This backs up what JetPack Monkey said before to an extent. Seems this game company Pronto games hooked up and got a Wii license, Even though they have several titles I really wasnt all that impressed with the type of games they have made in the past. This new Zorro game they are making must be a real step up. Heres the article from GG site.


Torque Game Engine Licensing for Wii Now Available from GarageGames
Eugene, OR, July 16, 2007 -- GarageGames, the leading technology provider for independent game makers, and Pronto Games, professional PC and console game developer, are pleased to announce the availability of Torque licensing for the Wii console. First shown at the Nintendo Developer Conference in June, Torque for Wii is based on the popular Torque Game Engine, with built-in support for the unique Wii controller, making it a complete package for both disc-based and downloadable Wii games.

"I think every game designer has a few ideas about how they could use the Wii console's extraordinary features to make fun games," commented Josh Williams, GarageGames CEO. "Torque for Wii makes it easier to focus on creating high-quality experiences for the Wii, rather than implementing the technologies and tools it takes to just get started."

Nintendo recently announced the availability of the WiiWare service, which will allow developers of all types to create downloadable games for sale through the Wii Shop Channel. According to GarageGames, heavily discounted license pricing is available for games targeting the WiiWare downloadable service, versus those aiming for shelf space at the local game store.

In addition to Wii Remote support, Torque for Wii supports skinned mesh rendering, advanced character and shape animation, terrains with seamless indoor/outdoor transitions, environmental effects, industry-leading networked multiplayer game support, collision detection and physics, a bevy of rendering effects, compressed textures, and more, all optimized for Wii. Additional features include a powerful WYSIWYG tool chain for designers, scripting language support, a comprehensive Lot Check compliance component, and Wii graphics and audio abstraction layers. These modifications to the Torque Game Engine combined with the existing Torque toolset and pipeline make Torque for Wii a complete game development solution for the Wii console. Pronto Games, who developed the Wii port, is also using the technology for their upcoming Wii exclusive game, The Destiny of Zorro.

"We chose to develop The Destiny of Zorro with the Torque Game Engine because of its proven reliability and our developers' familiarity with it," said Randy Angle, President and Creative Director of Pronto Games. "Partnering with GarageGames to make the Torque Game Engine available to other Wii developers seemed like the obvious next step, and we look forward to seeing the creation of even more quality Wii titles as a result."

For more information regarding the Torque for Wii license, please contact GarageGames at sales@garagegames.com or 541-345-3040.

About Pronto Games
Pronto Games brings depth of experience to all facets of game production: inventive game design, solid project management, quality artwork, and innovative technology. By combining professional expertise with a passion for fun, Pronto Games creates great entertainment for casual and core players on handhelds, mobile, toys, and disc or downloadable content for the PC, Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii. Pronto Games can be found on the web at www.prontogames.com.

Maybe one day I can play my own game on the Wii... Very cool. GS out.

lol and youre all wrong...

how garage games managed to get onto the wii bandwagon:

nintendo released info on WiiWare...

All you have to do is sign onto wii ware, and you can program for wii. thats what garage games did. they signed on as middleware provider.

basically, with WiiWare everyone can be a Wii game creator. all you have to do is create a game that meets the requirements, and thats it.

the only thing i havent found out: WHERE TO SIGN????

http://www.bit-tech.net/news/2007/06/27/wiiware_hitting_vc_next_year/1

A good article on Wiiware ^^

The big catch is that Nintendo must approve of your game to give it their official Seal of Quality. They will test and debug your software, approve it or deny it on quality and stability, and (speculating on this point) probably also to assure that it will not pose a threat to sales of any of their existing titles. I have a feeling their criteria for approval/disapproval is very high and only indie titles with a very good production quality would be approved.

Judging by that, it looks like this isn't geared for start-up companies. Even advanced start-ups. You need 3 games already published, and a degree of stability. Perhaps they would accept your project if it was already finished and released, that way the risk is reduced. But then again, look at all the 360 games you hear about, most are from existing large publishers. Looks like going through a publisher would be the only way to get on the Wii for a start-up.

I wonder how far you can bend the above rules. If you can supply them with a good game plan and a tech demo, which they like, I dont think they will mind that you only have 1 or 2 games released.