Playtonic Handling Wii U Version of Yooka-Laylee, Team17 Porting To PS4 And Xbox One

Well that re-assuring!

This is fantastic news. I'd imagine the game is developed keeping Wii U's restrictions in mind.

This would make for a great NX launch title as well. Here's hoping that the dev kits get out to folks fast (if they're not already out there) and make having some great titles like this out at launch possible. We got games like Little Inferno at the launch of the Wii U, and this would be a tremendous indie launch title for a new Nintendo platform.

That's good to hear.

I'd be curious to see how the percentages of each platform separate up- obviously it's a title that appeals to Nintendo fans more than anyone else.

So, how many people are going to interview these guys before somebody asks them if they have a NX dev kit yet? Seriously, anybody?

And as excited I've been about this all morning, reading that MCV article I was having Rayman flashbacks. As in, this game is close to done on Wii U, but they can't release it until the X1 port is done, Microsoft says so. Though MS may have softened it's stance n playing 2nd fiddle this gen, being so far behind PS4 in sales. But the deja vu was there none the less.

And since we know it's Wii U first, ports second, can somebody please now ask them about Gamepad implementation? I'm a sucker for overworld maps. Guacamelee, which released on PS3 or PS4 first I believe, makes great use of the Gamepad screen.

Sounds like salesman bull .... to me.

See, that pretty much proves the designers still hold n64 memories dear to them... XDD

I want a physical copy for Wii U... or NX.

@rjejr I have seen several indie games come to Xbox One much later than PS4 and Wii U, so it seems like M$'s release date policy has changed.

Wow... they pulled a complete 180 from what literally every other developer/publisher does with Wii U. At least I know this will be one of the few proper ports for the system

I want to buy this on each of my systems plus get a physical copy to support Playtonic and thank them for their hard work. Been looking forward to this game.

@Sir420 Well that's good, thanks. I'm busy enough w/ Ntinedo and Sony, I don't really follow MS gaming.

Amazing!

I'll be purchasing this day one for my Wii U.

YES. Everybody wins, this time around! Playtonic should be at home with Nintendo software, and Team17 (Worms, in case you didn't know) is also a fantastic developer.
In fact, every multiplatform title should have the weakest hardware's restrictions in mind, but hey, when it happens so rarely, it has to be with games that were always supposed to be playable on Nintendo platforms to begin with.
And this marks today's good news on NintendoLife before E3. We might well have good news once a day until E3 is over, I kind of have this feeling.

Relieving bit of news.

Should we still be referring to this as an eShop download game? With the amount of graphical polish, and the time for development, it's looking more like a full-fledged, full-priced ($40-60) retail release.

That is awesome will get the Wii U or NX version.

Great news!!!

Best news I've heard all... well, let's just say it's the best news I've heard in a long while. Thank you Playtonic for not shrugging Wii U owners under the rug.
I wish this game was still planned for release this year, but oh well. I'll be playing an even better game come Q1 2017. I can't wait!

@MarioPhD Can't see this coming out on NX as they said they have enough on there plate with all other formats.Also very much doubt they have Dev kitts.Nintendo seems,to be chossing very carfully who they give them to especially as it's been put back till March for maybe hardware & software changes. But I do agree with you it would be super idear.

This is amazing! Finally the Wii U version is getting proper treatment.

I'll get the best version of the three (excluding PC) whatever that is. If I could, I would get the three of them just to support Playtonic's first project. Probably, I'll get the Xbox One version first and make a great combo with Rare Replay.

@blinder2 True, but they may pass it to the team porting to PS4 or X1, or another team, to get it ready in time. I do think it'll be hard enough for some indies to get dev kits that this will prove challenging, but with their old school Nintendo connections through Rare, maybe it's not as hard as it would be for other folks. I could see them staying mute about an NX port as long as possible to avoid making the Wii U version tank at launch as people wait for the NX version. I'm assuming they would rather people double dip.

@MrGawain I think it appeals to Microsoft and Sony gamers as well. After all, the old Nintendo players are not Wii U owners (seeing how poorly Wii U sold), most probably they are on PS or Xbox now.

@VanillaLake
I think a lot are still with Nintendo. The core Fanbase of any system really only consists of 5 to 10 million people. Of course a lot aren't but, the ones who don't play Nintendo now are the ones who never really cared much for the 1st party titles (to the extent they valued them enough to keep playing them). And a lot of those people probably never played more than Super Mario World.

I myself am an old Nintendo gamer (and old Sega gamer just as much). But I think you kind of had 3 groups- The ones who latched on to Nintendo and never ventured out beyond that comfort zone, The ones who ventured out and never came back, and the ones who ventured out and said hey I like em both! Great games everywhere I think I'll play multiple consoles.

Two of those three groups still play Nintendo.

Looks fun and very colorful! Can't wait to try it!

@Luffymcduck I'm also on that boat hoping for a physical release, which could happen since other Kickstarter backed games like Shantae: 1/2 genie hero, Shovel Knight, Mighty No. 9 & Shenmue III just to name a few got physical releases when at one point were download only titles.

Also the Wii U version was the version I was most likely gonna get, they said the reasons pretty much, so I don't got to explain them : P I hope.

Great that Wii U version is getting the love it deserves.

@Sir420
$ony
Nintendough
"M$" makes you seem more like a fanboy dug deep in the console wars mindset than a reasonable commenter.

I know they mentioned a while back about focusing on the Wii U version. Glad to see that they are still on track. I knew they wouldn't ditch us!

I'll be sure to buy it again on Steam as well.

@CrazedCavalier I was using it ironically, but thanks for the tip!

Can't wait for this one. Also glad they are still delivering on the Wii U version!

Omg that is awesome!😆

Bwahaha this just made my day. I love that there's a jiggy chilling in the drink in the final cutscene. Gett'n chills!!

They do love Nintendo!

I never played Banjo Kazooie so this will be a new experience for me.

I went for the PC version in my pledge, but this news means I may go for the Wii U version as well (or instead). A little respect for a userbase goes a long way.

I'm very glad to hear this is still coming to the Wii U, but I hope they decide to also release it on the NX, which is where I'd probably buy it given the choice (I'll still get it on Wii U if there isn't an NX version). If Nintendo's smart, they've already contacted Playtonic about such a port, and maybe even given them a dev kit. Yooka-Laylee would be an excellent game to have in a reel of NX launch titles.

Thanks playtonic,I'm glad you guys are back and this game shows that.

@dew12333 yeah, I'd much rather Team 17 do a sloppy Wii U port. NOT.

SERIOUSLY....???? These guys are ex Rare, have close ties to Nintendo and their fanbase. Great news.

I'm so happy I backed this game

@dew12333 if it is salesman bull then why are they pandering to the smallest of three audiences?

Well since Team 17 is helping......can Playtonic help Team 17 get a Worms game on the Wii U? PLEASE?

Might buy a Wii U for this and Zelda. Just the type of games that draw me in

The game looks awesome! I'd really love if the next Mario was a true 3D platformer like Yooka-Laylee. Also, I really want a physical Wii U version!

@AlexSora89 I get that supporting the Wii U is important, but making sure to keep the weakest hardware in mind really doesn't do much to move console gaming forward.

@VanillaLake I own both a Ps4 and a Wii U. Depending on which version runs better, that's the one I'll get. I know many fans of nintendo that own a 3ds and a ps4, but not a Wii U. People are just waiting for nintendo to do something right with their consoles again. Their games though, are top of the line.

Based on this i it's now a day one buy for me.

Now this article is what I like to see. This is how it should be done.

@NinjaWaddleDee
True dat, but if Playtonic focused on the other consoles, this game would mark yet another middle finger in the Wii U players' faces.
And we've grown weary of the gesture ever since Rayman Legends.

Great news! I totally understand that they want to do the Wii U version themselves as it is the most hard to port for and require more custom code I guess. And I'm glad they're giving it the attention it needs. ^_^

I wonder if Playtonic will do an NX version? Maybe even for launch, seeing as it's delayed to early 2017..?

Yooka-Laylee is the reason my passion for Nintendo and modern gaming has been revitalised! I really hope there will be an NX Version!

I know it's a bit much to ask for, but I'd love it to have an amiibo, Miiverse stamps, and the option for motion control for the moments where you have to aim.

Good to hear. Day one purchase now for me.

@NinjaWaddleDee @JaxonH Yeah, most Nintendo gamers I know don't have a Wii U but a PS4 or Xbox One. Many Rare fans got the Xbox One because of Rare, even Killer Instinct fans got an Xbox One for Killer Instinct 3 alone (you can read that on KI official forums). Many "old" Nintendo gamers and Rare fans have jumped to PS or Xbox.

@NinjaWaddleDee I'll buy whatever Yooka-Laylee version plays best and, if I could, I'd buy the three versions (PC aside). I agree that Nintendo is, or was, one of the best developers in the world, but some of their recent output is clearly improvable.

I remain pessimistic about its chances for a Wii U port. And yes, I'm serious...

Also @rjejr "Guacamelee, which released on PS3 or PS4 first I believe, makes great use of the Gamepad screen."

I'm pretty sure it released on PS3 first, and it uses the GamePad quite well, much better than Xeodrifter.

If all goes well, Wii U will be the definitive version

@IronMan28 They have been working on the Wii U version since the beginning (May 2015) and since it is a kickstarter game they can't disappoint Wii U owners. The PS4 and Xbox One version are handled by the publisher, Team17. I hope there is a physical release for every version, it would help the game sell better. The box will be loved by kids and parents (and me!!).

@AlexSora89 Absolutely. What Ubisoft pulled, was absolutely intolerable. Which is why I am also glad that playtonic is doing their best to please wii u owners.

@VanillaLake Agreed. Nintendo seems to have fallen from grace recently. It could be just the fact that they are focusing more towards the NX rather than aiming to please Wii U owners.

@SMW not like the one dev that promised us project cars and then stab us in the back by skipping us and making lame excuses

@NinjaWaddleDee Yeah, but I remember this happened with Wii's final years as well, and Wii U launch software wasn't great. Also happened with DS and then 3DS launch software wasn't great either. There have been very few good games on Wii U for a long time, I wonder if this time the new console will have a really solid lineup. Anyway, it's quite interesting that Playtonic is supporting Wii U until the very end, as opposed to Nintendo.

EDIT: Hey, that reminds me how much Rare supported N64, too.

Oh damn. I backed the PS4 version assuming that all 3 versions would have been done by the development team. If I had known that the Wii U version as going to be the system it is built for an then ported to the other versions then I would have picked the Wii U version.

I'll see if I can change my system of choice now.

EDIT: Well damn can't change my choice now. I just hope that the ports will be just as good as the Wii U version.

@VanillaLake
Oh no doubt. There were 40 million SNES owners, so I'm sure there's still plenty who don't.

But the ones who don't, I think there's a reason for that. They have moved into the western AAA gaming scene which isn't really what Nintendo offers. I think most of those people just don't have the same taste of preference they used to, while current Nintendo gamers continue to play because they still enjoy Nintendo's style of games.

I'm not sure what Rare Replay sold but the estimates are under 800k. Maybe that's way off, who knows, but I think it speaks to the fact those gamers who have moved on have little interest in those types of games anymore (if ever).

Then again, it's possible there is an unequal distribution of OG gamers between PS4 and X1. Even though I would think "non-Nintendo gaming OG Nintendo gamers" (whew that's a long one!) would gravitate toward MS over PS simply because they have games like Rare Replay, Killer Instinct and Ori & the Blind Forest.

@JaxonH @JaxonH "while current Nintendo gamers continue to play because they still enjoy Nintendo's style of games."

I like Nintendo but we can't say they are offering the same quality as before, at least not at the moment, that's why many gamers don't buy them any more. The last Nintendo game I loved was Yoshi's Woolly World and they did not even make it.

When Yooka-Laylee is released we'll see how many copies are sold on each console, but I guess Wii U is going to sell lots because Wii U's drought will be heavy by then. I think it's going to sell well on every platform though.

@SilentHunter382 In theory the three versions should run smoothly because they say it's easy to port on Unity engine. You could contact them anyway. I'd buy the version that plays and looks the best.

@VanillaLake
Never knew you liked platformers so much. I do too- Yoshi's Wooly World was excellent (thought Nintendo owned Goodfeel? Guess they're like Next Level Games and just contracted?).

The last year has had some shoddy stuff for sure but, to me that seems more a blip than say, a long term trend, in a desperate scramble to have something- anything, for the Wii U. Of course that speaks nothing of Triforce Heroes or Yoshi's New Island or a few others, but I think the 3DS library is good enough to not be questioned at this point.

But then again it wasn't just Nintendo making better games back then- everyone was. Games like Maximum Carnage/Separation Anxiety, Mutant Apocalypse, Turtles in Time (back when licensed games were actually good). Still, I think Nintendo is making games every bit as incredible as the last several generations- just, fewer in quantity and a lot of wasted development from the casual craze (I swear if I see one more mini-game collection on Wii U...)

I don't doubt Yooka Laylee will do well all around. But I also think the high number of Wii U backers speaks for itself. I'm just glad to see games like this, and Shantae (even MN9) getting the full multi platform treatment. Vita and Wii U included.

Speaking of, is Yooka Laylee coming to Vita or 3DS down the line?

Even though I'm probably purchasing this game on my XBOX One, this is still very pleasing news to hear being a Wii U owner and all. Now all we need to hear about is that NX port... and news of a physical release, of course.

Yes, back of the net! Exactly what you want to hear as a Nintendo/rare fan.

@SilentHunter382 I wouldn't worry about it. Not only is the PS4 more than capable of taking Wii U ports, it's being made by former Rare developers who, by show of history, put 100% care into the quality of their games. It's what makes them who they are, honestly.

@JaxonH Not a chance Yooka-Laylee hits an inferior platform than Wii U. They say it won't hit NX either because of the development kits not being available and the game is almost completed. Will it be ported to NX later? It could...

Yes, I love 2D platform games. My favourites this generation are Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze, Yoshi's Woolly World and Rayman Legends. My favourites ever are Super Mario World and Donkey Kong Country 2 (I can't choose one). I'm not a fan of the "New" sub-series.

My favourite 3D platformers may be Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie which honestly play much better on Xbox 360/One (16:9, smooth frame rate, responsive controls) as opposed to the original N64 versions. I also loved Super Mario Sunshine and I think Super Mario Galaxy 1 & 2 and 3D Land/World are a step back.

I'm a Mario Kart fan too, my favourite being Double Dash!! I also like adventure and racing games. Diddy Kong Racing is great, would love a smooth version of it. I also dig fighting games (Street Fighter and Killer Instinct). I'm a great Rare fan (since
Donkey Kong Country, but I didn't like DK64 much).

lookin good! I honestly don't care who ends up making it as long as it's good, also like many others have been saying, I hope there is an NX version in the works.

@wiggleronacid Oh don't get me wrong. I am not one bit worried about the game itself. I am just concerned on the porting of it but it is Team17 that is doing it so I am sure they will do a damn fine job on it but I will still be a small bit worried at the same time.

I'm still up in the clouds having Rare back. These legends coding the Wii U version is glorious!

If it comes out in retail out on Wii U as intended I will buy a copy the first week to support their efforts. I'm looking forward to this game more then any in a long time.

I'm a Nintendo gamer who grew up on the NES and SNES. I branched out to the PS1 and then the Xbox but I've since sold everything that isn't a Nintendo console except my Sega CDX. Other then the PSP I no longer own anything PS or Xbox. I don't have a lot of gaming time and enjoy Nintendo consoles and handhelds so that's what I have.

Thank you Playtonic! Can't wait for my Wii U key.

Well that's good news. Don't seem to hear something like this too often at all!

@NinjaWaddleDee
I'm glad to see anyone doing their best to please Wii U owners period. And while I wouldn't want our console to be a "load" for other consoles' userbases under normal circumstances, after the game drought we've endured so far I'd say, screw the others let's be selfish for once! We deserve a good Rare platformer and, after a whopping sixteen years, the wait is almost over. Besides, even with the Wii U's limitations, this game is nothing to sneeze at. I think PS4 and Xbox One owners (such as yours truly in the latter's case) are gonna enjoy it just fine.

Looking great! I'll be picking up the Xbox One version myself

They're back home where they belong and we're thankful for it. Looks great guys.

Seeing actual respect for the Wii U from a developer has my head absolutely spinning. I think I'm tasting sounds and smelling colors.

@MarioPhD Nintendo has worked with indies quite a bit localizing indie games in Japan so I'm sure if they think it is worth it, Yooka-laylee will be out for the NX also. Plus their connections to the higher ups in Nintendo has to help like you said.

Finally a third-party game for the Wii U that's not a bad port of the PS4 version!

@faint
'I also think it feels right playing it on a Nintendo system to some people.

But the other versions will be fantastic as well.'

You telling me that line is not!

I don't really have much interest in an old fashioned platformer game, and anyways these people are being crowd funded to make this game, ie. they have already been paid to make the game.

Nice trailer, though for their sake they better go straight to NX!

If Team17 isn't doing the Wii u version, does that mean the Wii u version will be download only? That would explain the Wii u support, downloads aren't that risky for them. Personally I prefer a disc!

Spoiler: Did anybody notice the small Jiggy at the rim of the cocktail-glass? Nice easter-egg! End of spoiler.

@Henmii No, it doesn't mean that. The contract with Team17 was signed for a physical release of the game. Later on, Playtonic realised that they did not have time to make the Xbox One and PS4 versions. Because they are using Unity engine, which is port-friendly, they asked Team17 if they could do those versions, thus updating the agreement with them.

I don't understand: Team17 was brought in for a physical-release, you said it yourself. However, they only do the PS4 and XboxOne versions now, while Playtonic does the Wii u and PC version. To me that looks as if the Wii u version (and probably the pc version too) don't get a physical release. Hopefully I am wrong!

@Henmii No, Henmii. Playtonic is a new developer, so they did not have all the resources for a physical release of any kind. Perhaps, Playtonic could publish their second project, but not the first one. Being asked by fans for a physical release, Playtonic signed an agreement with Team17, an old UK publisher and developer (Worms series) and thus Team17 became the publisher of the game.

Later on, Playtonic realised they also needed programming assistance for the Xbox One and PS4 ports, so they asked Team17 to make them (because Team17 is also a developer), thus updating the agreement. Therefore, Team17 has now two roles: first, make the Xbox One and PS4 ports; second, releasing the physical editions. However, it is unclear if the physical release is for all the game versions or just a few, but all the physical Yooka-Laylee copies will be published by Team17, it doesn't matter if they are for Wii U, for Xbox One or for PS4.

The kickstarter campaign was very successful. Playtonic has confirmed at least the five main European languages (English, French, German, Spanish and Italian) and DLC that will be developed after the game has been released. Because of this, I think it's not crazy to believe that all platforms will get a physical version of the game.

EDIT: I hope it's clear now.

@VanillaLake
"Therefore, Team17 has two roles: first, releasing a physical version; second, make the Xbox One and PS4 ports."

I think you mean, first port PS4 and XBO versions, then publish all retail versions?

"(...) all the physical Yooka-Laylee games will be made by Team17, it doesn't matter if they are for Wii U, for Xbox One or for PS4."

I think you mean 'published', not 'made' or developed?

@BornInNorway81 Yes, that's right. First make PS4 and Xbox One versions, then publish the physical editions. The only thing is that the publishing agreement was before the Xbox One/PS4 programming agreement. Playtonic expected to handle all versions in the beginning.

Yes, that's right. I mean that Team17 will be publishing the physical editions, whatever the platforms are.

@VanillaLake I'd opt for the physical version if I didn't have a 2 year old (who will be 3 by then, not much better) running around. Either way, this game will be so great. I can't wait for it.

@IronMan28 LOL I usually think how my life would be if I had a child, I wouldn't let him/her touch my things!

"Because of this, I think it's not crazy to believe that all platforms will get a physical version of the game"

I really hope so! But seeing as the Wii u is dieing, I won't hold my breath. Maybe there will be a NX disc-version someday ( if it will accept physical media, that is).

Well not that I dont trust those other guys bjt as a wii u backer this is good to hear and also the last trailer I saw looked amazing

Thats great Playtonic are seeing to it on Wii U

Cancelled

@Nintendude789 For real? As a backer, that makes me disappointed if true. I don't even own a PS4/XB1 and have no plans on getting one. Is it coming to Switch?