Nintendo has long been an industry leader in connecting gamers to new experiences, and the 2015 E3 season proved no different.
Recognizing that not all fans could make the trip to Los Angeles for the Electronic Entertainment Expo, Nintendo launched the innovative Nindies@Home promotion.
This unique initiative offered Wii U owners the chance to download free demos of nine upcoming indie games, developed by the platform’s most promising independent studios.
The Nindies@Home program ran until June 22, 2015, providing early access and exclusive savings to players around the globe. The promotion did more than just preview games—it rewarded engagement.
Players who sampled one of the Nindies@Home demos during the offer period became eligible for a 15 percent discount on the full version of each participating title when it launched on the Nintendo eShop, valid for a month post-release.
Damon Baker, Nintendo of America’s Senior Marketing Manager of Publisher and Developer Relations, commented that independent developers consistently deliver impressive digital games and creative experiences for Wii U.
Baker emphasized Nintendo’s excitement to offer fans a home-based taste of E3, while giving them the first opportunity to try exciting new titles ahead of their official release. Nine standout indie games participated in Nindies@Home, covering genres from puzzle-platformer to action shooter.
Among the highlights: - **Extreme Exorcism** by Ripstone: A paranormal platformer where every previous move reappears as a ghostly enemy.
Boasting 20 weapons and 50 challenges, it featured local multiplayer for up to four players, with a Q3 2015 launch window. - **forma.8** from Mixed Bag: This atmospheric exploration adventure puts players in control of a stranded probe seeking energy on an alien planet.
The Wii U version included a unique area, with a release set for fall 2015. - **Freedom Planet** from GalaxyTrail: A fast-paced platformer set in the quirky world of Avalice, featuring memorable characters, wall-riding motorcycles, and robust combat, expected to arrive in August 2015. - **Lovely Planet** by tinybuild and QUICKTEQUILA: Mixing frenetic shooting with minimalist visuals, this unique FPS provided 100 levels across five worlds, launching December 2015. - **Mutant Mudds Super Challenge** by Renegade Kid: A challenging sequel exclusive to the Nintendo eShop for both Wii U and Nintendo 3DS, with 40 new levels and intense boss battles, targeting a summer 2015 release. - **RIVE** from Two Tribes: This 360-degree, explosive shooter fused old-school gameplay with modern mechanics.
Players hack robots and blast obstacles, with a release date set for November 2015. - **Runbow** by 13AM Games: This vibrant multiplayer title supported up to nine players, offering several modes and transformations triggered by changing colors.
Guest characters from other eShop games featured, with a Q3 launch window. - **Soul Axiom** from Wales Interactive: A psychological cyber-thriller in first-person, blending exploration and puzzle-solving across over 40 environments.
The game aimed for a December 2015 release. - **Typoman**, co-developed by Headup Games and Brainseed Factory: A two-dimensional puzzle platformer distinguished by inventive word mechanics, exclusive to Wii U, due for release in Q3 2015. Nintendo’s Nindies@Home campaign highlighted a strategic commitment to digital content and indie developer partnerships on the Wii U.
Alongside exclusive content and creative gameplay, the initiative demonstrated Nintendo’s focus on community engagement by integrating meaningful eShop discounts for early adopters.
With bold indie games, discounted pricing, and accessible demos, Nindies@Home set a new standard for how major publishers can open the E3 experience to players everywhere.
Recognizing that not all fans could make the trip to Los Angeles for the Electronic Entertainment Expo, Nintendo launched the innovative Nindies@Home promotion.
This unique initiative offered Wii U owners the chance to download free demos of nine upcoming indie games, developed by the platform’s most promising independent studios.
The Nindies@Home program ran until June 22, 2015, providing early access and exclusive savings to players around the globe. The promotion did more than just preview games—it rewarded engagement.
Players who sampled one of the Nindies@Home demos during the offer period became eligible for a 15 percent discount on the full version of each participating title when it launched on the Nintendo eShop, valid for a month post-release.
Damon Baker, Nintendo of America’s Senior Marketing Manager of Publisher and Developer Relations, commented that independent developers consistently deliver impressive digital games and creative experiences for Wii U.
Baker emphasized Nintendo’s excitement to offer fans a home-based taste of E3, while giving them the first opportunity to try exciting new titles ahead of their official release. Nine standout indie games participated in Nindies@Home, covering genres from puzzle-platformer to action shooter.
Among the highlights: - **Extreme Exorcism** by Ripstone: A paranormal platformer where every previous move reappears as a ghostly enemy.
Boasting 20 weapons and 50 challenges, it featured local multiplayer for up to four players, with a Q3 2015 launch window. - **forma.8** from Mixed Bag: This atmospheric exploration adventure puts players in control of a stranded probe seeking energy on an alien planet.
The Wii U version included a unique area, with a release set for fall 2015. - **Freedom Planet** from GalaxyTrail: A fast-paced platformer set in the quirky world of Avalice, featuring memorable characters, wall-riding motorcycles, and robust combat, expected to arrive in August 2015. - **Lovely Planet** by tinybuild and QUICKTEQUILA: Mixing frenetic shooting with minimalist visuals, this unique FPS provided 100 levels across five worlds, launching December 2015. - **Mutant Mudds Super Challenge** by Renegade Kid: A challenging sequel exclusive to the Nintendo eShop for both Wii U and Nintendo 3DS, with 40 new levels and intense boss battles, targeting a summer 2015 release. - **RIVE** from Two Tribes: This 360-degree, explosive shooter fused old-school gameplay with modern mechanics.
Players hack robots and blast obstacles, with a release date set for November 2015. - **Runbow** by 13AM Games: This vibrant multiplayer title supported up to nine players, offering several modes and transformations triggered by changing colors.
Guest characters from other eShop games featured, with a Q3 launch window. - **Soul Axiom** from Wales Interactive: A psychological cyber-thriller in first-person, blending exploration and puzzle-solving across over 40 environments.
The game aimed for a December 2015 release. - **Typoman**, co-developed by Headup Games and Brainseed Factory: A two-dimensional puzzle platformer distinguished by inventive word mechanics, exclusive to Wii U, due for release in Q3 2015. Nintendo’s Nindies@Home campaign highlighted a strategic commitment to digital content and indie developer partnerships on the Wii U.
Alongside exclusive content and creative gameplay, the initiative demonstrated Nintendo’s focus on community engagement by integrating meaningful eShop discounts for early adopters.
With bold indie games, discounted pricing, and accessible demos, Nindies@Home set a new standard for how major publishers can open the E3 experience to players everywhere.
