RPG platformer Indivisible unexpectedly launched on Nintendo Switch today, utterly surprising not only fans, but also the game’s developer, Lab Zero. According to the game’s lead designer, Mike Zaimont, Indivisible’s publisher 505 Games did not communicate the launch to anyone at Lab Zero. Zaimont and his colleagues only found out about the release when they started to receive congratulations on the launch from fans on Twitter.
Unfortunately in addition to not being informed of the launch, Zaimont also found that the Switch port is missing several key features, including cooperative play, aka New Game Plus. There was also no PR performed for the game’s Switch launch, which is not only unusual from a marketing and sales standpoint, but understandably disappointing to the development team that poured hours of blood, sweat, and tears into their game.
HEY, THAT THING EVERYONE WANTED?@IndivisibleRPG is out RIGHT NOW digitally for Switch in North America!
Feel like you missed the announcement? You're not alone, our team found out because people on Twitter sent us congratulations! I had no idea! But there it is! :^P
1/ pic.twitter.com/bByIeD0rhj— Mike Zaimont (@MikeZSez) April 28, 2020
https://twitter.com/MikeZSez/status/1255065722687860736
It’s not Lab Zero or Zaimont’s fault that the game launched missing a key feature, but nonetheless Zaimont apologized to fans for the disappointing circumstances, saying “This launch does not represent the quality standards of Lab Zero. It just doesn’t. I’m sorry. It wasn’t us.”
The developer appeared to take things in stride ending his Twitter thread with, “But hey, it’s 20% off!” So if you plan on purchasing Indivisible for Switch today, enjoy the discount.
We’ve reached out to Publisher 505 Games for a comment, but have yet to hear back. As of the writing of this article they have yet to comment on the unexpected release and lack of communication with Lab Zero. Though, the publisher did make note of the game’s release not long ago on Twitter.
Indivisible is now available on the Nintendo Switch eShop in North America and Europe!
Buy Now ➡️ https://t.co/3rYzNXknMF
An official Japanese version with full text and V.O. arrives July 16th. Korea and Southeast Asia launch date to be announced. pic.twitter.com/1WbAnclPrW
— 505 Games (@505_Games) April 28, 2020
[UPDATE*] – Indivisible’s lead designer Mike Zaimont has shared on Twitter that the game was intended to have a day 1 patch, but cooperative gameplay / New Game Plus were not intended to be included in that patch. The features will be added at a later date.
Again, this is not the port house's fault – they did great work! Nor is it Nintendo's fault.
505 will surely provide more info soon about when the original day 1 patch is coming. :^)
Prerelease party every day! :^P
— Mike Zaimont (@MikeZSez) April 28, 2020
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