Tiny Diggers – An iPad Construction Truck Game for Kids Age 2-5

Take a look at the above mosaic of screengrabs from Nintendo tribute videos found online. If you’re a frequent reader or video game enthusiast, I’m sure that you’re familiar with at least some of them. Have you ever asked yourself: Why are there so many Nintendo-themed videos online?

Some may answer “Pfft! It’s those lame Nintendo fanboys”. Others may say “Nintendo has maintained a prominent role in the evolution of video games as a form of media, it holds a unique place in the mindset of the gaming population, and these fan creations are a highly visible tribute to Nintendo’s cultural significance.” I say to those people “Pfft! What-evar” and “Blah, blah, blah, you think you’re soooo smart”. There is only one clear answer to the proliferation of Nintendo-themed videos on the web: A well-orchestrated viral marketing campaign!

Come on! You’re going to tell me that those Nintendo Acapella singers aren’t paid professionals? You really think someone would put in all that time and effort to make that awesome Nintendo ON video just for kicks? Did anyone seriously think that Mario would make a great character in all those “fan-made” M.U.G.E.N. fighting videos? Don’t you think that the set and costumes in that so-called Zelda fan movie are a little too good? And don’t get me started on that Nintendo 64 Kid. Talk about overacting (that’s why so many movie directors say you should never work with kids).

Final thought: Were those Nintendo DS and Wii controller mockups sent into 4 color rebellion really made by fans OR were they part of the Nintendo marketing machine? Think about it…