Nintendo’s upcoming mobile games will “mainly” be developed internally, the company has said, rather than by its mobile partner DeNA.
Speaking with TIME, Nintendo CEO Saturo Iwata confirmed that “development of smart device games will be mainly done by Nintendo, but it is significant that we are forming a joint development structure with DeNA.
“Nintendo, through experience in the dedicated game system business, is good at making traditional game products. But for smart devices, in addition to the ‘product’ aspect of a game, the aspect of an ever-evolving ‘service’ is very important—a service that encourages consumers to play every day even for a short time.”
It’s that side of development where DeNA comes in, Iwata says.
“DeNA has extensive know-how in developing the ‘service’ side of things, and will be primarily responsible for the service-oriented operations,” he continued. “We will be able to greatly leverage strengths of each party.” Despite moving into mobile development, however, the priority of video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto’s remains on console, Iwata says.
“As for any involvement of Mr. Miyamoto, we will discuss it when possible,” he said, “but for now, understand that his priority is on the development of Wii U titles that will be launched this year.”