Jul 2007
LITHCast 32
Jul/28/07 08:51 PM
Why Nintendo Killed Camp Hyrule
Jul/25/07 03:51 PM
Before I get into this article that took me a little
bit of thought, let me first start out by saying that
I am completely opposed to Camp Hyrule shutting down
and that you can scroll down on the main-page of
Lithcast.com in order to find our "Camp Hyrule
Project" entry. You can sign our petition, which,
while it may seem futile, is definitely rightly
categorized as such if we do not get more signatures.
So, please sign if you feel so inclined. I would also
like to point out that Camp Hyrule will still be
held, but not to the same extent, at least, not this
year.
WHY NINTENDO KILLED CAMP HYRULE:
As many of you may know, Nintendo of America, has decided to effectively shut down Camp Hyrule. In this article, we explore what may be the reasons for Nintendo shutting down camp Hyrule. Before we do that, it is important to realize exactly what aspects of Camp Hyrule are going to take place and what they plan to substitute it with in order for us to decipher why they may have done this.
Nintendo has been running Camp Hyrule, which is basically an online summer camp, for the last thirteen years. Whether it be by themselves, or with AOL, Nintendo has held twelve Camp Hyrules and this year's marks thirteen. Nintendo claims that the reason is because Camp Hyrule is very unlucky in general and they figure that mixing that with the number thirteen is a recipe for trouble. Now, first, lets realize that this is obviously not the reason. I mean, Camp Hyrule is unlucky simply because the NOA staff makes it that way in the code. So, its nothing that they can't control. Nintendo's NOA_ANDY even held a live chat with Nintendo's message board goers and he basically dodged the question of why. This goes to show that whatever the reason, it either isn't very good, they're not proud of it, or both.
Now, in order to maybe see why they cancelled it, we have to understand what is going to be there. What we know is that there will still be a Camp Hyrule map (funny because that's the most unlucky part of the camp), a place for Stumpy (the also unlucky mascot) and some of the Flash games from the past. The things that will not be brought back are things like the cabins, the chats, messageboards, and cabin wars. There will be a contest to win a life-size Link statue though.
Now that we have that out of the way, lets begin to examine why Nintendo even conducts Camp Hyrule. One might say that they are just being nice and trying to please people. That may be part of the reason, but personally, since Nintendo is a large corporation, I do not think that their motives are not just a little bit driven by money.
One might say that Nintendo has plenty of money, and they'd be right. The Wii has done wonders for the stock including the almost 8% stock increase today. With Nintendo hitting a new 52-week high almost daily, its hard to imagine that they can't afford the human element to Camp Hyrule.
So, what could the reason be? Well, I have three theories in order of how good they are. You can take them or leave them.
Theory 1: Nintendo is just flat out lazy. Its not that I think this is the most likely, but I do think that it is worth mentioning considering that the elements that they have decided to take out are all elements that require active human attention. And considering that thirteen years is a long time to be running an online summer camp. it is possible that they may have decided that they just do not want to deal with it this year. I am in San Diego and in a few days , the biggest comic book convention, Comic-Con will start soon. I do not even think Nintendo is going to be there this year. That's according to our PR contact with Nintendo anyway. With E3 being moved closer to things like Comic-Con and Camp Hyrule, I suppose that it is possible that they are just tired.
Theory 2: This is probably the most unlikely considering that counter-examples are starring me right in the face, but I think it also should be mentioned. One possibility is that Nintendo may not have any games to promote. Like I said, I think this is unlikely considering that they said there will be a map ( my guess is either Metroid, SSBB, or Phantom Hourglass as the map thing fits) But they just may not feel that the Camp will be worth the promotion.
Theory 3: Okay, this is the theory that took me a while to think of and its the the one that I think makes the most sense. Camp Hyrule is run jointly by Nintendo of America staff and by Nintendo Power Staff. For every Camp Hyrule I have been to, a big portion of what they try to do is sell subscriptions of Nintendo Power. For those who don't know, Nintendo Power is Nintendo's official gaming magazine that started in the late 80's. Recently, there have been rumors that because Nintendo of America is going to be doing restructuring, Nintendo Power writers are being laid off because they will either sell the magazine or get rid of it altogether. Remember, these are just rumors, but they are not that hard to believe. Sales in print media for all types of consumer have been on the decline largely because of the internet availability of the information. It makes sense that the types of magazines that will fall first in these declines are magazines where the audience has a large internet presence. Namely Computer and Gaming magazines. So it is not surprising that Ziff Davis (a large computer and gaming media company) has been selling off divisions and reshuffling management quite frequently.
Unfortunately, Nintendo does not release figures generally about their magazine. Maybe this is telling evidence that the sales are on the decline. Since I think that Camp Hyrule is directly linked to Nintendo Power, it is not hard to believe that they may cancel it for that reason.
In conclusion, I think my third theory is the most plausible, but quite honestly, I could be wrong on all counts. This is all speculation and to be honest, I hope my third theory is wrong because it would imply a permanent shutdown of Camp Hyrule, which is something that Nintendo's NOA_ANDY refused to comment on.
Thanks for reading and I hope you all have great comments to leave and maybe some theories of your own.
SOURCES:
Nintendo power
Wikipedia on Camp Hyrule
Camphyrule.com
NOA_ANDY Q&A
Nintendo Power Shutting Down
WHY NINTENDO KILLED CAMP HYRULE:
As many of you may know, Nintendo of America, has decided to effectively shut down Camp Hyrule. In this article, we explore what may be the reasons for Nintendo shutting down camp Hyrule. Before we do that, it is important to realize exactly what aspects of Camp Hyrule are going to take place and what they plan to substitute it with in order for us to decipher why they may have done this.
Nintendo has been running Camp Hyrule, which is basically an online summer camp, for the last thirteen years. Whether it be by themselves, or with AOL, Nintendo has held twelve Camp Hyrules and this year's marks thirteen. Nintendo claims that the reason is because Camp Hyrule is very unlucky in general and they figure that mixing that with the number thirteen is a recipe for trouble. Now, first, lets realize that this is obviously not the reason. I mean, Camp Hyrule is unlucky simply because the NOA staff makes it that way in the code. So, its nothing that they can't control. Nintendo's NOA_ANDY even held a live chat with Nintendo's message board goers and he basically dodged the question of why. This goes to show that whatever the reason, it either isn't very good, they're not proud of it, or both.
Now, in order to maybe see why they cancelled it, we have to understand what is going to be there. What we know is that there will still be a Camp Hyrule map (funny because that's the most unlucky part of the camp), a place for Stumpy (the also unlucky mascot) and some of the Flash games from the past. The things that will not be brought back are things like the cabins, the chats, messageboards, and cabin wars. There will be a contest to win a life-size Link statue though.
Now that we have that out of the way, lets begin to examine why Nintendo even conducts Camp Hyrule. One might say that they are just being nice and trying to please people. That may be part of the reason, but personally, since Nintendo is a large corporation, I do not think that their motives are not just a little bit driven by money.
One might say that Nintendo has plenty of money, and they'd be right. The Wii has done wonders for the stock including the almost 8% stock increase today. With Nintendo hitting a new 52-week high almost daily, its hard to imagine that they can't afford the human element to Camp Hyrule.
So, what could the reason be? Well, I have three theories in order of how good they are. You can take them or leave them.
Theory 1: Nintendo is just flat out lazy. Its not that I think this is the most likely, but I do think that it is worth mentioning considering that the elements that they have decided to take out are all elements that require active human attention. And considering that thirteen years is a long time to be running an online summer camp. it is possible that they may have decided that they just do not want to deal with it this year. I am in San Diego and in a few days , the biggest comic book convention, Comic-Con will start soon. I do not even think Nintendo is going to be there this year. That's according to our PR contact with Nintendo anyway. With E3 being moved closer to things like Comic-Con and Camp Hyrule, I suppose that it is possible that they are just tired.
Theory 2: This is probably the most unlikely considering that counter-examples are starring me right in the face, but I think it also should be mentioned. One possibility is that Nintendo may not have any games to promote. Like I said, I think this is unlikely considering that they said there will be a map ( my guess is either Metroid, SSBB, or Phantom Hourglass as the map thing fits) But they just may not feel that the Camp will be worth the promotion.
Theory 3: Okay, this is the theory that took me a while to think of and its the the one that I think makes the most sense. Camp Hyrule is run jointly by Nintendo of America staff and by Nintendo Power Staff. For every Camp Hyrule I have been to, a big portion of what they try to do is sell subscriptions of Nintendo Power. For those who don't know, Nintendo Power is Nintendo's official gaming magazine that started in the late 80's. Recently, there have been rumors that because Nintendo of America is going to be doing restructuring, Nintendo Power writers are being laid off because they will either sell the magazine or get rid of it altogether. Remember, these are just rumors, but they are not that hard to believe. Sales in print media for all types of consumer have been on the decline largely because of the internet availability of the information. It makes sense that the types of magazines that will fall first in these declines are magazines where the audience has a large internet presence. Namely Computer and Gaming magazines. So it is not surprising that Ziff Davis (a large computer and gaming media company) has been selling off divisions and reshuffling management quite frequently.
Unfortunately, Nintendo does not release figures generally about their magazine. Maybe this is telling evidence that the sales are on the decline. Since I think that Camp Hyrule is directly linked to Nintendo Power, it is not hard to believe that they may cancel it for that reason.
In conclusion, I think my third theory is the most plausible, but quite honestly, I could be wrong on all counts. This is all speculation and to be honest, I hope my third theory is wrong because it would imply a permanent shutdown of Camp Hyrule, which is something that Nintendo's NOA_ANDY refused to comment on.
Thanks for reading and I hope you all have great comments to leave and maybe some theories of your own.
SOURCES:
Nintendo power
Wikipedia on Camp Hyrule
Camphyrule.com
NOA_ANDY Q&A
Nintendo Power Shutting Down
Camp Hyrule Project
Jul/18/07 10:42 AM
Ladies, Gentlemen, LITHCasters, NSiders, and guests,
Lend me your ears. Today is a solemn occasion. Today, July 18th, was the day the dream died.
"What is Daniel talking about?" You may ask.
Well, to put it simply, Nintendo has essentially cancelled one of my favorite events, Camp Hyrule. Why they did this, I am not sure, but what I do know is that they are trying to pass off the reason as the fact that 13 is an unlucky number. This, I am sure, is complete boloney. I mean, Japanese company right? So, 4 should be their unlucky number...
But I digress. Nintendo of America believes that they can simply substitute the Camp Hyrule dream with a contest. While admittedly, the prize is a life-size statue of Link *drools*, we cannot forget that the reason we go to Camp Hyrule is for the community. Realize that only one person can go away the victor with a mere contest, but at Camp Hyrule, everyone leaves a winner.
Now, I may sound like I am being very sentimental about this camp and there is a reason I am. This would be my third Camp Hyrule if I attend. For all those who love the podcast, know this, Camp Hyrule was one of the things that first inspired me to start doing some serious Nintendo stuff. Without it, there is a good chance this site and podcast wouldn't be here today.
Moreover, Camp Hyrule is an event that occurs once a year, and at least on NSider, there are many people who will be leaving simply because they love Camp Hyrule and cannot live without it. There are also people that never got to even go to a real Camp Hyrule.
Now, if you think I am not crazy, then maybe you'll join me in trying to save Camp Hyrule.
Here's how:
Use these Signature Addons. (Thanks SHININGSTEEL)
Sign our petition
If all else fails, we are going to try to set up our own Camp Hyrule, but we'll see.
Thanks everyone,
Daniel Friedlaender
Founder and Host of LITHCast
UPDATE:
I am starting to think this is all a joke and KING_GAMER from NSider sums it up well:
KING_GAMER288 wrote:
FIVE GOOD REASONS WHY THIS IS PROBABLY A JOKE:
5. NOAs were likely aware that this announcement would generate a mostly negative response from nearly everyone on NSider - why would they try to tarnish their image even more in the eyes of some who already don't like them?
4. In all honesty, the Counselors are the ones who are setting up the disasters. Seriously, guys, if they don't want a disaster to happen, all they have to do is write it out in the code and the disaster will be avoided. It's really that easy.
3. Even if we don't hold Camp Hyrule as it has been held for the last 12 years this year, guess what? We're not actually holding the 13th Camp Hyrule - we're avoiding it. So, next year, guess what? It'll still be the 13th Camp Hyrule again, unless they're going to sell this one off as the 13th one - but it'll be pretty hard to do that considering it won't have many elements from past ones - the most important being the COMMUNITY element.
2. The prize is a joke in its own right. As much as we'd all like to believe that any Zelda fan would love to own a life-sized Link statue, it's actually not true because most of us don't have room for that kind of thing, nor do we want to make room for it. It probably wouldn't even grab a decent price on eBay...really. I hate to say it, guys, but I doubt this prize is actually worth shooting for, since we could build this if we had enough paper mache and time.
1. If these camp counselors are so superstitious, why in the world are they starting the contest on AUGUST 13th?
It seems very, very fishy to me.
Lend me your ears. Today is a solemn occasion. Today, July 18th, was the day the dream died.
"What is Daniel talking about?" You may ask.
Well, to put it simply, Nintendo has essentially cancelled one of my favorite events, Camp Hyrule. Why they did this, I am not sure, but what I do know is that they are trying to pass off the reason as the fact that 13 is an unlucky number. This, I am sure, is complete boloney. I mean, Japanese company right? So, 4 should be their unlucky number...
But I digress. Nintendo of America believes that they can simply substitute the Camp Hyrule dream with a contest. While admittedly, the prize is a life-size statue of Link *drools*, we cannot forget that the reason we go to Camp Hyrule is for the community. Realize that only one person can go away the victor with a mere contest, but at Camp Hyrule, everyone leaves a winner.
Now, I may sound like I am being very sentimental about this camp and there is a reason I am. This would be my third Camp Hyrule if I attend. For all those who love the podcast, know this, Camp Hyrule was one of the things that first inspired me to start doing some serious Nintendo stuff. Without it, there is a good chance this site and podcast wouldn't be here today.
Moreover, Camp Hyrule is an event that occurs once a year, and at least on NSider, there are many people who will be leaving simply because they love Camp Hyrule and cannot live without it. There are also people that never got to even go to a real Camp Hyrule.
Now, if you think I am not crazy, then maybe you'll join me in trying to save Camp Hyrule.
Here's how:
Use these Signature Addons. (Thanks SHININGSTEEL)
Sign our petition
If all else fails, we are going to try to set up our own Camp Hyrule, but we'll see.
Thanks everyone,
Daniel Friedlaender
Founder and Host of LITHCast
UPDATE:
I am starting to think this is all a joke and KING_GAMER from NSider sums it up well:
KING_GAMER288 wrote:
FIVE GOOD REASONS WHY THIS IS PROBABLY A JOKE:
5. NOAs were likely aware that this announcement would generate a mostly negative response from nearly everyone on NSider - why would they try to tarnish their image even more in the eyes of some who already don't like them?
4. In all honesty, the Counselors are the ones who are setting up the disasters. Seriously, guys, if they don't want a disaster to happen, all they have to do is write it out in the code and the disaster will be avoided. It's really that easy.
3. Even if we don't hold Camp Hyrule as it has been held for the last 12 years this year, guess what? We're not actually holding the 13th Camp Hyrule - we're avoiding it. So, next year, guess what? It'll still be the 13th Camp Hyrule again, unless they're going to sell this one off as the 13th one - but it'll be pretty hard to do that considering it won't have many elements from past ones - the most important being the COMMUNITY element.
2. The prize is a joke in its own right. As much as we'd all like to believe that any Zelda fan would love to own a life-sized Link statue, it's actually not true because most of us don't have room for that kind of thing, nor do we want to make room for it. It probably wouldn't even grab a decent price on eBay...really. I hate to say it, guys, but I doubt this prize is actually worth shooting for, since we could build this if we had enough paper mache and time.
1. If these camp counselors are so superstitious, why in the world are they starting the contest on AUGUST 13th?
It seems very, very fishy to me.
Nintendo E3 Press Kit
Jul/15/07 10:48 AM
So, on my way out of the media briefing, Nintendo/
GolinHarris personnel handed me a folder with various
press releases inside. In addition, it had a CD of
pictures inside. I posted the pictures in this photo
album.
So, Click Here to take a look at the Nintendo Press kit.
*UPDATE* Take a look at http://press.nintendo.com/E32007/ as well.
username: golin
password: harris
Don't know why I didn't think of this because they had this last year.
Thanks BorninUSA!
So, Click Here to take a look at the Nintendo Press kit.
*UPDATE* Take a look at http://press.nintendo.com/E32007/ as well.
username: golin
password: harris
Don't know why I didn't think of this because they had this last year.
Thanks BorninUSA!
E3 Press Conference Video
Jul/11/07 06:07 PM
So, the press conference was great. Hopefully, you
were able to watch our Live Stream. That was a lot of
fun.
Anywho,
We have the video of Nintendo's Press Conference in iPod format.
RIGHT-CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD (433MBs m4v file - Quicktime or VLC required)
There is an annoying buzz at the beginning, but we fixed it a few minutes into the video.
Enjoy!
Anywho,
We have the video of Nintendo's Press Conference in iPod format.
RIGHT-CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD (433MBs m4v file - Quicktime or VLC required)
There is an annoying buzz at the beginning, but we fixed it a few minutes into the video.
Enjoy!
E3 LIVE STREAM
Jul/11/07 04:49 AM
Hello. Chances are, that if you graced this page, you
probably want to watch a live stream of NIntendo's
press event. Sure thing 
Just CLICK HERE TO GO THE PLAYER (even if before 9am Pacific)
Just CLICK HERE TO GO THE PLAYER (even if before 9am Pacific)
LITHCast E3 Live Stream Official.
Jul/08/07 12:52 AM
Hello all,
Well we have had one heck of a time here at LITHCast trying to finalize this stuff. So basically here is the lowdown on what we will be doing for E3.
-We will not be attending the convention, just the Nintendo Media Briefing.
-We will be streaming the media briefing live and uninterrupted from 9am to 10am Pacific (GMT-8)
You can just tune in to the homepage at the appropriate time. It'll be pretty obvious where to go. You an put your email below to get a reminder the morning of. ( We do not sell your address and do not send you spam)
You can take a listen to an audio explanation here.
Well we have had one heck of a time here at LITHCast trying to finalize this stuff. So basically here is the lowdown on what we will be doing for E3.
-We will not be attending the convention, just the Nintendo Media Briefing.
-We will be streaming the media briefing live and uninterrupted from 9am to 10am Pacific (GMT-8)
You can just tune in to the homepage at the appropriate time. It'll be pretty obvious where to go. You an put your email below to get a reminder the morning of. ( We do not sell your address and do not send you spam)
You can take a listen to an audio explanation here.
