Game Informer is reporting a current rumor for the Wii U involves Nintendo and EA working out an agreement to make EA's Origin digital service become the basis for Nintendo's revamped online network set to launch with the Wii U.
The basis of the rumor could be due to Nintendo hinting earlier in the year they have been contacting companies for advice on how to revamp their online network with Valve and EA being the big names leaked.
The biggest part of the rumor involves the online network would be more "open" in a sense compared to Microsoft's Xbox Live strict "closeness" that has upset a lot of companies in recent years especially EA and Valve. Up until the addition of PS+ service, Sony's PSN was less "closed" but required publishers to cover all server costs including demo downloads.
Nintendo's Wiiware did allow a higher percentage of revenue for publishers but the heavy restrictions on file size and lack of advertising were key negative factors for interest in the service by publishers.
In theory this would mean Nintendo's new network service would be more publisher-friendly than Xbox Live by either allowing more leeway in the guidelines or a better share of the revenue. One big complaint regarding Xbox Live involves restricting games if they arrive on PSN at the same time or even before Xbox Live gets them.
If true, it would allow EA's Origin service a potential foothold into the console market and as a way to compete against Steam which currently can be accessed from a PS3. It would also allow Nintendo some network experience from EA who already built 2 network services (EA Network and Origin).
Other rumors state Nintendo is still debating between Steam and Origin as a potential basis with Valve and EA in heavy competition to win the partnership contract.
http://wiiugo.com/exclusive-ea-origi...line-strategy/
http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/a...ea-origin.aspx
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Daily Recap:
1) Cloud saving will be included as a new feature for Xbox Live according to a Microsoft executive in charge of the upcoming Xbox Live dashboard update expected to arrive later this month.
http://www.screwattack.com/news/xbox-clouds-horizon
2) PETA is upset over the revival of the Tanooki suit in Mario games, specifically in Super Mario 3D Land, by saying it helps promote the idea of only killing animals for their fur and Mario being "evil."
http://www.1up.com/news/mario-3d-lan...t-ok-with-peta
3) 343 Studios denies any rumors or concerns of Halo 4 arriving on the next Xbox system as they are currently developing the game to be exclusive to only the Xbox 360.
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/...g-to-xbox-720/