Topic: Online

Hello everyone;

I wanted to post about this subject. This reason has entered my thoughts when it comes to certain games that haven't come to the Switch yet. Is it really the system? Or is it an important piece beyond graphics that missing? Let me start my point.

Occasionally, we see articles about EA, Ubisoft, Activision and other companies who have very desirable games for Switch owners, but no plans to port them. My first instinct is to feel a bit upset, I don't want to buy anymore games for the my PS4 or Xbox One, I love the freedom of my Switch and not feel confined to my gaming space. Especially with Bethesda doubling down on the Switch, one makes you think, "what's the problem?"

I think the reason we haven't seen Star Wars Battlefront, Call of Duty, Destiny, Overwatch and others like these games is one pressure point: Nintendo Switch Online. I'm sure this won't be the final name.

The online component to the Switch is still very much beta and not close to finished. Since some of those games mentioned are HEAVILY reliant upon online services, it starts to make sense why these companies haven't brought them over yet. Could it be Nintendo hasn't finished this part of their new system? Very big possibility.

Bethesda is bringing over many of their single player experience titles that have little reliance on Xbox Live or PS Plus. These games have the freedom to be enjoyed anywhere, even without the need to be online. DOOM has a multiplayer component, but Skyrim does not offer one. It may be easier for them to double down on it since their games don't have a vast service behind them. EA, Activision, Ubisoft and many of these companies have background services running for the online component. I think these services aren't ready for the Switch's online service since there isn't one yet.

When the online component is available, I think we'll see these titles make their way to the Switch and it'll be less of a hurdle than it is now to port. Online is a dominate piece of the puzzle, I'm not surprised these titles are being held off until it's ready. Also, I'm sure Nintendo isn't ready for the stress of this kind of system too. Think about the tests with current titles: Mario Kart 8, Splatoon 2, (soon) Rocket League and DOOM; I'm sure they're gauging what type of systems are going to be in play. Now, there are more titles for online play, they are just ones that came to mind.

Thoughts? Opinions? Again, this isn't a total reason, just one thought instead of the graphics argument.

All those games you mentioned have their own servers. They could easily add Nintendo to it. I would be surprised if Sony has any game servers outside their own games. This might be applied to ms as well, although I am not so sure about it.

Why certain games don't come to the switch is about profit margins. Porting cost + maintenance cost needs to be much smaller than install base * profit per game. If it is uncertain a game will make a big profit it won't come to the switch. Simple as that.

These games do have their own services, but are accessed via PS Plus or Xbox Live. These services require the gateway from the other services. What I'm saying, there must be a common infrastructure they both share and these companies are awaiting Nintendo's. Once it's available, I think it'll change many attitudes, the Wii U didn't have one and most developers complained about the lack of placeholders for Xbox and PS Network.