Former Wii U exclusive Rayman Legends is going multiplatform and has been delayed for six months as a result. However, the Wii U version of the game is complete and will just be held back to wait for the other versions. According to an anonymous developer posting on a Spanish forum (and picked up on by NeoGAF), the team working on the game went through a brutal crunch period to deliver the game in time for its former February launch date and is not happy with Ubisoft for the delay.
Development Challenges and Team Reactions
The development team behind Rayman Legends faced significant challenges during the game’s creation. The crunch period, a time when developers work extended hours to meet a deadline, was particularly intense. This period often leads to high stress and burnout among team members. The anonymous developer’s post highlights the frustration and disappointment felt by the team, who had worked tirelessly to meet the original February launch date only to see their efforts delayed.
“There are no issues with the game development,” said a Ubisoft PR rep. “The only reason for the delay is to release on multiple platforms. We usually release all of our platforms simultaneously (aside from PC). We’ve made special exceptions sometimes in the past but it’s definitely just on a case-by-case basis and not our standard practice. In this case, Ubisoft recently decided they wanted to release the game on multiple platforms so the decision was made to launch them all at the same time rather than separately. I know it’s not an elaborate, ‘convincing’ answer, but it’s the simple truth.”
Implications of a Multiplatform Release
Releasing Rayman Legends on multiple platforms has several implications. Firstly, it broadens the game’s potential audience, allowing more players to experience the game regardless of their preferred gaming system. This can lead to increased sales and a larger fan base. However, it also means that the game must be optimized for different hardware, which can be a complex and time-consuming process.
For the Wii U version, which was already complete, this delay is particularly frustrating. The Wii U’s unique features, such as the GamePad, were likely utilized in innovative ways in Rayman Legends. Holding back the release means that Wii U owners, who were eagerly anticipating the game, will have to wait longer despite the game being ready.
Additionally, the delay could impact the game’s reception. The gaming industry is fast-paced, and a six-month delay might mean that Rayman Legends will face stiffer competition from other new releases. The initial excitement and momentum built up for the February release might wane, affecting the game’s overall success.
Community and Industry Reactions
The decision to delay Rayman Legends has sparked various reactions within the gaming community and industry. Fans of the series expressed their disappointment and frustration on social media and forums. Many were looking forward to the game’s unique art style, engaging gameplay, and the return of the beloved character Rayman.
Industry analysts have also weighed in on Ubisoft’s decision. Some believe that the move to a multiplatform release is a strategic one, aimed at maximizing profits and reaching a broader audience. Others argue that the delay could harm the game’s momentum and potentially affect its sales performance.
Despite the mixed reactions, the anticipation for Rayman Legends remains high. The game’s previous installments have been well-received, and fans are hopeful that the additional development time will result in a polished and enjoyable final product.
In conclusion, while the delay of Rayman Legends is disappointing for many, the decision to release the game on multiple platforms could ultimately benefit both Ubisoft and the players. The development team’s hard work and dedication will hopefully be rewarded with a successful launch and a positive reception from the gaming community.
Source NeoGAF, Digital Spy
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