Earlier this morning, we reported that the Wii U version of Yooka-Laylee has been officially cancelled and production of a Nintendo Switch version is underway. Many people, us included, believed this was due to poor Wii U console sales and the Nintendo Switch’s anticipated debut on the horizon; however, it now appears that the development of a Switch game of the title had nothing to do with the decision to cancel the Wii U version. In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Playtonic Studios head Gavin Price chocks the cancellation up to technical issues with the development of the Wii U version.
“No, that had nothing to do with the decision,” he tells GamesIndustry.biz. “As we have shared, it’s simply down to unforeseen technical difficulties. It’s a testament to the team that we have continued to fully explore every possible option throughout making Yooka-Laylee.”
“Our backers are why we are here today and that’s our first priority. We can assure you this was a hard decision for everyone. Our team has so much combined Nintendo heritage and we’re huge Nintendo fans as individuals. That’s why we’re working hard to make things right for our backers and with Nintendo and Playtonic’s fanbase over the coming weeks and months.”
Playtonic studios has also mentioned that a refund option for those who supported only the Wii U version of the title would be likely, and backers can move their pledge to another platform of their choosing at no additional cost.
“We’re working hard to provide Wii U fans with multiple options to let them decide how they’d like to move forwards,” says Price. “The Playtonic team members who backed were mostly Wii U backers too, so we know it’s not the news everyone wanted to hear but we’ll do our absolute best to make it the right decision and ensure Nintendo fans get the great experience they deserve.”
There’s no word yet on when we can expect to see a Nintendo Switch version of Yooka-Laylee, or if it will launch side by side with its PlayStation and Xbox One brethren on April 11th.
Stay tuned to Nintendo Wire for more details as they become available.
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Written by Jason Ganos
Nintendo super fan since birth, Jason is the creator of Amiibo News and editor-in-chief at Nintendo Wire. One of his life goals is to provide the latest Nintendo news to fellow gamers with his natural know-how.
