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For those of you just joining us, we’re chatting with the president of that legendary videogame company SNK PLAYMORE USA, and you can bet we’ll be hauling out the big shovel to get the latest skinny on some of the company’s recent decisions, a taste of the sometimes bizarre SNK-fandom, and quite possibly next week’s winning lottery numbers. Thrilling stuff, so let’s begin!
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Thanks for talking with us today, Mr. Herman, as it’s quite an honor. As someone who’s followed your company’s history for quite awhile, I’ve been impressed with how often the company seems to be able to keep its mission intact, particularly during this strange new chapter in the gaming industry. What are your thoughts on the current state of things?
B.H.: Very interesting transition which is much different from previous hardware upgrades. In the past the newest and greatest technology was desired by players who gobbled it up. Fans seem to be choosing a different route as fun is winning. Innovation from Nintendo is currently more important than pixels. A very interesting moment in our history.
I’m not sure if this interview will be published before or after this year’s larger trade shows (particularly E3), but I know that every SNK PLAYMORE fan is probably itching in their seats to get any word on exclusive content for any of the next-generation platforms. I think by now we’re all aware of your company’s plans for the Nintendo Wii platform, but is there anything else that should really drive the fans wild?
B.H.: The answer is yes but unfortunately I must wait a while before announcing those details. Currently we are bringing a number of our fan favorites to PS2 yet we will have additional Wii products and are developing other Next Gen products.
Although I have nothing particularly against the new Sony platform, speaking from a strictly consumer interest, I really felt that SNKPLAYMORE made the right decision in bringing their line-up to the Nintendo Wii platform. Given the significant cost difference between the two platforms, I felt exclusively choosing the Sony platform would render the games cost-prohibitive, in much the same way the original NEOGEO platform’s price was limiting. Would you say this is a fair assessment?
B.H.: Consumers agree with you. Currently in HD the consumers have a choice. SONY is certainly working to improve their performance. I have confidence that they will right the ship. If they asked I could certainly give my opinion as to how to catch up very quickly. We all know that the retail price of the HW is hurting their sales but they have not tapped their advantages as of yet. Time will tell. It is a long race and Sony is a long distance runner.
Downloadable content is no longer the exclusive domain of the PC industry, with both Nintendo and Microsoft having achieved quite a bit of success with their respective services. As the console world embraces digital distribution more and more, do you see SNK PLAYMORE continuing to release titles digitally in efforts to cut down production costs, or will we still be seeing those amazing plastic boxes in the stores?
B.H.: More of both. There are two distinct markets with distinct differences. Even when digital downloads are able to include large memory games I still believe that many people still will want to own a game that they can touch and collect. Think of the IPOD. I like owning my record albums/CD’s and reading the notes and lyrics. Old school for me.
I’m not sure if you’re familiar with Capcom’s recent efforts to re-release some of their classic line-up via various digital distribution markets (most notably the Xbox Live Marketplace), but they’ve certainly embraced many of the newer HD capabilities the technology allows by upgrading their games visuals considerably. Dare we dream that SNK/Playmore follow suit anytime in the future?
B.H.: Let me just say that the NEOGEO digital games look a lot better than 8 bit sprites. Upgrading is not needed as you will soon see. Our fans want the original games and they will get them. NEOGEO games are very handsome with their own art style on any platform.
Now don’t get me wrong, having great titles like “METAL SLUG” and “THE KING OF FIGHTERS” available on just about every platform is great, but what about previously unreleased (in the US, of course) titles like “NEOGEO Battle Coliseum”, “THE KING OF FIGHTERS XI” and “SAMURAI SHODOWN VI”? Any chance we’ll be seeing these games arrive on our shores?
B.H.: PS2 KOF XI and NEOGEO Battle Coliseum are arriving in October and November. How’s that? SAMURAI SHODOWN announcements will come in time. Patience my little PopZart.
Following up that last question, will the relatively low-cost of digital distribution (as opposed to standard production) factor in your company’s future plans to release any titles that may have been viewed ‘unprofitable’ by regular standards?
B.H.: We will try to bring our fan favorites to all platforms. Cost is not the factor. Fan interest is.
So besides the show of support for both the GameTap and Virtual Console platform, is there a good chance we’ll be seeing more NEOGEO love on any other platform that supports digital distribution?
B.H.: We will support Microsoft and Sony as they allow.
One thing that personally always bothered me was the lack of online support for most US-released titles during the last generation. The fact that many of these games originally supported online line in Japan didn’t help matters. Considering that all the next-generation consoles support online play, is there a good chance we’ll see this egregious action rectified and finally get the online play we’ve always dreamed about?
B.H.: PS2 online in USA was difficult to do and certainly was not centrally supported. Sony promises a new network. We will try to add online to new next gen development.
I know that Microsoft has really pushed their Xbox Live services as the ‘arcade of the future’, but for me (and many others), nothing will ever beat the real thing, the way these little slices of heaven looked, felt, and even smelled. There was a real feeling of community and socialization that the current online experience (try as it might) just can’t seem to replicate. Will it ever? Or would you agree that the videogame arcade was really a unique experience?
B.H.: In its day the arcade was the real thing. I always said “Bring the Arcade Home”. Currently you can but arcade manufacturers need to develop the next thing that could drive you back to the arcade. Of course, again, I have ideas but I am not a HW manufacturer.
The market for mobile entertainment (specifically mobile gaming) is huge in Japan, but really only starting up here in the states. We know that SNK PLAYMORE has supported this platform, and were curious if there are any plans to release more of these titles over here?
B.H.: We are developing mobile games for worldwide distribution.
Although it’s certainly not the only offender, but the glitch-filled version of “SNK vs Capcom Card Fighters” for the DS platform certainly didn’t sit well with most fans, and didn’t put SNK/PLAYMORE in a good light. What happened?
B.H.: Our outside developer, widely respected, made a minor typing error in developing the code. The code is complex. Although no one caught the single crash bug in testing we are currently exchanging every cartridge. See our website for details. Name any publisher, large or small, who has ever done that.
What a difference a year can make! It seems like only yesterday that most industry analysts were pegging Nintendo as yet another casualty of the console wars, unable to sustain themselves any longer in the hardware sector and destined for third-party status. As president of a company that probably knows all too well how this situation usually plays out, any thoughts of their incredible turn-around thanks largely to the Wii-DS Phenomenon? Did this have anything to do with SNK/PLAYMORE’s decision to start supporting the Wii hardware from the start?
B.H.: Fun wins. I personally felt that the Nintendo Wii would be a great success. I convinced our management to support it. The rest is history. As to the DS Nintendo dominates the handheld market and will continue to do so.
As I’m sure you’re well aware, SNK PLAYMORE is certainly among a handful of companies that has managed to survive largely in part to both an incredibly faithful (and often methodical) fan-base of the faithful. Several editors here at PopZart (including yours truly) happen to count among them, and we’re just wondering if there’s anything you’d like to say on behalf of both SNK/PLAYMORE and to the company’s amazing resilience over the years?
B.H.: We have a brilliant founder who in the 1970’s had a wonderful vision. Our employees and fans have been resilient in following the trends in the market. We have developed franchises that like others endure and continue to evolve. The NEOGEO arcade system was and still is a cutting edge system with tremendous features still unique today. We love our fans and will continue to try to make them proud of our efforts.
Mr. Herman, it was a pleasure to be able to steal you away from all those important presidential-type duties you’d probably rather be doing, but I’m pretty sure that both fans of your company and those interested in this resurgence in the gaming community will appreciate every word. I would like to extend my personal thanks once again and hope nothing but the best for the future of SNK/PLAYMORE. With all that hyperbole out of the way, we’ll leave any parting words on your shoulders.
Take it away!
B.H.: I am happy to have had this opportunity to speak to you and our fans. Over the next few years we will bring some very unique and innovative products to the world. I look forward to seeing the fan reaction to our products. As we still say “The Future is Now”.
Thank you….
Source: popzart.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for talking with us today, Mr. Herman, as it’s quite an honor. As someone who’s followed your company’s history for quite awhile, I’ve been impressed with how often the company seems to be able to keep its mission intact, particularly during this strange new chapter in the gaming industry. What are your thoughts on the current state of things?
B.H.: Very interesting transition which is much different from previous hardware upgrades. In the past the newest and greatest technology was desired by players who gobbled it up. Fans seem to be choosing a different route as fun is winning. Innovation from Nintendo is currently more important than pixels. A very interesting moment in our history.
I’m not sure if this interview will be published before or after this year’s larger trade shows (particularly E3), but I know that every SNK PLAYMORE fan is probably itching in their seats to get any word on exclusive content for any of the next-generation platforms. I think by now we’re all aware of your company’s plans for the Nintendo Wii platform, but is there anything else that should really drive the fans wild?
B.H.: The answer is yes but unfortunately I must wait a while before announcing those details. Currently we are bringing a number of our fan favorites to PS2 yet we will have additional Wii products and are developing other Next Gen products.
Although I have nothing particularly against the new Sony platform, speaking from a strictly consumer interest, I really felt that SNKPLAYMORE made the right decision in bringing their line-up to the Nintendo Wii platform. Given the significant cost difference between the two platforms, I felt exclusively choosing the Sony platform would render the games cost-prohibitive, in much the same way the original NEOGEO platform’s price was limiting. Would you say this is a fair assessment?
B.H.: Consumers agree with you. Currently in HD the consumers have a choice. SONY is certainly working to improve their performance. I have confidence that they will right the ship. If they asked I could certainly give my opinion as to how to catch up very quickly. We all know that the retail price of the HW is hurting their sales but they have not tapped their advantages as of yet. Time will tell. It is a long race and Sony is a long distance runner.
Downloadable content is no longer the exclusive domain of the PC industry, with both Nintendo and Microsoft having achieved quite a bit of success with their respective services. As the console world embraces digital distribution more and more, do you see SNK PLAYMORE continuing to release titles digitally in efforts to cut down production costs, or will we still be seeing those amazing plastic boxes in the stores?
B.H.: More of both. There are two distinct markets with distinct differences. Even when digital downloads are able to include large memory games I still believe that many people still will want to own a game that they can touch and collect. Think of the IPOD. I like owning my record albums/CD’s and reading the notes and lyrics. Old school for me.
I’m not sure if you’re familiar with Capcom’s recent efforts to re-release some of their classic line-up via various digital distribution markets (most notably the Xbox Live Marketplace), but they’ve certainly embraced many of the newer HD capabilities the technology allows by upgrading their games visuals considerably. Dare we dream that SNK/Playmore follow suit anytime in the future?
B.H.: Let me just say that the NEOGEO digital games look a lot better than 8 bit sprites. Upgrading is not needed as you will soon see. Our fans want the original games and they will get them. NEOGEO games are very handsome with their own art style on any platform.
Now don’t get me wrong, having great titles like “METAL SLUG” and “THE KING OF FIGHTERS” available on just about every platform is great, but what about previously unreleased (in the US, of course) titles like “NEOGEO Battle Coliseum”, “THE KING OF FIGHTERS XI” and “SAMURAI SHODOWN VI”? Any chance we’ll be seeing these games arrive on our shores?
B.H.: PS2 KOF XI and NEOGEO Battle Coliseum are arriving in October and November. How’s that? SAMURAI SHODOWN announcements will come in time. Patience my little PopZart.
Following up that last question, will the relatively low-cost of digital distribution (as opposed to standard production) factor in your company’s future plans to release any titles that may have been viewed ‘unprofitable’ by regular standards?
B.H.: We will try to bring our fan favorites to all platforms. Cost is not the factor. Fan interest is.
So besides the show of support for both the GameTap and Virtual Console platform, is there a good chance we’ll be seeing more NEOGEO love on any other platform that supports digital distribution?
B.H.: We will support Microsoft and Sony as they allow.
One thing that personally always bothered me was the lack of online support for most US-released titles during the last generation. The fact that many of these games originally supported online line in Japan didn’t help matters. Considering that all the next-generation consoles support online play, is there a good chance we’ll see this egregious action rectified and finally get the online play we’ve always dreamed about?
B.H.: PS2 online in USA was difficult to do and certainly was not centrally supported. Sony promises a new network. We will try to add online to new next gen development.
I know that Microsoft has really pushed their Xbox Live services as the ‘arcade of the future’, but for me (and many others), nothing will ever beat the real thing, the way these little slices of heaven looked, felt, and even smelled. There was a real feeling of community and socialization that the current online experience (try as it might) just can’t seem to replicate. Will it ever? Or would you agree that the videogame arcade was really a unique experience?
B.H.: In its day the arcade was the real thing. I always said “Bring the Arcade Home”. Currently you can but arcade manufacturers need to develop the next thing that could drive you back to the arcade. Of course, again, I have ideas but I am not a HW manufacturer.
The market for mobile entertainment (specifically mobile gaming) is huge in Japan, but really only starting up here in the states. We know that SNK PLAYMORE has supported this platform, and were curious if there are any plans to release more of these titles over here?
B.H.: We are developing mobile games for worldwide distribution.
Although it’s certainly not the only offender, but the glitch-filled version of “SNK vs Capcom Card Fighters” for the DS platform certainly didn’t sit well with most fans, and didn’t put SNK/PLAYMORE in a good light. What happened?
B.H.: Our outside developer, widely respected, made a minor typing error in developing the code. The code is complex. Although no one caught the single crash bug in testing we are currently exchanging every cartridge. See our website for details. Name any publisher, large or small, who has ever done that.
What a difference a year can make! It seems like only yesterday that most industry analysts were pegging Nintendo as yet another casualty of the console wars, unable to sustain themselves any longer in the hardware sector and destined for third-party status. As president of a company that probably knows all too well how this situation usually plays out, any thoughts of their incredible turn-around thanks largely to the Wii-DS Phenomenon? Did this have anything to do with SNK/PLAYMORE’s decision to start supporting the Wii hardware from the start?
B.H.: Fun wins. I personally felt that the Nintendo Wii would be a great success. I convinced our management to support it. The rest is history. As to the DS Nintendo dominates the handheld market and will continue to do so.
As I’m sure you’re well aware, SNK PLAYMORE is certainly among a handful of companies that has managed to survive largely in part to both an incredibly faithful (and often methodical) fan-base of the faithful. Several editors here at PopZart (including yours truly) happen to count among them, and we’re just wondering if there’s anything you’d like to say on behalf of both SNK/PLAYMORE and to the company’s amazing resilience over the years?
B.H.: We have a brilliant founder who in the 1970’s had a wonderful vision. Our employees and fans have been resilient in following the trends in the market. We have developed franchises that like others endure and continue to evolve. The NEOGEO arcade system was and still is a cutting edge system with tremendous features still unique today. We love our fans and will continue to try to make them proud of our efforts.
Mr. Herman, it was a pleasure to be able to steal you away from all those important presidential-type duties you’d probably rather be doing, but I’m pretty sure that both fans of your company and those interested in this resurgence in the gaming community will appreciate every word. I would like to extend my personal thanks once again and hope nothing but the best for the future of SNK/PLAYMORE. With all that hyperbole out of the way, we’ll leave any parting words on your shoulders.
Take it away!
B.H.: I am happy to have had this opportunity to speak to you and our fans. Over the next few years we will bring some very unique and innovative products to the world. I look forward to seeing the fan reaction to our products. As we still say “The Future is Now”.
Thank you….
Source: popzart.com
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