WiiWare Launches Today

Today the much anticipated WiiWare will be available to the masses. The download service that has been receiving alot of praise from gamers, will be giving smaller development companies a shot at releasing some titles. It has become a massive undertaking to release a game with current video game technology. Without proper funding, or a solid publisher backing your title, it more than likely won’t see the light of day. With WiiWare, the landscape looks like it could be changing. Without need of a publisher for physically creating, packaging and distributing the titles, small developers finally get their shot.

Unlike the Virtual Console, that releases older system titles, WiiWare games will have a different pay scale. With the VC most games’ Wii Points cost are mostly determined by what system they’re released on. WiiWare games will be a little mored varied in price, and going by the launch titles, will range anywhere from 500-1,500 Wii Points.

With this change in landscape; it’s good for us gamers as well. If there’s one thing that’s been constant in the video game world, it’s repetitiveness. The larger publishers, and developers don’t like to take very many risks. If there’s anything that’s risky in the video game world, it’s a new title. Back in the early days of video gaming, everything was new. So when something was released, the anticipation of delving into a new world was exciting and fresh. Nowadays it seems everything just keeps being rehashed and re-packaged, and a lot of times just a direct sequel is given.

With distribution models like WiiWare, that exciting feeling of trying something new can be brought back. Smaller, and less known companies have a lot less to lose, so creating something new and off the wall can’t hurt. So let’s hope that WiiWare will catch on, and will help bring back that feeling of anticipation for the unknown.

Here is a list of launch titles you can expect to be available for download later today:

LostWinds (1,000 Wii Points)

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life As A King (1,500 Wii Points)

Defend Your Castle (500 Wii Points)

Pop (700 Wii Points)

V.I.P Casino: Blackjack (700 Wii Points)

TV Show King (1,000 Wii Points)