Wii Instruction Manuals To Use Helvetica Font
Early this morning, Nintendo of America announced that all Wii instruction manuals will be required to use Helvetica font.
According to the official press release, all game manuals must be printed in Helvetica font, with 12-point for body text and 16 for headers. The move comes as Nintendo moves away from the industry standard Times New Roman. The announcement has ignited a firestorm of controversy from developers and consumers alike.
Hideo Kojima, creator of the Metal Gear series, has expressed disappointment with the announcement.
“Nintendo has made a terrible mistake with this move. I was considering bringing Metal Gear Solid 4 to the Wii, seeing as I had some wonderful ideas regarding the use of the Wiimote with the game, but now I’m not so sure. I had my heart set on using Arial, and I don’t know if I can compromise in this regard.”
Gamer reaction has been sharply divided. Supporters of the Wii argue that such a move merely strengthens Nintendo’s position as an innovator and trailblazer within the industry. Conversely, naysayers state that the announcement further distances Nintendo from the mainstream, which have historically preferred a Century Gothic style font.
Reggie Fils-Aime, President of Nintendo of America, defended the announcement, calling it a shrewd business move and that the industry will soon see a change in font types for instruction manuals.
"It's important that we move ahead in this area of gaming. How long must we suffer through Comic Sans and Georgia?"