Its crazy how people don't see why Splatoon 3 wasn't saved for next gen

[Hush]

Three words - Switch Install Base

Splatoon 3 is releasing sometime next year and there are rumors that Nintendo's Switch successor could arrive soon after, so lots of folks are thinking it should have been a next gen exclusive.

Problem is, it is a multiplayer focused game, meaning it would have to rebuild its audience with the new system. There are like 100 million Switches out there so why not take advantage?

I do think it will be important to the next Switch as well, probably will cross gen play, but Nintendo wants a large player base ASAP so the current gen Switch was needed

 

[Comic Obsessed]

Still think it should have been saved for Next Gen.

 

[eli]

There's something to say for both scenarios. Reality is that it's coming to Switch. What other people think isn't of much relevance.

 

[Tangerine_Cookie]

I feel people are thirsty for Switch Succ way over any realistic possibility.

 

[Yzz]

The vision of Nogami for the series is probably something similar to the fighting games of old, where each new installment is focused in improving and rebalancing the multiplayer aspect (y'know the most important part of the game).
This is evidenced by the fact that the first changes Splatoon 2 made were to the specials and abilities, which were the aspects that the players of the first game criticized the most.

 

[ILikeFeet]

it doesn't need to be. just patch the game on Dane switch's launch to support up to 4K with DLSS

 

[Gartooth]

I wanted to see a bigger change for the franchise with Splatoon 3. There are some cool things in 3 like the crab tank and Salmonid buddy, but so far I'm not very wow'ed by what they've shown. There's been a near constant stream of Splatoon content since 2015, going from 1 to 2 to Octo, and 2's final Splatfest was in mid 2019.

The Splatoon train has only taken a break for 2 years now, so I haven't had as much time to anticipate the next one before it's announced. I'm still planning to buy 3, but I'm hesitant about whether the formula will start to feel stale, which would be unfortunate because when the original released it was such a bold and fresh vision for a Nintendo game.

 

[Derachi]

Lol imagine thinking console generations still exist in 2021

sweats profusely hoping manufacturers are done with hard-cut generations so he can be retroactively right

 

[Red Monster]

Everything I’ve seen from Splatoon 3 looks like it could be DLC for 2 and that worries me.

 

[ILikeFeet]

sweats profusely hoping manufacturers are done with hard-cut generations so he can be retroactively right

they are unless something catastrophic happens like AMD imploding or Nvidia going "fuck the world"

 

[samouraï]

I would have liked to see 3 saved for the next system just because more new ideas could have fermented with a larger gap, and I don't want the devs to get burnt out on the franchise. But at the end of the day what matter is if the game is good, and I bet it will be.

 

[HockeyBird]

Everything I’ve seen from Splatoon 3 looks like it could be DLC for 2 and that worries me.

People really need to stop using "It looks like DLC" as a way to describe sequels. It's such a useless descriptor and it has no actual meaning.

If Splatoon 3 has just as much content as 2 with new maps, a new story, new weapons, possible new game modes, then how is that not a sequel? Ultimately it sounds like your concern is that Splatoon 3 looks like a Splatoon game which if weird because of course it's going to look like a Splatoon game.

 

[Kano]

It hasn't been saved for next gen because next gen isn't coming for several years more.

By that time, we'll talk about Splatoon 4.

 

[N75]

If Splatoon 3 has just as much content as 2 with new maps, a new story, new weapons, possible new game modes, then how is that not a sequel? Ultimately it sounds like your concern is that Splatoon 3 looks like a Splatoon game which if weird because of course it's going to look like a Splatoon game.

Yeah, it's strange to see some people giving a multiplayer-centric series that's only 6 years old shit for not "evolving", whatever that means.

Single player looks like it's getting a substantial improvement anyway since they're showing it so early, compared to the other two games where the devs pretty much admitted that it was an afterthought.

I'm certain there's also at least one new mode since we're still pretty far from release and Salmons seem to be friendly this time.

Admittedly, I did believe we were getting a spinoff after 2, but that was when I thought the it would in 2020/Early 2021, as updates for 2 only stopped in 2019.

 

[Ayron]

While I understand that some would like to see something drastically different, I personally think something like this would make more sense for a potential spin-off. In the highly active Splatoon 2 community, I‘ve never heard that people think that Splatoon 3 looks too similar to Splatoon 2. In fact, most are very excited about all the new (gameplay-wise quite drastic) changes that Nintendo has already shown, plus, of course, all the new maps. Mario Kart iterations don‘t reinvent the wheel either (and don‘t even have a Story Mode).

And I agree with Eli that there are good arguments for both scenarios. We don‘t even know when there‘ll be a next gen Nintendo console.

 

[Shauni]

Do people really not see the reason or do they just not care and want it on better hardware? I think people are very aware of the why, but unless they are shareholders, they don’t care. I personally am fine with it since I’m not that bothered by playing on the current Switch, but the framing feels off

 

[DumbDonkey]

Everything I’ve seen from Splatoon 3 looks like it could be DLC for 2 and that worries me.

People said the same exact thing about Splatoon 2, with some even arguing it was just a remake of Splatoon 1 up until it’s full release.

It’s the nature of multiplayer shooters; sequels don’t really change very drastically from one to the next unless there’s like a decade of space between them like Team Fortress and Team Fortress 2

 

[Marce-chan]

Next gen in the sense of next Nintendo console family isn't coming for several years. Whereas Nintendo Switch(+Lite+OLED+DLSS) is still on the run not only for 2022 but at the very least until 2024/2025. It'll be enhanced for the new model, just like Super Smash Bros. For 3DS was enhanced for the New 3DS and how God of War was enhanced for the PS4 Pro. It'll be a Switch that can do 4K through DLSS, not a new console that can run Switch games.

 

[Sheldon]

Splatoon 1 was stuck on the Wii U. Splatoon 2 released as a launch year title. Splatoon 3 will be the first time we get to witness what the franchise can sell on a successful system in its prime.

 

[Marce-chan]

Splatoon 1 was stuck on the Wii U. Splatoon 2 was a launch year title. Splatoon 3 will be the first time we get to witness what the franchise can sell on a successful system in its prime.

Exactly. I'm expecting 15m+ for this title. I can see launch sales in Japan being the highest ever.

 

[Mina]

I honestly see Splatoon 3 as the biggest sign next gen isn’t anytime soon. They’re gonna support this game for at least 2 years. Hard to see a successor launch in that time frame, regardless of cross gen stuff.

 

[Linkstrikesback]

Splatoon 1 was stuck on the Wii U. Splatoon 2 released as a launch year title. Splatoon 3 will be the first time we get to witness what the franchise can sell on a successful system in its prime.

Exactly. I'm expecting 15m+ for this title. I can see launch sales in Japan being the highest ever.

Splatoon 3 will most likely sell less than 2. That's practically how same console sequels always go. Growth between entries that don't make some kind of massive sweeping overall changes that completely upends what the game is hardly ever do better.

It'll have a bigger opening than a launch year title, obviously, but it'll have shorter legs. (Keep in Mind between the March 2020 and latest fiscial results, Splatoon 2 sold another 2.3m copies)

 

[Beard]

Exactly. I'm expecting 15m+ for this title. I can see launch sales in Japan being the highest ever.

It will probably launch higher than any Splatoon before it, due to the install base, but its legs won't be as long, ultimately leading to lower sales. Which is normal for a sequel to an evergreen title that's been on the market for 5 years (by the time Splatoon 3 is out). BotW2 also isn't going to sell more than its predecessor, though it will launch much higher.

 

[Pandora]

I mean there’s only to certain extents install base matters . splatoon 2 launched within the first year of switch , very clearly cause they believed it was a game that regardless of initial install base (and it had to be remembered nintendo did not expect switch to take off like it did ) that could motivate people to buy a new systems . conversely folks argued heavily how several 3ds games made sense as late gen system releases due to install base but all but about 2 sold over 1m worldwide . There was a time folks excused Pokemon Let’s Go’s japanese sales performance due to install base and then a month layer Super Smash Bros on basically the same install base did record breaking sales that were not inline with previous market sales for the franchise. Install base will never be the whole picture compared to active install base, marketing, individual factors about the release itself and just general software/franchise appeal etc . This is all not to mention generally same system sequels have usually sold less than prior entries on a system unless there is notable differentiation.

Additionally I think folks really should relax a bit from working backwards from “I believe a next gen system is coming in in 202X” and then fitting everything software pipeline etc based into something that “logically makes sense” or not.

 

[Sheldon]

Splatoon 3 will most likely sell less than 2. That's practically how same console sequels always go. Growth between entries that don't make some kind of massive sweeping overall changes that completely upends what the game is hardly ever do better.

It'll have a bigger opening than a launch year title, obviously, but it'll have shorter legs. (Keep in Mind between the March 2020 and latest fiscial results, Splatoon 2 sold another 2.3m copies)

Yeah, I should clarify I was thinking early sales, not lifetime, meaning launch and first christmas and maaaaybe the tail until the end of the second year when Splatfest support gets cut off again or the Switch Fork releases.

I'd expect any additional fans Splatoon has won, particularly in the west, post-2017 to make a front-loaded showing.

 

[Lucifer]

The install base yeah, and hopefully they finally want to start on Mario Kart 9 after this is done.

 

[Phosphorescent Skeleton]

I don't know, it just doesn't make sense for Nintendo to release a hotly anticipated sequel in a beloved franchise on one of their most successful consoles of all time.

 

[NarohDethan]

There's this weird idea that people will get tired of the series. Which I would agree except it's been barely 2 games in 6-7 years. 3 is gonna be a massive success and if Nintendo plays their cards right, 4 will be even bigger.

 

[Thorakai]

I think Nintendo is in a unique position where a lot of their heavy-hitters are evergreen titles. In that sense, it doesn't hinder sales potential too much if you launch the game with a new system. They title should be able to sell through the life of the console if Nintendo continues what works for other titles. Also important to remember COVID-19 messed with lots of plans. Might be likely that Splatoon 3 was launching earlier than it is now relative to launch of supposed successor.

 

[totofogo]

The title + framing of this thread don't promote a healthy discussion... feels rather condescending.

Anyhow, this isn't nearly as straightforward an argument as you're suggesting. In that case, why haven't we seen a new Mario Kart? Why would they cut the legs of Splatoon 2 when the Switch already has a title in the series?

Personally, I'd have preferred they hold off so it felt like a larger leap than 1->2 was, which was more iterative a sequel than I expected. With 2, I was happy regardless because I had Splatoon on a new platform + handheld – I wanted to unplug that Wii U. 3 Is therefore a much less exciting proposition for me, barring we see more pre-release that wows (which we probably will).

 

[Pokemaniac]

What I think people don't realize is that console generations are a lot more fluid than they used to be, especially for games that get a lot of post release support like Splatoon. Just because it launches as a Switch 1 game doesn't mean it has to stay that way.

 

[Zalman]

If I'm being honest, I would have preferred they waited a bit longer. The longer you wait, the bigger deal it will be. Especially if it eventually happens on a new system. It's the same reason why I don't want a new Mario Kart on Switch. The one we have right now is perfectly serviceable.

That said, I'm still definitely looking forward to Splatoon 3.

 

[Sheldon]

Splatoon is in a peculiar place as a GaaS lite title that's still sold in single installments with no cosmetics, loot boxes or season passes. The only paid DLC Splatoon 2 received was geared exclusively towards single-player. A one-time purchase of $60 funds what's in the game, additional maps, weapons, modes, and two years of balance updates and Splatfests. In terms of business model it makes sense moving sequels as close to a schedule of every two or three years as the dev team can manage as long as the goal is to be an ongoing service without ongoing ways to milk the player-base.

 

[Guaraná]

I get the feeling that this game will also be released/patched for Succ.

 

[Eärendilus]

I wouldn’t mind a delay but yeah a patch or re-release should be okay. The game will probably be one year old once switch 2 releases.

 

[xsquiddox]

I don't mind my girls are back (the squid sisters) so im sold already. Hopefully tho the campaign is more like the octo expansion dlc. If so then im hapoy enough. Its been 5 years since splatoon 2 so it's reasonable. Splatoon does not do mario kart numbers so i can see why. It's also still a fresh ip kinda so i can see why Ninty wants a splatoon game out in the switch peak years.

 

[Cahedron]

As long as it sells, were gonna keep seeing Splatoon every 4-5 years due to the online subscription

 

[Leo]

I think they're hoping to bring in the single player audience with Splatoon 3. A lot of people can't get into the franchise because they're not interested in multiplayer, and Nintendo probably sees that as a potential for expansion as long as it happens within the Switch's huge install base.

 

[Lord Azrael]

Th once per generation thing some franchises stick to is dumb anyway. If they wanna make a new game then they shouldn't hold it back arbitrarily; lord knows I want to play a new game! This is already longer between entries than most other shooters anyway.

Still think it should have been saved for Next Gen.

Why?

 

[MP!]

it should be cross gen but it should have waited for the release of 4k

course they probably ned to fill a gap next year.
I get it.

 

[Ryosuke]

A lot of people see that clearly, they just don't care and would rather have a bigger / more beautiful game, maybe with some new mechanics that couldn't be possible right now.

The same thing happened with Gran Turismo 6, among other games. The "we need to sell this game for the bigger install base" is cool for the company, but I get nothing from that, I'm not a shareholder.

 

[Hermii]

it should be cross gen but it should have waited for the release of 4k

course they probably ned to fill a gap next year.
I get it.

Why would you want it to release later? Would it have made the game better in any way?

 

[ILikeFeet]

Why would you want it to release later? Would it have made the game better in any way?

considering the length of time between Summer and Dane Switch's possible launch, there's not much to improve

 

[Ryosuke]

Why would you want it to release later? Would it have made the game better in any way?

It worked for BoTW.

 

[MP!]

Why would you want it to release later? Would it have made the game better in any way?

I think it's a bit close to the end of Splatoon 2 to be honest

It also looks like it's begging for better hardware

 

[Yoshifan31]

I think they should just treat that series the same way they do for their other multiplayer titles, one per generation. (Yes MK8DX is fine, no one bought a Wii U, we don’t need MK9 on Switch. Smash fans are unsatiable so they needed to make a new one for the Switch rather than settling on porting Smash 4)

If you want to play Mario Kart or Smash you buy it and you’re good for the whole generation. If you want to play Splatoon, you get one game, you have plenty of post-launch content but ultimately you move on to a sequel announced like three years later. So much for people making memes about “pfft he plays COD” (sure it’s not yearly but still). Nintendo are literally milking you guys, or inking, whatever you wanna call it. Meanwhile the people that are not into that series get upset about it wasting precious direct/dev time. Splatoon would be much more attractive for people outside of its established fanbase if it actually followed the proven model of other multiplayer Nintendo titles. They could even do something like making it F2P for multiplayer but you buy single player campaigns

 

[Lord Azrael]

It worked for BoTW.

I don't see how BotW improved in terms of quality by its last delays. They were clearly business moves first and foremost, to position it with the launch of the Switch. In fact there's more indication that stuff had to get stripped out due to the port than the opposite, what with the sheikah slate looking like a Wii U tablet, but then no touch screen inventory management...

Splatoon's the kind of game that's gonna get tons of post release support and content anyway, so as long as the game doesn't launch barren and/or buggy, I don't see how we gain anything from waiting 1+ extra years.

 

[unkindlynice]

It'll be driven to keep the userbase engaged. I have not played in ages. Expect most Switch Games over next two years to hit the next gen system.

 

[Sheldon]

I think they should just treat that series the same way they do for their other multiplayer titles, one per generation. (Yes MK8DX is fine, no one bought a Wii U, we don’t need MK9 on Switch. Smash fans are unsatiable so they needed to make a new one for the Switch rather than settling on porting Smash 4)

If you want to play Mario Kart or Smash you buy it and you’re good for the whole generation. If you want to play Splatoon, you get one game, you have plenty of post-launch content but ultimately you move on to a sequel announced like three years later. So much for people making memes about “pfft he plays COD” (sure it’s not yearly but still). Nintendo are literally milking you guys, or inking, whatever you wanna call it. Meanwhile the people that are not into that series get upset about it wasting precious direct/dev time. Splatoon would be much more attractive for people outside of its established fanbase if it actually followed the proven model of other multiplayer Nintendo titles. They could even do something like making it F2P for multiplayer but you buy single player campaigns

Salmonids and eggs would provide a more apt metaphor, but I'll go with what you started:

On the contrary, they don't milk us young, affluent squid kids for our ink nearly enough! Mario Kart 8 had racers purchase additonal courses. Smash Brothers ultimately had to pay for two fighter passes before everyone was here. We Turf War obsessed Inklings had to squirt out the green only once. That funds the work of the Squid Research Lab for two or three years. If they want to continue operating beyond that the solution is to either start selling fresh hats and stylish sneakers or offer three more single player campaigns that reach increasingly fewer customers or package those planned extra maps, modes and balance overhauls into a new release that'll also make it less daunting for new players to jump into compared to an old, established multiplayer title that's mostly filled with noob-eating veterans by that point in its life cycle. The latter approach isn't more exploitative than the alternatives.

The aside about wasting Direct or dev time is just petty.

 

[Pokemaniac]

it should be cross gen but it should have waited for the release of 4k

course they probably ned to fill a gap next year.
I get it.

If the two launch, at most, 6-9 months apart, then I'm not sure it's really going to make much of a difference if support is patched in after the new hardware launches.