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How to Develop a Nintendo Wii Game

When Xbox 360 first provided a toolset to allow homebrewed game development hundreds of programmers downloaded the software and let their creativity flow. In just a few years hobbyists had created not only games that thrilled players, but through the Xbox distribution tools indie game companies were sprouting up everywhere. Now Nintendo is going to make the same thing possible with the revolutionary Nintendo Wii. They are calling these homebrew games WiiWare. All game developers need to do to create games for the Wii is become an 'authorized developer'.

Things You'll Need

Computer Secure office location Previous game development experience

Instructions

- 1
  To become an authorized Wii developer companies or individuals must first fulfill specific requirements as outlined by Nintendo. Companies must have already developed other games in the past. Individuals must have experience in the game industry. Nintendo will choose only people and companies they believe are qualified.
- 2
  The company or individual must be working from a secure business office. They do not consider home offices to be secure locations. Also, anyone wishing to develop games for the Wii must sign a NonDisclosure Agreement (NDA).
- 3
  If the above requirements are met, then an application to become an authorized developer must be filled out and sent to Nintendo. Applications are available at the WarioWorld website (see the second link below). Information requested on the application includes the business name, address, phone number and e-mail, list of principal members in the company, list of published game titles and a list of subsidiaries or branch offices.
- 4
  Once becoming an authorized developer for the Wii then the development kit may be purchased. Depending on the size of the team being authorized to use the software the cost of the kit can range from $2000 to $10,000.
- 5
  Once the game has been developed Nintendo still has the right to decide whether to offer a distribution agreement. Companies who develop disc-based games for the Wii must secure a publishing agreement with a Wii publisher.

Wii Games