Nintendo's plan of expanding their brand is on to the next phase. This time, Nintendo with a partnership with Universal Studios intends to create real life attractions based on their iconic video game franchises. What was once a Japan Universal Studios exclusive will now be making its way to USA in Orlando, Florida and Hollywood, California.
A new video released shows Nintedo's Shigeru Miyamoto and Univeral's Mark Woodbury sharing their visions for the the new attraction. According to Mark Woodbury, said that Universal Studios' Theme Parks and Resorts are always looking for the "next great idea" or the "next great place to take people with." Miyamoto on the other hand praised park developers for their ability to bring Nintendo's characters to life. The developer also said that Mario will feel right at home when he is brought to life.
Specific details for Nintendo and Universal's attractions are a bit vague but both Miyamoto and Woodbury shared their visions for the upcoming project. They promised the attractions to offer an experience that is "expansive, immersive and interactive."
A timetable for the attractions was also missing in the video. The only clue for completion for the project was that it will "open separately over the next several years."
Nintendo first started the expansion of their brand from its games and consoles to other platforms. The first of which is Super Mario Run which is scheduled for release on December 15, 2016. The game marks the first time a Nintendo franchise will be officially released in a platform that is not Nintendo.
The expansion may be the cause of Nintendo's declining value due to the low sales of their latest console the Wii U. On the other hand, the expansion may turn out to be a good business decision since Nintendo's characters are hugely popular and iconic. Mario may very well be the mascot for the whole video game industry. Up to this day, not one video game character has surpassed Mario's popularity.
For now, fans are surely excited for their favorite Nintendo worlds come to life. Nintendo has been known to create bright and colorful worlds for their games and creating an attraction based on Nintendo will surely help the game company. It's a win win situation for everyone.
