Photo courtesy of Jason Kim

Last week, I spoke at the Game Developers Conference IGDA Education Summit on a panel regarding first year experiences in the game industry. We talked a lot about breaking in, what we found to be most valuable, what resources we wish we had, and even why I’m back at school now. For details, check out the Game Career Guide coverage of the talk: Stories From the Intern-to-Hire Frontline

For those of you who don’t follow the game industry, Nintendo announced late last week that their new console, the Nintendo Revolution, with its uniquely designed controller that will revolutionize gaming, will now be called the Wii. (Pronounced “wee”)

Immediately after the announcement, the internet universe exploded with complaints, heated debates, and even hints of a conspiracy theory.

What I want to know is, how did something as cool as the “Nintendo Revolution” become the “Wii?” Here’s what the official Nintendo Revolution/Wii website had to say:

Introducing Wii.

As in “we.”
While the code-name “Revolution” expressed our direction, Wii represents the answer.
Wii will break down that wall that separates video game players from everybody else.
Wii will put people more in touch with their games … and each other. But you’re probably asking: What does the name mean?
Wii sounds like “we,” which emphasizes this console is for everyone.
Wii can easily be remembered by people around the world, no matter what language they speak. No confusion. No need to abbreviate. Just Wii.
Wii has a distinctive “ii” spelling that symbolizes both the unique controllers and the image of people gathering to play.
And Wii, as a name and a console, brings something revolutionary to the world of video games that sets it apart from the crowd.

So that’s Wii. But now Nintendo needs you.

Because, it’s really not about you or me.

It’s about Wii.

And together, Wii will change everything.

“Wii can easily be remembered by people around the world, no matter what language they speak???” Yeah…needless to say people of English speaking countries will remember it as slang for “urinate.” In fact, when you first look at the word, it’s not even clear how it’s pronounced. I personally thought it was the “why.” And correct me if I’m wrong, but “wii” doesn’t even have a character in the Japanese writing system. In fact, it’s not even a sound in Chinese, and you have four tones per phoneme to choose from!

And then there is the issue of coolness. I mean, let’s face it, video games are already associated with a sort of geekhood that isn’t exactly the epitome of “cool.” At least the PS2 and Xbox tried to fit into that culture. Being a huge Wii fan almost feels like your asking to be teased. Now just sit back for a moment and pretend you’re back in grade school. Now think about all the jokes you can make about the nerdy kid who plays too much Wii. I rest my case.

I’m not suppose to make a big deal about it yet, since the official website is not yet up…but I figured it’s not like I get a LOT of traffic at this website anyway. However, just to respect that not making a big deal part, I’ll save my comments for another post, especially after the games become available for download.

I really wished I knew about all these competitions when I was younger. It’s so sad that this will be my last chance to participate in student competitions.