The Nintendo Switch might be selling like hot cakes thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, but new games for the system in 2020 have been hard to come by. In fact, Nintendo has only released a few games this year, including Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics (excluding Dr. Kawashima's Brain Training in the UK). Only Paper Mario: The Origami King remains on the schedule. The lack of releases has to do with the COVID-19 outbreak, right?
Not according to Nintendo. During its latest shareholder meeting, senior managing executive officer Shinya Takahashi stressed that the pandemic has not directly affected the development of any of Nintendo's first-party games. "While product development is a little behind schedule in some areas due to the impact of COVID-19," Takahashi said, "game releases planned for this fiscal year are currently not affected."
He did state that if the impact from COVID is prolonged or becomes worse, then the company may struggle to release future titles within existing timelines. I certainly agree with that second part, but I have to wonder if Takahashi isn't simply putting on a brave face in front of investors. Why else haven't we even heard of any other titles releasing in 2020?
Should the company need to continue its work-from-home plan, Takahashi pointed to the digital release of Jump Rope Challenge as prove it will work. The eShop freebie was created as a fun diversion for developers as they attempted to adjust to new work restrictions put in place by health officials.
"There tends to be a lack of exercise due to the 'stay at home initiatives,' so we are pleased to distribute this title free of charge for all Nintendo Switch users," Takahashi stated. The game has proved to be hugely successful with gamers jumping a combined 590 million times. That's likely more than most people ever expected from such an innocuous game.
Whatever is going on, at least Nintendo is keeping a positive attitude about things. I may be eager to hear and see anything about Breath of the Wild 2, but I'm willing to accept delays if it means everyone is safe.
Source: Nintendo JP