Behind the Scenes: Former Nintendo Employees Reveal the Shocking Delay of a Nintendo Direct

Nintendo Directs usually follow a set schedule, but there was a notable exception back in 2018. After a devastating earthquake struck Hokkaido, Japan, Nintendo decided to postpone the planned presentation from September 6 to September 13.

In a podcast episode, former Nintendo of America employees Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang shared insights about this decision. While the earthquake was the main reason for the delay, it wasn’t the only concern at the time. Just a week earlier, a tragic shooting at a Madden NFL tournament in Jacksonville had rattled the gaming community. Nintendo was internally debating whether to go ahead with the Direct, collaborating with other publishers like EA to gauge their stance.

Yang noted that although they were prepared for Directs, the team was still unsure how to respond in emergencies. She described the anxiety surrounding the two events, stressing that the company was facing multiple challenges. Ellis recalled receiving a call from Nintendo’s president, Shuntaro Furukawa, giving the go-ahead to delay the Direct without any formalities. It was a swift decision that showed the gravity of the situation.

Once the Direct was postponed, the team worked tirelessly to inform everyone involved, including third-party developers. Despite the last-minute change, there were surprisingly few leaks before the updated broadcast.

This kind of response isn’t unique to this occasion. For instance, during the September 2022 presentation, Nintendo chose not to stream the event live in the UK out of respect for Queen Elizabeth II, though it continued elsewhere.

According to a recent survey by the Entertainment Software Association, 80% of gamers appreciate brands that are sensitive to social issues, highlighting how companies like Nintendo must navigate complex social landscapes. The gaming industry is more interconnected than ever, making these decisions crucial to maintaining trust and integrity.

In summary, Nintendo Directs can be influenced by unexpected world events, forcing companies to adapt quickly. This awareness is essential in today’s fast-paced entertainment climate.



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