]

The wii isnt really a next gen system. I wouldnt even call it a last gen system, so not sure if it could handle the games of the new generation. I could be comepletely wrong, and my apologies. Anyhow, this is a great question and I will see if I can get an official answer for you.
That's where the PS2 version comes in. Just looks like they're throwing away free money.

[CrazyCougar]

The PS2 still has a very large userbase though. Many folks havent made the trek to the PS3, so they will probably still sell well on that platform. I dont believe coding wise that there would be many changes for the game compared to trying to do it for the Wii. Again, just speculating and I'll see what I can find out.

[RoadDoggFL]

Thanks a lot, I'm not expecting a serious answer. They're already rebuilding the game from scratch so demanding anything else as a fan would be kind of ridiculous. Really, something like "we're looking into supporting the Wii for 2K10" would be a fine response.

Anyway, I'm letting myself get way too excited for this game... (!!!!)

[Thrash13]

The Wii is the most popular system when it comes to sales, so it's really absurd for these companies to continue ignoring it. In fact, it's pretty obvious the gaming companies could make the hockey game pretty fun with the Wii controls. In the end, it obviously comes down to lazyness. Hopefully EA Sports will put out NHL 09, but you never know.

[CrazyCougar]

Me personally, I would not play a real sports game on the Wii. With the exception of the Wii Sprots title. It just doesnt feel right to me, or comfortable. I will agree there is a much larger userbase installed for the Wii, but are they the demographic that would be looking for "simulation" style sport games? That I am not so sure of. You will have folks that want sim sports games on the Wii, but personally i think they would be outweighed by the younger crowd looking for good party games. Which the Wii seems to mostly be about.

[2K Admin Ron]

No NHL game has been on the Wii. So it's not as a no-brainer as you might think.

[RoadDoggFL]

No NHL game has been on the Wii. So it's not as a no-brainer as you might think.
After a year of seeing it take off as the sales leader? Yes it is. I'm really not here to argue but you simply can't question the viability of the platform.

Nobody's released a successor to the current-gen consoles, either. Doesn't mean it's not a no-brainer that they're coming out.

Anyway, I wouldn't buy the Wii version myself (probably very telling in regards to the game being made for the platform), but the Wii's third party issues won't be resolved by this kind of thinking.

[CrazyCougar]

Honestly to me, the Wii is marketed as a party system and a system that will appeal to families and kids. That doesnt quite fit the mold for most simulation sports titles and what they are trying to accomplish. Will the mold be broken sometime? Maybe, but I wouldnt see too many publishers bringing over their premiere sports titles anytime soon other than EA. But EA appeals to young and old with a lot of their games, so it falls into more of a general category I would think. More of a pick up and play style gaming, especially with games like Madden.

[RoadDoggFL]

Well EA's kinda one of the only other sports game publishers out there. But I agree, the Wii's demographic doesn't necessarily fit sim sports games. Still something to consider for 2K10, though.

[Cee_Nasty_00]

That's where the PS2 version comes in. Just looks like they're throwing away free money.

Very easy to say when you have a ""NG"" system.

[KillingEdge]

ps2 version of the 2k series are the best by far!!!!!!

im happy there will be another nhl 2k game on ps2

[Thrash13]

Well EA's kinda one of the only other sports game publishers out there. But I agree, the Wii's demographic doesn't necessarily fit sim sports games. Still something to consider for 2K10, though.

You would be surprised how many Wii owners are interested in having more simulation sports titles. It seems a lot of the gaming developers are still stuck on the notion you are, but there are tons of older Wii owners. There are just a lot of young Wii owners as well. As I said, the Wii is outselling all platforms pretty handily, so there are a lot of owners of all ages.

It definitely should have been a no-brainer to release NHL2K9 for the Wii regardless of what Mr. 2K said earlier in this topic.

[RoadDoggFL]

Cee_Nasty, I was saying that claiming the Wii can't handle the current-gen version as a reason for no Wii version is refuted by the fact that they're making a PS2 version. They could release the PS2 version for the Wii and rake in the dough.

Thrash13, I'm not stuck on any notions. The Wii's built around the idea of appealing to non-traditional gamers rather than continuing the same old console war with Sony and MS. It's worked so far, but I know there's still a significant market for games of all kinds. Unfortunately, knowing that myself won't change much for gaming as a whole.

[2K Admin Ron]

And all I was saying was if it was a "no-brainer" it would have been done by now.

[chitown1211]

You guys are assuming everyone who buys a Wii wants to play hockey? I would wager a VERY low percentage of people with a Wii would buy a hockey game. Or any SIM sports game for that matter. Most Wii owners are kids or party / casual gamers. Noone looking for a SIM sports expierience is going to use a Wii IMO. So Wii being number one in sales is pretty irrelevant here. Its #1 because so many casual gamers buy it. And there looking for Mario Hockey. Not NHL2K9.

2K shouldnt waste any resources on a Wii version of this game. Maybe next year they do a port, but not this year with a major overhaul underway.

Its not a knock on the Wii. Its just not where 2k is going to make money with NHL2K9. Making the next gen owners happy is priority #1.

[chitown1211]

Cee_Nasty, I was saying that claiming the Wii can't handle the current-gen version as a reason for no Wii version is refuted by the fact that they're making a PS2 version. They could release the PS2 version for the Wii and rake in the dough.

Thrash13, I'm not stuck on any notions. The Wii's built around the idea of appealing to non-traditional gamers rather than continuing the same old console war with Sony and MS. It's worked so far, but I know there's still a significant market for games of all kinds. Unfortunately, knowing that myself won't change much for gaming as a whole.


Yeah , but porting a PS3 game to the PS2 is much easier for them than creating a Wii version out of thin air. And who knows what the PS2 version is? It may just be a freshened up 2K8. Whereas the xext gen systems are getting a whole new game.

[RoadDoggFL]

Yeah , but porting a PS3 game to the PS2 is much easier for them than creating a Wii version out of thin air. And who knows what the PS2 version is? It may just be a freshened up 2K8. Whereas the xext gen systems are getting a whole new game.
No, you don't port current-gen games to the PS2. They're not similar machines, that's why the PS3 has to emulate PS2 games, it can't run them normally. I'm saying that the Wii can handle a PS2-quality game, so porting would be easier.

And I love the mentality of labeling Wii owners. Really. Totally what will help steer console gaming down the right path.

[b-Dub]

Porting from any system to any other system isn't easy. All the machines use different mother boards and graphic chips and architecture. They all run differently. To do any type of port requires extra development time and money. There is already a PS2, PS3, and 360 version, so to continue to release games on those systems comes at no extra cost.

To port from the PS2 to the Wii would require extra dev time that they may not have the budget for. And since the Wii is more powerful than the PS2 and can handle higher res textures, they wouldn't want to use the PS2's blurry textures, so there new art to be created. And then there would be building in the Wii-mote functionality. There's all this extra time and money that would be needed, and again, there probably isn't the budget for it.

[Unhittable]

if you dont want to port blurry textures...why port from 360 to ps3?

[RoadDoggFL]

Porting from 360 to PS3 is no cheaper than porting from PS2 to Wii. I'd say the opposite is actually true because they're older systems (the Wii's pretty much a GC, which was still more powerful than the PS2 and could probably handle a sloppy port).

As for the textures, the Wii tops out at 480p, while the PS2 supports 1080i.

It's already been said that Wiimote support isn't vital. A GC or classic controller could be required for the game. I'm just saying that the justifications I'm seeing don't match up to the market's potential.

[chitown1211]

No, you don't port current-gen games to the PS2. They're not similar machines, that's why the PS3 has to emulate PS2 games, it can't run them normally. I'm saying that the Wii can handle a PS2-quality game, so porting would be easier.

And I love the mentality of labeling Wii owners. Really. Totally what will help steer console gaming down the right path.


There already IS a PS2 version of NHL2K. There ISNT a Wii version. Which is what I meant by creating it from scratch. Not sure what you didnt understand there ?

And Im pretty sure Nintendo themselves would back me up as to what demographic the Wii is intended for. Or Nintendo would be making their own SIM sports games. Which they dont.

The Wii is marketed for casual gamers. Its not a bad thing. It is what it is. And obviously Nintnendo is making a killing because their strategy of creating a console for casual gamers was a SUPERB idea. Again, I have no idea why this upsets you ?

Not to mention if for whatever reason a person actually preffered to play their SIM sports games in SD instead of HD why wouldnt they just stick with their PS2? Why even buy a Wii? I think your the one whos confused about what the Wii is supposed to be.

[chitown1211]

Porting from 360 to PS3 is no cheaper than porting from PS2 to Wii. I'd say the opposite is actually true because they're older systems (the Wii's pretty much a GC, which was still more powerful than the PS2 and could probably handle a sloppy port).

As for the textures, the Wii tops out at 480p, while the PS2 supports 1080i.

It's already been said that Wiimote support isn't vital. A GC or classic controller could be required for the game. I'm just saying that the justifications I'm seeing don't match up to the market's potential.

Out of curiosity why did you choose a Wii instead of the other 2 next gen systems? Seeing as your a SIM gamer it seems odd you would choose the system least capable of providing a SIM expierience.

[2K Admin Ron]

No console wars please. Look for an announcement about the full slate of consoles you will be able to get NHL 2K9 on. Thanks.

[OncomingStorm]

Out of curiosity why did you choose a Wii instead of the other 2 next gen systems? Seeing as your a SIM gamer it seems odd you would choose the system least capable of providing a SIM expierience.
Shouldn't it be the system most capable of providing a SIM experience? After all it has motion controls and a pointer. Wii Sports bowling is more of a simulation than just pressing a button surely? PES 2008 is more like a soccer SIM on Wii than any other version by it using the pointer to direct players.

I think that a lot of Wii owners played Wii Sports, thought that it was a great demo of the controls and then imagined how great dedicated sports titles could be. Shame there's only been a couple of games (PES 2008 and maybe Madden 07) that have met the potential.

No good hockey games on Wii whatsoever though and i'm sure a good one would sell (at least here in Canada). It would be great on Wii shooting with the stick and having motion controlled punch ups. That would be more of a SIM to me. I pray for NHL 2K9 on Wii (even if it's a PS2 port).

As for profitabilty, there should be huge opportunity on the Wii. It has a far cheaper development kit than the other consoles. It is also the fastest selling console in history and has sold the most software in 18 months of any console ever (worldwide). I'm still praying for NHL 2K9 on Wii... or NHL 2K10 maybe...

[mjf_80]

it would be rather easy to make an NHL game for Wii...

Don't they got those classic controls for Wii? You know, for playing Zelda OOT, VC games, and such?...

That one could be used for a hockey game....who said you HAVE to develop it mainly for the Wii Nun-chuck controls?

If I had a Wii and they made it specifically for the classic controller, I would buy that NHL game for sure...

[Savoie06]

it would be rather easy to make an NHL game for Wii...

Don't they got those classic controls for Wii? You know, for playing Zelda OOT, VC games, and such?...

That one could be used for a hockey game....who said you HAVE to develop it mainly for the Wii Nun-chuck controls?

If I had a Wii and they made it specifically for the classic controller, I would buy that NHL game for sure...
I would think the Nun-Chuck Controls would be the reason people want a Wii Hockey game.I know that would be how I want it.Who wants to button mash anymore?That's why EA's NHL has jumped to the top,they made seem like you are actually in control of the player and his stick.

[RoadDoggFL]

I would think the Nun-Chuck Controls would be the reason people want a Wii Hockey game.I know that would be how I want it.Who wants to button mash anymore?That's why EA's NHL has jumped to the top,they made seem like you are actually in control of the player and his stick.
You would think that, but then use that as a reason why the game wouldn't work.

Wii games don't need to use the chucks. People seem to have a hard time with that. Any game is still possible for the console.

As for your question earlier, I didn't respond because this thread isn't for console wars, but I'm a 360 gamer and also own a Wii. I'd have a hard time choosing which console to buy the game for but I'd end up getting the 360 version or both. I love gaming, and releasing 2K hockey for the Wii provides an opportunity to try new things out with relatively little risk. Just the way I see it.

[chitown1211]

You would think that, but then use that as a reason why the game wouldn't work.

Wii games don't need to use the chucks. People seem to have a hard time with that. Any game is still possible for the console.

As for your question earlier, I didn't respond because this thread isn't for console wars, but I'm a 360 gamer and also own a Wii. I'd have a hard time choosing which console to buy the game for but I'd end up getting the 360 version or both. I love gaming, and releasing 2K hockey for the Wii provides an opportunity to try new things out with relatively little risk. Just the way I see it.

You would have a hard time choosing which console to get NHL2k9 for? Do you not own an HDTV or something?

Again, Im not bashing the Wii. But you cant even compare the two. Im just baffled how your arguing what even Nintendo themselves is marketing the Wii to be.

Can someone please post some sales stats of SIM sports games available on the Wii compared to 360 or PS2? The figures would be staggering. And you have your answer whay 2K is not building a Wii version.


And by SIM I meant the actual game. Graphics, physics, audio ect...... The Wii can NOT do the same things as the other two NEXT GEN consoles. Using a nun-chuck or motion detector is not more SIM than pressing a button.

[RoadDoggFL]

Right, because graphics are the end-all be-all of games.

You can compare the two. And the Wii is marketed to appeal to more gamers, not different gamers.

Right, let's also post PS4 sales figures. None? Well then, I guess nobody will ever buy a PS4.

No, but sim you meant graphics, because that's the only department where a Wii would be incapable of competing with the other current-gen consoles.

[chitown1211]

Right, because graphics are the end-all be-all of games.

You can compare the two. And the Wii is marketed to appeal to more gamers, not different gamers.

Right, let's also post PS4 sales figures. None? Well then, I guess nobody will ever buy a PS4.

No, but sim you meant graphics, because that's the only department where a Wii would be incapable of competing with the other current-gen consoles.


Whatever dude. If your really going to pretend the Wii is as capable a piece of hardware as the 360 or PS3 then there really is no argument here. We will just agree to disagree.

[RoadDoggFL]

It's just as capable of a sim experience as any console. I'm not talking about graphics, which seems to be what you're stuck on.

[abax44]

Honestly to me, the Wii is marketed as a party system and a system that will appeal to families and kids. That doesnt quite fit the mold for most simulation sports titles and what they are trying to accomplish. Will the mold be broken sometime? Maybe, but I wouldnt see too many publishers bringing over their premiere sports titles anytime soon other than EA. But EA appeals to young and old with a lot of their games, so it falls into more of a general category I would think. More of a pick up and play style gaming, especially with games like Madden.

You just sound like you're trying to make excuses for 2K to slight the Wii. Madden is pretty far off from "pick up and play".

2K should do up a Wii version with just regular controls and sell it at the $20 price point like they did with the last gen games.

[chitown1211]

You just sound like you're trying to make excuses for 2K to slight the Wii. Madden is pretty far off from "pick up and play".

2K should do up a Wii version with just regular controls and sell it at the $20 price point like they did with the last gen games.


Yeah just "do one up" because its really that easy to create a game from scratch. lol

[RoadDoggFL]

Yeah just "do one up" because its really that easy to create a game from scratch. lol
Who said anything about doing a game from scratch? Port the PS2 version to the Wii. The hardware is almost a decade old, so porting a PS2 game to the more powerful Wii (at only 480p, at that!) is surely less expensive than developing the PS3 version of the game at the same time as the 360 version.

I'd love some developer feedback but that's the consensus I've seen. The less powerful (and older) the hardware, the cheaper the development costs.

[crzycaniac30]

Who cares about graphics? It's ultimately the gameplay. You could have a really nice looking game but the way it plays could be awful. I am tired of hearing the whole demographic thing about the wii. So what if it's made, excuse me, "intended" for the younger crowd? I dont see any 50 year olds playing video games, mainly 14-27 year olds. I have a 360 and a Wii I choose to buy the Wii versions because, sure they don't look as nice but they play so much better and I have a better time. For example, I played Madden 08 on the 360. I thought it was good looking, but the running was slow and I felt it was a bad game all around. I went and played the Wii version and I loved it! You feel more into the game with it. The only flaw it had was the online lag. But to get back to the point, I am steamed there is no NHL game on the Wii. I really really want one, but it would seem no company wants to try to make one. Sure the focus is on the 360 and the PS3, but I play hockey with a bunch of guys that do have a wii and would love to see a NHL game come out for it. It's not the age demographic companies need to look at. It's the hockey crowd they need to. If you make it the fans on every system will buy it. Especially on the Wii. Right now it seems the company that makes one first wont have much competiton and cash in on it. Sometime in the next year I would love to see a NHL game on the Wii and DS but I guess I will have to keep dreaming.

[navarz]

I dont see any 50 year olds playing video games, mainly 14-27 year olds.

I take it when you get older you are going to stop playing video games?
I see myself at 90 playing video games. As long as I can see and my fingers still work I am playing.

[dagman]

Sometime in the next year I would love to see a NHL game on the Wii and DS but I guess I will have to keep dreaming.
LOL.

It's here boys!
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/080612/20080612006003.html?.v=1

Press Release Source: Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.


2K Sports Announces NHL(R) 2K9 as First Official NHL and NHLPA Licensed Hockey Video Game for the Wii Console
Thursday June 12, 2:00 pm ET
Exciting NHL hockey action pairs up with fun new features and Wii Remote(TM) controls
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--2K Sports, the sports publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO - News), today announced that the next iteration of the popular hockey franchise, NHL 2K9, will be coming to the Wii™ console from Nintendo this fall. As the first and only officially licensed NHL and NHLPA video game for Wii, NHL 2K9 will offer fans the fun opportunity to play like the pros using the Wii Remote™ controller as a hockey stick, and enjoy playing hockey in a wholly unique and entertaining experience like never before.

“Nintendo is thrilled to have 2K Sports’ NHL 2K9 on the Wii platform this season,” said Steve Singer, VP of Licensing at Nintendo of America Inc. “This title has been highly anticipated by our Wii consumers who will now be able to use the Wii Remote to face-off, play hockey, and fire a slap shot in their living rooms.”

In celebration of NHL 2K9 for Wii, Nintendo’s most iconic video game character, Mario™, will be walking down the red carpet during the 2008 NHL Awards tonight at the Elgin Theatre, 6:15 p.m. ET in Toronto. Fans in attendance will also have the special opportunity to meet and greet Mario and have their picture taken with him.

“It’s our goal this year to bring the fun back to hockey video games,” said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. “NHL 2K9 for Wii includes the full feature set as available on other platforms, and added Wii Remote controls and other exciting features specific for the Wii console will allow dedicated fans the opportunity to fully enjoy and embrace NHL hockey in a brand new experience.”

NHL 2K9, being developed by Visual Concepts, is not yet rated by the ESRB, and will be available this fall for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii console from Nintendo, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system.

[RoadDoggFL]

Oh man, this is awesome!

I might buy it for both 360 and Wii (hey, I did it with 2K6...).

[MapleLeaf16]

That sounds pretty cool for Wii fans. Good Job 2K!

[dlr35p]

What the heck is ur problem douce they could make the game compatible with the gamecube controller and the Wii is a next gen system im getting sick and tired of people bashing the damn Wii now smarten the heel up and deal with it. So crazy cougar stop bashing the wii u e tard.

[FSOTG]

That thread is no longer needed since there will be a Wii version, it should be locked.