Splatoon release model

picture source: Nintendo

Last Thursday we didn't only get the yearly numbers from Nintendo, but also a dedicated Spatoon direct. And after extensively playing the Demo this Saturday I'm allowing myself to draw an early conclusion on the planned release model of the game.

For all of you, who didn't watch the direct, let me recap quickly. Splatoon will release on May, 28^th for 40 bucks in retail. It will feature the full single player campaign, tons of weapons and gear for customization, the Amiibo-challenges, the local 2-player battle Dojo mode and the online mode turf wars. The Splat Zones online mode will be unlocked after a number of players reached level 10. However the game will also launch with only 5 online Maps. This is the basic package of Splatoon.

But they also announced their plans to support the game long time. Over the course of the summer we continually get new maps, weapons and apparel and in august a huge update, containing two new multiplayer modes, will launch. All of these updates will be completely free, which is an important factor, because otherwise I wouldn't defend this game.

Many of the people I spoke to, were satisfied with the direct and happy with Nintendos dedication to long time support of the game, but others criticized the game for being incomplete at launch. While no one can say for sure if this is the case (we don't know anything about the length of the campaign) only 5 maps seem a little bit low for a game with such a strong online focus. So let look at this issue from two sides.

First let me say that everything discussed is based on the additional content remaining free. If the new maps and such will be offered as only paid dlc then there is absolutely no way to look at this from a positive angle.

But now lets start with the positive outlook on the release plans. Long term support is secure. For a new IP we are looking at a massive wave of post-launch support. From the commercials to the presentations, everything shows that Nintendo intends to make Splatoon big. This is great news for anyone planning on buying the game. There will be always something new to try out an play. New maps to explore. New gear to combine. And in August two new modes. This secures a long lasting motivation and helps in building a strong community. It's not companies, which make a game big, but the community. Nintendo seems to have realized this and support the process of building a strong community with all their might. By staggering the release of new content across the whole summer they won't allow the game to disappear into the fabled summer hole. They create the motivation to always come back and try the new content. And from what I've seen of the game during the stress test, I'm pretty sure that many people will love to do that, because Splatoon is build on an addictive and fun foundation.

Now let's talk about the dangers of this release model. Yes they outlook of future content looks rather rosy, but what does it help if the initial content is lacking. Only 5 multiplayer maps doesn't sound like much and if you played the stress test, in fact, it isn't. Matches are action packed but short and even with the playable maps only rotating every 2 hours you'll soon have seen everything. If you play a new game extensively there won't be too much content at the beginning. At least in multiplayer. The maps are an important factor in Splatoon and the low number could severely limit the potential of the game.

In the end it all depends on the after releas schedule of Nintendo. If the manage to support the game with a stream of new content continuously over the summer I don't think this model will fail. If they take to long to provide additional maps, then it could definitively turn ugly pretty quickly. If the campaign is entertaining and not to short and the first new maps launch alongside the Splat Zones mode one or two weeks after launch, Splatoon is looking at a bright future.

What you think of this release model really boils down to the simple question of trust. Do you trust Nintendo or are you skeptic? I personally trust them, but if the screw this up, it has probably been the last time. So far I see no indicators for this, but it's not like Nintendo is immune to such things *cough* Xenoblade DLC *cough* Smahs Bros. Mii-Fighter Costumes *cough*

What are you thoughts about Splatoons release mode? Have you played the demo? Did you like it?

And as always

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