Winner: Nintendo
Best Developer of 2017
It’s been quite a year for Nintendo. Twelve months ago, though interest in its upcoming console had been piqued by a tantalizing reveal trailer, trepidation about the developer’s future was palpable. After the disappointment of the Wii U, fans wondered, whether the big N would ever get back to its best. 2017 has answered that question with a resounding yes. Not only has the Nintendo Switch turned out to be one of the most appealing pieces of hardware on the market, its year one library has been among the strongest in video gaming history. One critically acclaimed hit after another in quick succession has built an incredible library of games for Nintendo’s latest console in record time.
Nintendo’s software teams have demonstrated the developer’s incredible versatility, producing two of the most critically acclaimed games of the generation, supported by several other standout titles across different genres. Notably, both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey have not only reinvigorated their respective franchises with fresh game design, they’ve showcased innovation on a level that arguably redefines the benchmark of their respective genres, too. The successful launch of ARMS, a brand new IP, as well as continued critical acclaim for Splatoon 2 and Xenoblade Chronicles has been another boon.
Nintendo really has exceeded all expectations, thrusting itself right back into the center of the gaming industry with an astonishingly good year. In the process, it has won the hearts and minds of fans, old and new. Against all odds, the big N is back to its best.
