Nintendo and Cuphead creator on how the Switch release happened
Yesterday’s Nindies Showcase started out with the major announcement of Cuphead for Switch. A year ago, not many could have seen this happening. Cuphead started out as an Xbox One and PC exclusive, but will now be appearing on Nintendo’s console next month.
Game Informer recently spoke with Nintendo’s manager of publisher and developer relations Kirk Scott, Nintendo’s product marketing specialist Vincent Chon, and Cuphead co-creator Jared Moldenhauer about the game appearing on Switch. Here’s what they had to say when asked how it happened:
Kirk Scott: We’re always trying to get the best content on the platform. So it’s organic, like “Hey, this would be a great idea.” Then somebody at Microsoft says, “Hey we think this would be a great idea too.” Then they talk to those guys and it just happens.
Jared Moldenhauer: Well, from my perspective, and I don’t know so now I’m just speculating, but the industry is changing a little bit more to be more supportive of indies. Why should we have so many walls up? Why not support all gamers and work between the Goliaths like Microsoft and Nintendo to find a balance so that indie gaming can have a better chance… instead of locking things out for the rest of time, that’s kind of a problematic approach that I don’t think would make it in the future.
Scott: Indies are the small guys, so it’s good to give them an opportunity to launch on whatever platforms they can.
Vincent Chon: Our strategy with indies is “I really just to let you guys do your thing.” We don’t want to be a roadblock there, we just want to bring great games to fans.
