The Five Secret Ways Nintendo Rules The Internet
A Real Search In Google Reveals That 'Mario' Has More Results Than 'Porno'
(Results may vary depending on location)
Unlike most other media producers, Nintendo has allowed its intellectual property to be freely discussed and used online. Nostalgia and Nintendo's openness to new technology has created an atmosphere that has allowed the company's characters to grow immensely popular. The example above shows that a Google search for the term Mario returns more results than a search for Porno. This is amazing in a media atmosphere allegedly driven by violence and sexuality. Mario has remained essentially the same non-violent, and innocent character that he was 20 years ago and has still managed to attain inequitable popularity.
Nintendo Can Make Terrible Ideas Great
Data Source
A fat hero with the super power to jump really high? He rides a tiny dinosaur with magic shoes? WTF! Only Nintendo has the video game Midas touch to create gold out of seemingly terrible ideas. With the exception of a few recent game systems Nintendo has always led the world in video game sales. Now with the help of brilliant internet advertisements, Nintendo has regained its thrown as the best video game system creator in the world.
Nintendo Utilizes Its Special Understanding of the internet Generation
The company has years of market research and experience in selling to this market. Just like a good web interface designer, Nintendo relies on conventions to make every one of its game feel familiar to its users.
Nintendo Flies Below the Radar and Creeps in like a Trojan Horse
Nintendo's and Microsoft's Headquarters
Nintendo's American Headquarters are located in Redmond, Washington, and are completely surrounded by Microsoft's Headquarters. Its single building is embarrassingly lacking compared to Microsoft's immense complex. The same could be said of Nintendo's internet marketing campaigns. They are usually small (relative to competitors Sony and Microsoft) but surprisingly effective.
Nintendo is Timeless
Mario's Evolution (Photo Credit)
Although Mario has gained a dimension, (he's 3D now, like you and me) he is still the red overalls wearing goof that he has always been. Nintendo knows that it has created something worthwhile and has worked hard to preserve it. The same can be said for its website. It continues to be the image heavy eye candy that is has been since 2001.
If you know of any other secrets Nintendo is using to rule the internet, please feel free to share your opinions and expertise in the comments. As always, e-mail me or send me a private message if you have any suggestions on how I can make my posts more useful. If that's not your style, feel free to contact me on Twitter and/or Linkedin. Thanks!
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published @ December 10, 2008