WiiWare是由任天堂推出的一個數位發行平台，專為Wii遊戲機設計。該平台於2008年3月25日在日本首次上線，之後陸續在北美、歐洲和澳大利亞上線。WiiWare的設計類似手機app Store，目的是為了讓開發者，特別是獨立開發者，能夠以較低的成本創建和發布遊戲。以下是WiiWare平台的詳細介紹：

1. 平台背景

WiiWare作為Wii的數位下載服務，旨在補充傳統的實體遊戲市場。與Wii遊戲的光碟格式不同，WiiWare遊戲通過Wii的互聯網連接從Wii Shop Channel下載。WiiWare平台允許開發者創建小型、創新且獨特的遊戲，無需依賴大型發行商或高昂的實體生產成本。

2. 開發與發行

開發成本降低：WiiWare使得小型開發團隊和獨立開發者能夠以較低的成本開發遊戲。任天堂為開發者提供必要的開發工具和支持。

靈活創作：開發者可以自由創作各種類型的遊戲，從簡單的益智遊戲到複雜的角色扮演遊戲，並且不受傳統實體市場的限制。

發布流程：遊戲完成後，開發者將其提交給任天堂進行審查。通過審查後，遊戲就可以在Wii Shop Channel上架，供全球玩家下載。

3. 遊戲價格與購買

WiiWare遊戲的價格通常比傳統實體遊戲低，價格範圍從500 Wii Points（約5美元）到1500 Wii Points（約15美元）不等。玩家可以使用信用卡或預付卡購買Wii Points，然後在Wii Shop Channel上購買和下載遊戲。

4. 特色遊戲

WiiWare平台上有許多受歡迎和具有創新性的遊戲，包括：

《黏黏世界》(World of Goo)：一款益智建造遊戲，由2D Boy開發。玩家需要使用黏性球建造結構，以到達指定目標。

《迷失之風》(LostWinds)：Frontier Developments開發的冒險遊戲，玩家通過控制風來解謎和探索世界。

《洛克人9》(Mega Man 9)：Capcom推出的經典動作遊戲系列新作，回歸原始的8-bit風格。

《小小國王與約定之國 Final Fantasy 水晶編年史》(Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King)：Square Enix開發的模擬經營遊戲，玩家扮演國王重建自己的王國。

5. 結束服務

隨著Wii U的推出和任天堂的數位服務轉移到新的平台，WiiWare平台逐漸被淘汰。任天堂於2019年1月31日關閉Wii Shop Channel，這意味著玩家將無法再購買新的WiiWare遊戲。然而，已購買的遊戲仍然可以下載和遊玩。已經安裝的軟體儲存在Wii主機內的快閃記憶體中，因為記憶體的問題，可以將相關遊戲存在SD記憶卡中讀取。

總結

WiiWare為任天堂的Wii平台引入一種新的遊戲分發模式，允許開發者以較低的成本創作並發布遊戲。這一平台促成許多創新且受歡迎的遊戲的誕生，並為獨立遊戲開發社區提供重要支持。儘管WiiWare服務已經結束，但其對數位遊戲分發的影響仍然深遠。

WiiWare is a digital distribution platform launched by Nintendo, specifically designed for the Wii console. The platform went live on March 25, 2008, in Japan, and subsequently in North America, Europe, and Australia. Similar to a mobile app store, WiiWare was intended to enable developers, particularly independent developers, to create and publish games at a lower cost. Here is a detailed introduction to the WiiWare platform:

Platform Background WiiWare, as a digital download service for the Wii, aimed to complement the traditional physical game market. Unlike Wii games available on disc, WiiWare games were downloaded via the Wii's internet connection through the Wii Shop Channel. The platform allowed developers to create small, innovative, and unique games without relying on large publishers or incurring high physical production costs.

Development and Publishing Reduced Development Costs: WiiWare enabled small development teams and independent developers to create games at a lower cost. Nintendo provided the necessary development tools and support for developers. Creative Freedom: Developers could freely create various types of games, from simple puzzle games to complex role-playing games, without being constrained by the traditional physical market. Publishing Process: Once a game was completed, developers submitted it to Nintendo for review. Upon approval, the game could be listed on the Wii Shop Channel for global players to download.

Game Pricing and Purchase WiiWare games were generally priced lower than traditional physical games, with prices ranging from 500 Wii Points (about $5) to 1500 Wii Points (about $15). Players could purchase Wii Points using a credit card or prepaid cards, then buy and download games from the Wii Shop Channel.

Featured Games WiiWare hosted many popular and innovative games, including:

World of Goo: A puzzle-building game developed by 2D Boy. Players use sticky balls to construct structures to reach a goal.

LostWinds: An adventure game developed by Frontier Developments, where players control the wind to solve puzzles and explore the world.

Mega Man 9: A new installment in the classic action game series by Capcom, returning to the original 8-bit style.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King: A simulation game developed by Square Enix, where players act as a king rebuilding their kingdom.

End of Service With the launch of the Wii U and Nintendo's digital services transitioning to new platforms, WiiWare gradually became obsolete. Nintendo closed the Wii Shop Channel on January 31, 2019, meaning players could no longer purchase new WiiWare games. However, previously purchased games could still be downloaded and played. Installed software is stored in the Wii console's internal flash memory, and due to memory constraints, related games can be stored on an SD card for access.

Summary WiiWare introduced a new game distribution model for Nintendo's Wii platform, allowing developers to create and publish games at lower costs. The platform led to the creation of many innovative and popular games and provided significant support to the indie game development community. Although WiiWare services have ended, its impact on digital game distribution remains significant.

照片:產品官網