We're a quarter of the way through 2015, let's take a look back at what's already been a very eventful year in the video game industry. From big announcements like Nintendo making games for the mobile market to big shakeups in Konami's Metal Gear franchise, there's already been a lot of action.
Nintendo Embraces Change
Of all the companies in the industry, Nintendo had perhaps the most eventful first quarter of 2015. For a company that's been accused of being afraid to change, it's been very active in launching new systems, products, and initiatives.
Nintendo Goes Mobile, Announces New System In Development
The most significant move - and one that was the most surprising - was the company's late-March announcement that it had entered into a partnership with the Japanese company DeNA to bring Nintendo properties tomobile platforms and smartphones. However, it was clear that it would not be porting its existing games, rather crafting new mobile experiences with its familiar franchises and characters.
The company also said that it was creating a new dedicated game system codenamed "NX," and would be working with DeNA to create a new membership service and ways to connect its games across all platforms. This new membership service will likely be much more comprehensive - some are even hoping for an HBO Go-style streaming service - but it's also slated to replace its Club Nintendo loyalty program, which it closed this year.
Amiibo Mania
Nintendos Amiibo figurines have been a major success,selling million of units. The demand has been great, causing shortages and spawning a lucrative gray market for Amiibos on sites like eBay.
A Brand New (Old) Handheld
Nintendo's 3DS has been a stalwart for the company, but that's not stopping it from making its customary incremental improvements to the system. Released on February 13, 2015, the system is a much better version of the 3DS, with better 3D viewing functionality, a built-in c-stick, and even a more powerful processor which will lead to some upcoming games being exclusive to the new system and not compatible with the original.
So far, it looks to be a hit with consumers, and was thebest-selling video game hardware in February.
Streaming Controversy
In less positive news, Nintendo once again ran afoul of creators of video game streaming content in late January. Seeking to come to a resolution with YouTubers, the company offered a settlement in which it allowed streamer to take 60 or 70 percent of the revenue of streaming content based on its games. However, the large cut Nintendo was taking - plus restrictions on channel's being able to stream content from other publishers - resulted in an uproar from the community, including streaming mega-star PewDiePie.