Problem
Robert "Bob" Pelloni has spent the past five years coding a homebrew adventure game for the Nintendo DS. He would like to sell his game but to do so he needs to purchase the Nitro SDK from Nintendo. Bob made first contact with Nintendo over a year ago about getting the SDK but so far their only response is to give him the run-around. Meanwhile, several publishers have expressed interest in bringing the game to retail. Until Bob gets the Nitro SDK he can't finish his game.
Gambit
In protest of Nintendo's non-actions Bob has barricaded himself in his office until Nintendo responds to him. To help him with his protest Bob encourages everybody to contact Nintendo about his situation. In his own words:
The door is locked and barricaded from the outside. I am sleeping behind the camera, and yes- I've got a shower. Food is delivered once a week by a friend. I have no internet access, television, or game consoles besides those I am developing on. I can receive and send email on my Android G1, so I can get Nintendo's reply and update my site with tether.
Bob's Game
What's remarkable about Bob's Game (it's not yet clear if that the actual title or a code name), is that he worked on the entire 20-hour title by himself. The ambitious one-man developer says his adventure game has over 200 completely unique characters with deep personalities that evolve. Aspects of the game will be affected by time and weather. Indeed, if Cave Story has taught us anything it's that one person can make a large-scale game.
The trailer for Bob's Game
::do more::
This story currently popular with the gaming blogs but what happens 50 or 75 days from now when it's old news? I admire Bob's determination and I don't want this to be another quickly forgotten story. Here are two ways you MUST help Bob in his protest:
Write Nintendo on a Regular Basis
Most people on the Intertwat are going to read this story once, write Nintendo once, then move on—that isn't good enough. If Nintendo really is avoiding Bob they're going to tolerate the initial wave of inquiry knowing that people will stop when this is no longer a front page story. Writing Nintendo on a regular basis sends a strong message to the contrary. I recommend writing them every three days.
Write Bob on a Regular Basis
Dude is in a room by himself for the next 100 days; he needs continued words of encouragement. This is to show Bob that you've taken his cause to heart and that you will continue to stick by him until Nintendo responds, just like he's prepared himself to do. Write to him on the same days you write to Nintendo.
DO NOT:
- start an on-line petition (this is juvenile)
- copy/paste the same message every time (spamming)
- write in an angry or threatening tone (also juvenile)
Google Calendar users can use this to remind themselves. The rest of you set your respective alarms or calendars NOW!
