If you’re astonished that a Nintendo game that doesn’t feature Pikachu, Mario, or Zelda sold 1 million copies in less than a month, you’re not alone.
Speaking to shareholders during a question and answer session on June 26, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata revealed that the Japanese company was surprised by Splatoon‘s success. This team-based shooter, which came out in May for the Wii U, focuses on online play, which is unusual for a Nintendo title. It’s also a new franchise, not relying on Nintendo’s stable of popular characters.
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This success could encourage Nintendo, a company known for often sticking with classic series like Mario and Zelda, to experiment with new franchises. A Splatoon 2 is also looking more like a distinct possibility (perhaps on Nintendo’s mysterious next console, the NX).