Nintendo has unveiled two new toolsets for developers at this years Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, offering both Unity and Web Framework support for their Wii U console. The new tools will allow developers to utilise the power of the Wii U through the popular Unity engine, but also HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS.
With Unity for Wii U, you'll be able to develop games for the Wii U on Unity. Of course, the various Wii U features are supported, such as the Wii U GamePad and Wii Remote controllers, and it provides strong support for developing games that make great use of these Wii U features.
With the Nintendo Web Framework, development times will be reduced and Wii U applications can be easily developed using common Web technologies. Combining the handy Wii U GamePad, the TV screen, and the Internet, the potential exists for the services and games you are developing to progress by leaps and bounds.
During the GDC keynote (thanks
Polygon), Nintendo senior software engineer Ryan Lynd revealed some of the specific steps in the Nintendo Web Framework process.
Starting by demonstrating a simple video-on-demand app, he showed the software's ability to make changes, refresh, and see them reflected on the GamePad or TV screen instantly — the same way a web developer would work on a web app.
Lynd then switched over to Sketch Battle, a simple platformer developed entirely in JavaScript and then ported to the Wii U using Nintendo Web Framework. He showed off the ability to quickly create new stages using HTML backgrounds as well as the option to use the GamePad's camera and accelerometer. Lynd said that Sketch Battle will be included in the Nintendo Web Framework SDK as a demo for developers to mess around with and learn from.
Nintendo also revealed that the Framework SDK will be available for anyone to use free of charge after signing an agreement. Deputy general manager Takeshi Shimada stated that changes to the developer policy for the Wii U "will not require concept approval, will allow developers to set their own price and release date for apps, and will allow for use of freemium models in apps developed in the Nintendo Web Framework."
For those looking for more info you can check out the official page
over here, which also includes a developer questionnaire on becoming a Wii U developer.
Promoted/Edited forum item
Posted 04:25pm 28/3/13
I've signed my company up so with a bit of luck we'll get into the programme, looking forward to seeing what the tool,set is like!
Posted 06:31pm 28/3/13