Yooka-Laylee Rattles Away From Wii U Release

Makes sense. I was secretly hoping for it because I don't imagine playing much on Wii U after the Switch released.

And now I'm officially done with my Wii U.

So long as it actually does come to Switch

Makes sense. I guess there's still going to be some unhappy people on here after reading the comments in the article about the release date posted earlier. Lots of people getting angry at just the suggestion it might get canned.

Sadly, I'm kinda happy, only as I will get a Switch and my Wii U is unplugged most of the time. May change my backer copy to PS4 then buy a physical on Switch when discounted, unless it releases near to the 11th of April on Switch.

Where's that final nail? I was so looking forward to this. Was one of the first backers on Kickstarter. Hope we can transfer our purchase over to Switch instead. The Wii U has been such an unmitigated disaster and disappointment. I was so sure that if there was one indie game that would stay on Wii U, it was this one.

Lol, this genuinely surprised me. Add it to the list I guess!

Now just wait for Zelda to be cancelled because of the bad framerates.

@SLIGEACH_EIRE The final nail would be if Breath of the Wild was canceled for Wii U

If it comes to switch around the same time as the other versions then sure why not. But if it comes out 6 months after all the other versions whats the point as dev will say the switch version didnt sell. Saw this last time with games coming out late

@Wendigo Don't be surprised. That game doesn't have a release date and could be a Christmas 2017 game and then it's like what's the point? Its framerate seemed a bit choppy and I don't know if the Wii U version has been holding back the Switch version. It could have been the plan all along but then they're never going to publicly admit that.

saw this coming.
it was getting too big for the aging Wii U.
it's, sadly, time to move on.

I was actually going to back this with enough money to get at least a digital version, maybe even the retro box reward, ended up not supporting the Kickstarter (too many risks), and now, since I don't own any of the other platforms, I'm rater glad I didn't..

Oh ffs

If they release this for Switch on launch day it'll be awesome

I must say, The Wii U feels a lot like the Sega Saturn, both had underpreforming launches, and both consoles had few games in their last year. Both still had great games, but they were cut short by the competiotion. A lot of games developed for the Saturn switched to the PlayStation or was put on hold for the launch of the Dreamcast, the same thing is happening now with the Wii U.

Surely they've known for a long time!😔

I'm not buying #banjokazooiewanabe

I don't mind. It was to be expected. I donated to play the game. Doesn't matter which system I buy it on although I prefer to buy it on a Nintendo console. If not I got the One and Ps4 to play it on

It's a pity, but I can't blame them for deciding not to waste time and resources on trying to fix the issues on the WiiU version when the console is (sadly) on its last legs. Come January, I'll probably just upgrade my pledge to the Switch version - unless it comes out much later, in which case I'll get it for the Xbox One. It's going to be an amazing game regardless of the platform.

I lost interest in game now.

"unforeseen technical issues" Wii U begin dead.
But to me is a good thing, after the Switch probably my Wii U will be shelved for a long time.

Really pleased. I'm sure some who backed it on Wii u will feel let down but it doesn't make any sense to put it out on that platform. Hopefully it won't be too far behind the other versions

Although it makes sense, it really does reinforce to the customer that preordering a game that far in advance is just stupid.

Sounds like PRBS to me.

Well, surprised? not really. Disappointed? VERY

I'm so glad they've done this. I'd backed it for the Wii U version before the NX was even mentioned, but was getting worried that I'd have to keep using my Wii U after the Switch was announced. Definitely changing my Kickstarter pledge to the Switch version.

Bait and Switch

Wonder if this means I'll have to pay again for the Switch version, now that the Wii U version I backed is vapour.

Can I be devil's advocate here? I don't buy the "technical difficulties" spin. I think Nintendo is aware of the interest in this game from Wii U owners and has offered Playtonic the option to have Yooka-layle be a launch title for the Switch. It would obviously help Nintendo with their lauch. I believe this is just their way of getting out of their commitment to the Wii U (since they were doing the Wii U version themselves, I wholeheartedly believe they knew they could make it work). The timing for their Switch version information also ties into this.

Plus, don't TV shows always use the "technical difficulties" image when something completely different is happening behind the scenes?

But will there be enough Switch stock by game's launch so that everyone who wants to play on Switch can?

I'm not confident Nintendo won't short bake the Switch

@Janus1986 Same. I wanted to switch to PC, but wasn't sure i could. Now I can! I hope I can get a £5 refund.

@WKE Ya, I don't buy the "unforeseen technical issues" line either. If I can transfer my purchase to Switch instead at no extra cost, I can live with that I guess. Still a major disappointment though.

They missed a trick there. Giving the bankers the wii u version then releasing a chargeable switch one.

I feel sorry for people who can't afford new consoles on release who backed this expecting a wii u version. I hope they can get a full refund due to the devs not delivering the game they promised.

Good. Makes sense and I was hoping for it.

Great! But they could have released it on both the Wii and the Wii U.

Ah... I knew it.
Switch version is best choice.
Play it both console and portable.
So handy.

You know what, I'm actually kinda glad they've done this, the devs don't deserve to waste their time on a system that only 5 people will still have plugged in by the time the Switch releases.
I do feel sorry for those people who were looking forward to this on WiiU but 99% will probably be gettig the Switch or have another platform to play it on.
As for the 'technical difficulties' line, it could have some merit, we've known for ages that the WiiU isn't the easiest console to develop for/ port to.

As long as it doesn't take too long after the normal release for the NX version to come out, I have no complaints, as somebody that almost certainly will be getting a Switch near launch if stock allows/Breath of the Wild follows the system soon after. Will probably request a refund of my pledge and decide later what I want to do after NX details are finalized or debunked. Hopefully it will get a physical release like PS4 and Xbone are.

@Wendigo Even as an avid Wii U owner, I kind of wish it was.

Technical issues. Yeah, right! 😋

@Untempered-Link
I find your statistics... questionable

Oh well, Xbox One version it is then. No way will the Switch version be ready for the same date.

If they don't want to develop for the Wii U, that's fine, but they should outright say that is the reason why they are dropping it.

Good. When I first backed the project, I was initially going to choose Wii U as I wanted to play a "Banjo-Kazooie" game on an Nintendo console again, however when it came to the survey, I knew there was no way it was going to come out on Wii U and if it did, it would be inferior, so I chose PS4.

This news is great, hopefully I'll be able to switch from digital PS4 to physical Switch (even if it means waiting longer)

Well that's Pants!!!

@shaneoh really what does the reason matter? They've made the decision they think is in the best interests for them and the game.

Well, I won't buy the game then, no big deal.

Can't blame them for this, the Switch version will be superior anyway and it won't release on a "dead" console.

Well, this strengthens my resolve to buy a Switch, if not get the game on PC, where I can use an N64 controller instead.

Personally I'm a little disappointed. This and Zelda were going to be the crowning jewels in my Wii U library and perfect swansongs. Still, I can transfer to the NS so it's not all bad.

@WKE - I think that makes a lot of sense. Playtonic also said that this game was created mainly for Nintendo users due to their roots and working with Nintendo in the past, or something or that nature. So why build a game for a Nintendo system for Nintendo users that it can't run on!!

I feel for people who backed this and were counting on a Wii U release but personally my Wii U is gathering dust and I am really looking forward to the Switch, so this just gives me another Switch game to enjoy.

I'm genuinely happy about this! Since backing this project I have acquired a PS4 so was already thinking about getting it on that anyway! Depending on how far off the switch release will be, it would be awesome to be able to play this anywhere anytime.

The Wii U is dead, long live the Switch

But... if you want to change platform, you still have to buy the game!
As you can read on their kickstarter FAQ (http://www.playtonicgames.com/faq), if you backed the WiiU version you can get another version, but not paying the full price again. You get more than 50% discount on the new platform. So, in the end, it doesn't really matter if you supported the game... Or you can wait for news on the switch release...
I know it makes sense, especially after they delayed this game, but think about the nintendo fans, I guess they are the main group Platonic targeted this game at, for obvious nostalgic reasons.
So, it makes sense, but also feels like a bad joke, for me, at least.
I'm also not sure I'm going to get a Switch at day one, not after the experience I had with the WiiU four years ago. After a few weeks you already found the system, used, for half the price.

Just another disappointment teaching me to never kickstart

@Vegaphil
It's not the reason that is the issue (unless you're a kickstarter backer). If they are saying technical difficulties are the issue, when the real reason is that they don't want to develop for the Wii U any more, then they are being dishonest. The game is apparently meant to be releasing in early April, with Christmas and New Year happening in the meantime, and they're only now just discovering technical issues that will prevent it from working on the Wii U?

Im not happy to see how Wii U dying. Its not how Wii did, or PS3, or else.
I see how Wii U just dropped into filthy trashcan with a bunch of other trash. And its Nintendo who did this.

I was planning on getting this game on my XBOX One so this doesn't change anything for me. However, if I like the game enough I'll repurchase it whenever I pick up the Switch!

My original plan was to get the Wii U version from the kickstarter pledge, but I may change that to the X1 download and pick up the Switch physical version whenever it comes out.

totally expected that

I don´t care, I just want a confirmation for a physical release on Switch. Nice to play a new "not Rare" platformer on a cartridge form.

Unforseen technical issues nothing. It's a business decision, pure and simple. At least be honest about it. Besides, the majority (myself included) will have likely packed up our WiiU's (carefully) and have moved onto the Switch around alleged launch date of said game anyhow.

Another development team which has taken Wii U owners' money and run. They're not even offering refunds. Disgraceful. This is why I never support Kickstarter projects; unfortunately there are too many liers.

@shaneoh perhaps they have spent a long time trying to overcome the difficulties on Wii u and have now realised they can't get it to work? Who knows but assuming that they didn't want to get it on Wii u isn't fair

It sounds like the game won't be ready for the Switch on April 11...

Very disappointed to hear that. To be fair they should be offering refunds as an option to the wii u backers.

As long as this doesn't come to Switch months after it releases on the other systems, although it sounds like it will. :/

Annoying. It would've sold quite well on the Wii U, no matter how dead the console is.

Yeah, yeah Wii u owners get screwed again, same old story.......
I'm just so sick of having to be understanding of another commercial/technical problem that means some companies are not going to do what they said they would do on this console. There have been countless lies and broken promises regarding Wii u games in its short time on the market and it's just a horrible experience overall.

Just another brick in the wall that Nintendo are sealing the Wii U behind while still alive like they did in medieval times.

Was gonna get the ps4 title anyway. Great move. Makes sense

@Vegaphil
And yet they were confident that they could have released the game in October:
https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/06/yooka-laylee_delayed_until_2017_e3_2016_trailer_looks_lovely_all_the_same

Not bummed about Playtonic 'making the Switch', as it were, but I am a little annoyed at how they handled this.

"Wii U's not happening, sorry! Here, you can change your backer code to any other console for free, hope you've got one of 'em. If not, you'll have to 'upgrade' your backing to get the Switch version, whenever it comes out. kthxbai"

Personally I think Playtonic owe it to Wii U Kickstarter backers to offer them a free copy on the platform of their choice PLUS a copy on the Switch.

If I opt to wait for the Switch version, how can I be sure they won't let us down again and decide that "unforeseen technical issues" mean they can't finish the Switch version either?

Slightly uncool.

BUT

I accept the notion of upgrading to the Switch release.

I wish the Hyperlight Drifter guys would offer the same option. I've yet to play that game, and I'm unlikely to get around to playing it on PC.

I did think this might happen. Personally I couldn't care less. It wasn't even on my radar.

I don't put blind faith into a game made by a team who used to work somewhere else. I got Rare replay recently and I've barely touched it and it only cost me €12.

I'd say it because the WiiU can be easy soft modded now to play everything from a hard-drive which I have done recently, because I can. Can't lose out on sales though! And personally I'd much rather buy a physical copy for the switch now instead of the WiiU.

Rubbish for people who only have a WiiU for the foreseeable future though.

@readyletsgo No profanity, thanks.

I‘ve not been impressed by what I've seen of this game, and certainly didn't back it, but now any chance that might have remained of me buying this at a decent price has gone.

I don't care whether it's on Wii U or not (if anything this will save me from forking out for another overly priced Wii U game for the sake of my collection), but to try and pass this pony off, so late in the day, is very low and leaves a very bitter taste in my mouth.

It's filthy of Nintendo and Playtonic to concoct this, and I'm surprised how many here are happy to roll over and take it.

If this turns out to be a good game then I'll pick it up on Steam when it's £1.89

Not happy at all. I'm still extremely butthurt about all this porting business. I'm among the ranks of those who feel like its a "thanks for sticking with us when we messed up a second time, now buy it all again", and am currently very against buying another gamepad, portable or not. Yooka-Laylee was pretty much the last thing I was looking forward to.

I think this is terrible actually, this particular game, a lot of people were convinced that regardless, it would see release on Wii U. I think it could be done but they've decided to cut their losses & I feel for anyone who was quite possibly looking forward to this as a last hurrah for their Wii U. Disgraceful, actually.

More Wii U crowdfunding bait and switch. I thought Playtonic, even more so than IGA and co., was above this. There were no reported "technical issues" for the Wii U ver. until now. Not everyone is a diehard Nintendo fan who can or will want to "upgrade" to Switch, which is why this is a weasily reason for canceling this.

Kickstarter is absolutely dead, now. The companies who accepted funding based on false promises to excited and anxious backers should be ashamed of themselves for their faithlessness and really shouldn't be forgiven for it. It's a wretched precedent, yet sadly so common, lately. If these startups won't make what they originally promised, how can we be sure that they won't use the same rationale for their "new system"?

Scratch this off the list...

I mean everyone knows the Wii U has reached it's end. But devs could at least leave with some dignity including Nintendo. Apart from PM Color Splash Nintendo pretty much ignored WiiU players this year. A lot of Indie devs have lost my respect with their decisions, even going so far as to cancel their game 1 week prior to release. Like what?

Honorable mentions go to Shinen who showed amazing support of the WiiU from start to finish and the guys behind Steamworld Heist (don't know the name of the dev but I will look it up later) who didn't cancel the WiiU version last minute like other devs have.
Edit: how could I forget Yacht Club who are still keeping up their free Shovel Knight updates. Amazing dev team.

I know there is a business perspective to consider in this, but the video game market is flooded with games and both, quality of the game and image of the devs, matter to me the most.

/end rant

Yes the game could be released on Wii U but let's be honest here. It would have technical shortcomings.

Why would anyone want a game released with huge constraints for a console that is practically dead.

Switching to the Switch makes complete sense.

It makes sense to switch to the next system. I'm still disappointed. At least the Wii U is still getting Zelda. Right? ...

@kobashi100 Huge constraints? We're talking the Wii U here, not the Game boy!

@kobashi100 Because people backed the game for a system they owned, not for a system they didn't own. Regardless of that, if a company promises to make a product, accepts money on the condition that they make that specific product, and then fails to make that product, then they are completely in the wrong.

So, found this on the Wii U backer faq playtonic sent out...

"All affected Wii U backers can choose another platform to receive a digital copy of Yooka-Laylee for, at the significant Kickstarter discount of more than 50% on the retail cost (£15 vs. £35). Wii U backers can also choose to wait for updates on the Nintendo Switch early next year."

Earlier in the faq, though, it claims backers can switch platforms for free. Just what is going on here?

The link to the faq itself, just in case:
http://www.playtonicgames.com/faq

I'll be skipping this one then.

@mjharper If they pull Zelda U then it will be an unforgivable act by Nintendo. Wouldn't necessarily stop me getting a Switch someday as I've always wanted a hybrid, but I'd never trust or support a company that would do that, not unless there was some sort of generous compensation for Wii U owners.

Happy it ia going to Switch instead, but I do not want a huge delay and get it way after the other systems I don't own.

The game is releasing in April, the Switch is out in March. It makes sense.

Is the fact that you'll have to 'upgrade' to the Switch version, while transferring to PS4 etc. is free, a sign that multiplatform games will cost more on Switch...?

It'll probably be out on the switch at the same time as the other versions, but just got to wait for Nintendo to announce a release date for the Switch first. At least thats what I think is happening.

It's a shame, a lot of ardent Wii U fans like to dismiss it's shortcomings, but a lot of devs skipped the Wii U because it was so hard to get things running on it well.

@gcunit Unfortunately Yooka-Laylee isn't a Gameboy game, it's closer to a PS4/XB1 game that Playtonic have been trying to cut down to fit onto the Wii U. However, I don't think multiplatform games will cost more on the Switch... they probably mean power wise. It's hard to believe, but the Switch will be more powerful than the Wii U.

Anyone get the feeling that the Switch may be going the way of Wii U? A neat concept whose appeal is difficult to convey to the mainstream; a USP based on innovation rather than processing power; and third party support limited to certain IPs long after their release on other systems...

While I understand they want the game to be in a console with the biggest reach possible, they should have ponied up before and announced Y-L was moving to the NX, and give Wii U backers the alternative of refunds.

Some people won't get the Switch until much later and don't have other consoles, it is unfair to them and it speaks a lot about Playtonic, and not in a good way.

What a surprise. (No, seriously, I was GENUINELY surprised by this announcement! This was the last indie game I expected to move from the Wii U to the Switch!)

What a shame for the poor Wii U. It's not really surprising considering that Nintendo themselves jumped ship even before other, but still a shame nonetheless. I don't think I've seen a worse way out for a console, even previous gen consoles still get the usual yearly sports titles along with some cross gen games (MGS V, even Persona 5 next year), but the Wii U can't even get indie games before the Switch is even out. Horrible end.

The problem is that it won't get to Switch on day one. That's what's really really disappointing.

Very annoyed with this

OH COME ON, YOU TOO?!?

@ricklongo I don't think anyone's said that it won't, they just haven't said that it will. Possibly avoiding saying it yet to limit public outrage.

Wait... Yooka-Laylee on the go.
Superior version confirmed.

I was hoping they would have been able to keep their promises. I'm really disappointed, as I won't be able to play this game. Damn it, Playtonic!

@AlexSora89 Super Mario Maker, Hyrule Warriors /case closed

@gcunit I don't think thatthis shows multiplats will cost more on the Switch, just that it will need more development time and time = extra costs

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

1 less game to want then.

(although 1 more reason to get a Switch, now up to 1 confirmed reason for me)

Ultimately, this is very dissapointing as the whole point of the main dev team 'working on wii u port to ensure it works', was exactly that.Something must be fundamentally wrong with Wii U hardware for devs to 'ditch it' part way because it will be too much work.

Switch is apparently easy to develope for but i'm waiting for all the excuses not to release games for launch, 'requires more work', not enough install base at 2 million sold...

If devs had, had any gumption to making Wii U games they have put level editors and online 'make your own challenge' modes in every release.Eg Zombi Us multiplayer should have been a player created wave survival using an extended toolset from the core multiplayer. Mass effect 3s multiplayer, able to tweak waves so they vary more and go cross race.

Wii U is a disaster because the people in the business have no imagination any more, slap a map on it an be done, instead of making fun games regardless of 'looks'.

How much money did these guys make on Kickstarter by saying it was going to be on Wii U vs how much money if they only said PS4, X1 and PC?

This game was supposed to be made for Wii U by Playtonic and the other consoles were supposed to be ports by other companies. So this news says the company that was making the game the past 2 years isn't as good at making their own game as the companies that were making the ports. This is utter and total bologna.

And don't hold your breath for the Switch versiin. All they said was they were looking to talk to Nintendo about bringing it to Switch. It took them 2 years to make their game for Wii U and then not finish it, how long do you think it will take them to port it to Switch?

I read the news this morning on Twitter about pre-orders getting the Toybox and as much as I abhor digital pre-orders I was all set to give them my money b/c this was the only game in my life I felt bad I didn't contribute to Kuckstarter. And then I clicked on the link and I saw the pic of the PS4 and Xbox1 boxes and my brain just completely fried.

Not cool, Playtonic.

After Mighty No. 9 and now I'm his, I don't think I'll be investing into Kickstarter again anytime soon.

Although the switch (lol ) to the Switch makes sense, as it should really help increase interest in the games, it's a shame we're not getting it this year as they originally planned

Wiiu=big failure.

Well, it was to be expected.

Makes sense to me, but it still hurts. I can't find whether or not it will cost extra in order to change to the Switch or not, though. Sure would be screwed up if we had to pay up. I'd still give in, though. I still love those guys.

@WKE I agree with you. Also remember that the folks at Playtonic have ties to Nintendo. I wouldn't be surprised if Nintendo bought a big share of the company.

All I want is the game to be released on a Ninntenndo- console. This is fine.

@Mega_Yarn_Poochy @rjejr

Shame this keeps happening. Also means no faith in crowdfunding means my game aint getting made.

Which is a shame but this is how the industry works now.

Weird.

When Project CARS announced it wasn't coming to the Wii-U everyone here was losing their minds (nevermind the fact very few of them would have even bought it), calling it 'fraud' and wanting the developers head.

Now when Playtonic does it? Everyone seems to be happy about the decision and can accept it.

Looks like I'll be waiting a while. I don't have an Xbox One or a PS4 and my PC is old and not powerful enough to run games.

Was really looking forward to this on my Wii U... I guess this is another reason to get the Switch.

@BLP_Software But I have no faith in crowdfunding because games aren't being made/made shoddily. Its a paradox put in place by liers.

"Why struggle and commit development resources to overcome technical issues on the Wii U release, when the Switch is out just ahead of the targeted release date of 11th April?"

Because people paid them money due to the promise of having a Wii U version given to them in return? As someone with no other way to play the game, I would be very disappointed and upset if I had backed this project. Luckily I didn't.

Not surprised. I would have been really surprised if Playtonic stuck with the Wii U. Everyone is jumping ship now.

Just means I get portable Yooka-Laylee instead.

How difficult is the Wii U to work with if the entire main staff (the other consoles are outsourced) can't make a version that runs properly?

@sandman89 you do realize these people are banjos dad and the only reason they couldn't do banjo is because of Microsoft.

Really did anyone honestly believe this was ever coming to the WiiU?
I didn't and I'm not surprised.

This is another example of 'project cars' scam through kickstarter/crowdfunding sites.
Pledging money through these types of sites is nothing short of gambling.

Also where are people reading it's coming to the Switch? It's Not there is nothing in Playtonics statement that says that it is.
If, and I think it will be a big if, it will be well after an XBOne and PS4 release and will be old news by that time. (Does this not seem similar to the WiiU getting old previously released games!)

My WiiU is already boxed and after Xmas will find itself being recycled through a tech exchange site. Even Breath of Wild can't convince me to keep it. (If I'm a betting man I would bet the WiiU version won't see the light of day either)

I'm not so sure I'll be rushing to Switch either as I think I'll wait a few months after its release and see how it looks. This is coming from someone who has only ever had Nintendo Consoles from the NES to present day. 😕

@Mega_Yarn_Poochy And now people like yourself have no faith, which is understandable, it means that thanks to a slew of liars, people like myself and many others are now unsure of the prospect of crowdfunding a Switch exclusive.

The alternative is a publisher, which leads to reduced incomes and their will imposed on a project. Its estimated for a £50 game tied to a publisher, £3 goes to the developer per sale. So imagine a budget title. Id like to make games for more than two years.

But thanks to the corporate asses of the industry, thats not likely.

The thing that really bothers me the most is the way they announced it. Sure, writing was on the wall for Wii U, but dont' the people who paid money on Kickstarter for the game and have been waiting for it for 2 years deserve better than to basically be a footnote?

Did they really only decide the Wii U version wasn't coming out after they had these boxes made and had settled on the April 11 release date? This isn't what Wii U owners wanted to wake up to this morning.

So I implore all game developers, if you are going to cancel a version of your game, give potential customers waiting for that version a little time to mourn before you are rubbing their faces in release dates and box art. Surely they could have canceled the Wii U version last week, it didn't have to be a footnote this morning. Very uncool. There is almost no way I buy their game now. My library has PS4 games, I'll get it their for free. Or Gamefly or Redbox. Or used.

And you wonder why I worry about these things @ThanosReXXX Yeah, I know, it isn't the same, but we've been waiting 2 years, and it was the LEAD console.

https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/06/playtonic_handling_wii_u_version_of_yooka-laylee_team17_porting_to_ps4_and_xbox_one

Stardew Valley is also moving from Wii U to Switch. I'm not sure if I should get the PS4 version or Switch version. It looks right up my alley and would be awesome to play portable.

@rjejr
I honestly believe that's why they aren't offering a refund alternative. More people supported it wanting the game on Wii u then on any other platform.
If they offered a refund and most Wii u backers took that route...its a shame because I really liked these guys and they stabbed us in the back with tongue in cheek 'yeah its moving to switch!'
As you said, they were supposed to be working faithfully on the Wii u version. Since there isn't one what have they been doing these past few years?

Next up the announcement of Bloodstained cancellation for Wii U

And I have a ps4 so while I missed the initial backing, I still debated my console of choice.
Now though, I don't even know if I want to loyally support them. The switch release date is up in the air, the Wii u is now flushed down the loo...I just feel really bummed for those that don't have other console options and wanted to play this game as much as I did.

Oh man, if the Switch launches with 3D Mario AND Yooka-Laylee? Imagine that.

Does suck for people who were only able to play it on Wii U, though. This is why I won't back any Kickstarters for failing consoles. I enjoy my Vita and Wii U, but I don't trust companies to deliver on their promises with regard to those machines.

@Laxeybobby Um...

"The Playtonic team is sad to confirm that despite our best efforts and exploring every possible avenue, we’ve encountered unforeseen technical issues that unfortunately mean it will be impossible for us to release the game on Wii U as initially planned.

We can however confirm the exciting news that we are now working very closely with Nintendo to look to bring Yooka-Laylee to the upcoming Nintendo Switch. We’re looking forward to exploring the opportunity and will have more details to share early next year. "

It's in the post.

I have my doubts, you could say, that "technical issues" are responsible for anything. Clearly they don't want to invest major resources on a version for a dead console. Them not outright saying it's launching on Switch at the same date next year probably has to do with Nintendo putting a gag order on major game announcements for the Switch before the Direct. I'd be incredibly surprised if they hadn't been working on the Switch version for some time.

@MajinSoul
Yep, a portable Mario Maker with actual online alone would sell consoles. As for Hyrule Warriors, not so much considering the only difference in the portable version is graphics.

@yomanation
It's a total, and totally unexpected, short-for-Richard move.

@Laxeybobby "We can however confirm the exciting news that we are now working very closely with Nintendo to look to* bring Yooka-Laylee to the upcoming Nintendo Switch."

No surprises but it's still a shame,

Another one bites the dust...

I have to say, it would be hilarious if the Switch version launched a month earlier than the other versions. Not counting on it, but how great would that be?

@slim80 I'm well aware of the history 😜

Developers really need to start thinking about there game & platform thay want to 100% release on before entering Kickstarters, as this isn't really fair to Wii U owners. Yes you can switch platforms etc but what about the people who don't own another platform? and maybe thay or there mums & dads cannot afford the Switch on release day, not like it'll make any difference seeing as Yooka Laylee will be sometime off before it actual releases on the Switch.

Bummed, but not surprised.

They're making the Switch. Lol.

But in all seriousness, the Wii U is literally getting beaten to death. My Lord, I feel bad for the Wii U! So many games being moved to the Switch. That really kills not only the audience, but the system itself. The Wii U is suffering in a slow and painful death.

@legendwaker "'yeah its moving to switch!'"

But it isn't, they are in primilinary talks at best it sounds like. If they just said "Switch 1/11" and had box art next to the other 2 this anouncement makes a little more sense. But what we got instead was - "Hey everybody, good news Yooka-Laylee out on 1/11, everybody who orders now gets the Toybox. And uh, oh, BTW, all you peopel who supported us on Kickstrarter for the Wii U version, thanks for the money, but no game for you. Suckers." The non Wii U annoucnment hurts the most. After all this time AND MONEY they should have made the Wii U cancelation a story all it's own. Not like this.

@AlexSora89 I was going to ask you to write me a song based on this one as I've been singing it in my head all morning but you know, this one kind of fits as is. Sadly.

Yesterday all my troubles seemed so far away.
Now it looks as though they're here to stay.
Oh, I believe in yesterday.

Suddenly I'm not half the man I used to be.
There's a shadow hanging over me.
Oh, yesterday came suddenly.

Why she had to go, I don't know, she wouldn't say.
I said something wrong, now I long for yesterday.

Yesterday love was such an easy game to play.
Now I need a place to hide away.
Oh, I believe in yesterday.

Why she had to go, I don't know, she wouldn't say.
I said something wrong, now I long for yesterday.

Yesterday love was such an easy game to play.
Now I need a place to hide away.
Oh, I believe in yesterday.

Mm mm mm mm mm mm mm

@MrGawain Kickstarter is not a pre-order, it's a donation (for all intents an purposes).

I wonder what would the reactions here would be like if Nintendo did something similar to this

It's disappointing for those who wanted the Wii U version. I was getting it for PC anyway, so it doesn't really affect me. However, games getting cancelled on specific platforms is putting me off kickstarting.

@BLP_Software "Also means no faith in crowdfunding"

I'm amazed it lasted this long. Between wannabe Megaman and that guy who built himself a house in Canada and Project Cars. And now this. This should be the death knell for kickstarter. No offense to you or your game, but I'm so sick of this. I think I might actually be in shock. Think I'll go lie down for awhile.

"If funded, Yooka-Laylee will be released for Windows, Mac, Linux, Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and Wii U."

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/playtonic/yooka-laylee-a-3d-platformer-rare-vival

Well...they more than got funded. I understand it's smarter/less work to make it for the switch only but then they should not have promised the Wii U. If i was a backer at any level i would be getting worried that they have now become willing to abandon parts of what they promised. What will they give up on next?

@WilliamCalley you 're right. It might just be because they announced a potential move to Switch, but it's still no excuse. Anyway, what's left for Wii U retail-wise? Minecraft Story Mode this week, Zelba, and maybe Darksiders (if it gets a retail version and if it doesn't get canned as well)?

I wish they would just tell the truth. There's been no mention of 'technical issues' but now Switch release is confirmed they make up an excuse.

If other 3d platformers can run on Wii U and we can have Mario Galaxy on Wii, to say that Yooka-Laylee has technical issues running on Wii U sounds unbelievable.

Just glad I didn't give them any money as I don't have or plan to get any of the other systems.

Shame as I would have bought it.

All we need now is for Nintendo to can the Wii U version of Zelda BotW and then my faith in Nintendo systems will be gone forever.

Shame as I really love my Wii U.

I'm actually kind of glad because as much as I love my Wii U I think I would much rather have it release on the latest Nintendo console instead ;D

Kind of a bummer. I love my Wii U and was hoping for a platformer like this. It does make sense though. I still have a bunch of great Wii U games to play.... Oh well.

@rjejr I have no expectation PRIME will ever be made at this point. Between the PS4 kicking ass, no news on switch dev kits, and now no trusted form of funding.

I love this job.

@PotatoTheGreat All the "understanding" people would be hateful about it and swear to never buy another Nintendo product.

But no, this is an indie developer, and they can do no wrong.

Nooooooooooooooooooooooo!
Bait & Switch..... get it?

Wii U = the biggest dump of a console ever?

They've lost a sale.

I'll either get it for a super cheap discount, or see if it ever comes to PS+.

Shame.

@Moms-Meowth precisely what I was thinking.

Well, I'll switch my copy to the PS4 then.

This is a burn like no other,

I just wish they'd be honest with us, "We don't want to release this on a dead console", because if there were such insurmountable issues with the Wii U version, we'd most likely have heard of them already.

Playtonic have not been working on solely the Wii U version. The lead platform was PC. They were quite clear that porting from PC to PS4 and Xbone was easy, so that was outsourced. Porting any Unity game to Wii U has proved to be troublesome, so they were going to do that themselves.

So I can definitely believe there ARE genuine technical difficulties, and they have decided due to the timing of the Switch, there's little point pouring money into a Wii U port to get it running, when most Wii U users will have moved on by the time it comes out.

The should honestly refund Wii U backers.

The Wii U should be renamed the Bait so we would have Nintendo Bait and Switch. This kind of makes me wonder if Nintendo is planning to cancel BOTW for Wii U due to frame rate and render distance, but is waiting until January 12th so we are excited for the Switch and not just burned on the news.

@BLP_Software Maybe you should follow in Nintendo's footsteps and make all your games for Apple hardware. (sorry, that's a dig at Nintendo, not you)

HA! Totally called it.

I betcha next Bloodstained will also skipped Wii U for the Switch as well.

Hey look, another broken Kickstarter promise.

We have about 3 games coming this Christmas for the Wii U and then we're done. Not 1 additional cent will be spent on the Wii U.

....we'll see about the Switch.

surprised they cancelled it. sad thing is that a large amount of the early backers were nintendo gamers (hence a wii u version in the first place) and now they'll be the last to play it. and only if they buy the new system! lol

i'm sure most people have a decent pc at the least, but it's kind of the principle here.

@RoomB31 definitely. and if not they should make sure the switch version is ready to go with the other versions. otherwise it's a huge kick in the teeth to nintendo backers.

@rjejr I could but phones dont have the right controls.

Ill stick wjth my initial plan of one solid release date far off when funding. At worst itll hit that date at least itll be pulled forward.

Not a massive surprise, Wii U wouldn't get any sales from the game launching in April, as all attention and hype is going onto the Switch (which is apparently going to be understocked at launch but put that aside), leaving this version ignored. I was interested in this game until I saw footage of a level at EGX on Twitch, and seeing how barren the level looked really put me off the game. Don't get me wrong, 3D platformers are nice and all, but if there's nothing in between Point A to Point B, it'll get very boring and dull just running from point to point and only having action happen during your time at that point. You can't really make a platformer with large levels if you don't fill them with enemies and hazards, as it can make it confusing to find new terrain to obtain the collectibles. I was considering getting it on Wii U, but I won't bother after seeing footage of it and now hearing it's cancellation in place of the Switch. As people have already said, it's pretty ironic that the lead console that PlayTonic were specifically developing for is the one to get cancelled. I don't believe the "technical issues" line, as it's an excuse to just move it to Switch as that'll be out at the time of the game's initial launch without outrightly saying it and causing mass outrage amongst the backers.

And of course Nintendo's version will be behind once again.

@Philo Apparently a typo. Here's what the faq says now:

"I chose Wii U as my platform. Can I get a refund?"

"All affected Wii U backers can choose another platform to receive a digital copy of Yooka-Laylee for, at no extra cost to their existing pledge (already at more than 50% discount to retail). Wii U backers can also choose to wait for updates on the Nintendo Switch early next year.

However, if you would like to discuss a refund please contact us via the Backer messaging system for Kickstarter."

@HaNks That assumes most Wii U owners will be buying a Switch right away, and while I want one, I will probably wait till the fall, mainly for 2 factors, I feel the beginnings of the Switch Will be heavy on Ports (which is fine for the non Wii U player, and also fine if these ports are upgraded versions, but doesn't make me super excited to want one on day 1), and 2) I'll have other things to play in the meantime, mainly Ps4 and 3DS.

@RoomB31 just saying it's the least they can do to maintain good favour with the majority of nintendo fans. but you're right, not everybody will buy the switch near launch and refunds should be offered.

the irony here is a large amount of support came from the people who are potentially getting shafted here. really bad look for the company.

Worst news of the day, I can't play on another system and although I am most likely going to get the Switch I won't be happy if this means I have to pay more...unless amiibo is announced. Definitely the last time I back a game on Kickstarter.

Something something lazy developer something something Nintendo always gets the short end of the stick wahhhh wahhhh

Never invest in a kickstarter, folks.

@eeyore

To be fair, Wii sold about 90m more than Wii U and PS3 80m more. Of course they lasted longer.

@merrygorndoflife I didn't even think of that. Won't be stunned now, since it'll require Wii U owners to upgrade to play the game they were all waiting for since, what, 2015? Yeesh. I'll be getting the Switch regardless and playing the heck out of Zelda on it, but still.... that would be a MASSIVE slap in the face for Nintendo fans.

Bad day for Wiiu was looking forward to playing this oh well Switch it is then.

It's the best thing to do. As a backer who went with the Wii U version I plan to go with the Switch version now for sure despite owning a gaming PC, PS4 Pro, and Xbox One S. Hopefully there are some Nintendo exclusives of some sort, if not some retro menu features. I'm pretty excited for a release date, and so soon after the Switch launch.

I just went with the Steam (edit: I think it was GoG actually) version to begin with as that one is far more convenient for me and more or less future-system proof. Think about it- the WiiU version is only good for the life of the console. That is, once my WiiU breaks, unless I can get another one I am out of luck and 10 years down the road, will I even be able to get a used one at a reasonable price let alone new? For the PC, just install steam to any new computer and log in (edit: or redownload from GoG). I don't have, and have never had, a Sony (beyond PS1) or XBox system so I don't know how their accounts work- but I imagine they would also be similar to the WiiU (unless they offer a way to play previously purchased games for a previous system on a newer system I suppose the account question doesn't even matter) though at least it will be far easier to find a used system in the future for one of those than a WiiU.

@rjejr
Ask and ye shall receive.

Yesterday, Yooka-Laylee seemed so far away.
Then it looked as though it's here to stay.
Oh, I believed in yesterday.
Suddenly I'm not half the fan I used to be.
There is a Switch hanging over me.
Oh, yesterday came suddenly.
Why it had to go, I don't know, they wouldn't say.
I did something wrong, now I long for yesterday.
Yesterday that was such an easy game to play.
Now I need a Switch to run the game.
Oh, I believe in yesterday.
Why it had to go, I don't know, they wouldn't say.
I did something wrong, now I long for yesterday.
Yesterday Yooka-Laylee was not long away.
Now nothing is any more the same.
Oh, I believe in yesterday.

Just ask, next time! ^^

@SLIGEACH_EIRE The article seems to suggest an "upgrade" to the Switch version rather than a "switch (cough) to the other platforms. It's possible they will charge extra to do so (not looking forward to that since the pound is worth more than the Canadian dollar).

@HenFjo wii u had a great launch it was after that was horrible.

I had been wondering over the last week if this would happen as the Wii U will be all but dead by the time the game comes out on PS4 & XBONE.

Whilst Playtonic haven't said what the technical difficulties they encountered are if the version on Wii U ran drastically different to the other versions then it would feel like everyone who backed the Wii U version was missing out compared to other console owners.

I actually backed the Wii U version and whilst I have a PS4 it just feels right playing it on a Nintendo console.

I am happy Yooka Laylee will be coming to the Switch as lets be honest people who have backed this game for Wii U on Kickstarter are going to be adults with disposable income and will likely be die hard Nintendo fans so will be getting a Switch anyway.

Who knows with Playtonic saying more details are coming next month on Twitter it could well mean it could be coming out on 11th April for Switch like the other versions.

I still remember the very day I unpacked my precious Wii U. It was so cool and full of potential. Not greatest of successes but I'm glad I was there and enjoyed my little U. I won't be getting rid of it though. I'll keep it close and cherish the memories.

@gatorboi352 "Never invest in a kickstarter, folks."

Pretty much. Between crooks, unrealistic goals/budgets, outright lies, and broken promises I don't have a lot of faith in these campaigns or those people behind them.

Bummer........not even the WiiU team can get this running on this thing. Ah well.

A little part of me just died inside.

This is a big shame, really. Playtonic reassured everyone that the game would come to Wii U, after hearing the huge demand for it to be on the system. They even said they'd handle the Wii U version themselves, to give it the attention it deserves.

Oh well, I guess. So long as we get a good version and at the same time as it launches on Xbone & PS4 I don't mind.

I am so EXTREMELY upset!

I would post what I really feel right now, but the whole thing would be censored due to bad language. This REALLY PISSES ME OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I AM EXTREMELY ANGRY AT THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IF YOU CAN'T RELEASE A GAME FOR WII U DON'T ADVERTISE AND SAY IT'S COMING TO WII U!!!!!!!!!!!!! I HAVE HAD IT WITH COMPANIES PULLING THEIR WII U VERSION OF GAMES!!!!!!!!!!!! THIS WAS THE ONE GAME i WAS REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO AND NOW I . . . . I CAN'T EXPRESS MYSELF ANY FURTHER WITHOUT THIS POST GETTING COMPLETELY CENSORED!!!!!!

I AM REALLY REALLY REALLY MAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Glad that everyone seems to be taking this news well, but I have to wonder where all the people that would cry foul when other games did this in the past are?

Remember when these guys claimed they were personally handling the Wii U version? Do we have any proof such a version even exists? This is a decision that wasn't made yesterday, and I guarantee you that ever since there were rumors of Nintendo's next console, there was no work being done on a Wii U version.

Not too surprising really. It doesn't make a whole lot of sense to release it on a dead platform plus it also means helping flesh out the Switches launch lineup more. At least they are being forthcoming in this and allowing Wii U backers the opportunity to upgrade their pledge to a Switch version

For the past couple of months I was thinking why release this game for a dead console when the NX is coming very very soon and I am so not surprised, gonna be grabbing the Shantae in Switch too !

@RantingThespian YOU SHOULDNT SURPRISED DEAL WITH IT THE WII U IS DEAD R.I.P.

Why do I get the feeling that this game won't release on the Switch within the next 4 years.

Not a huge surprise really, though it's a shame considering the only other big release Wii U owners have to look forward to is Breath of the Wild.

Lmao I love how people are saying they are losing a sale and they're lazy and some people are angry, why release this game on a dead console and this game would be much much more successful on Switch , stop being butthurt and accept the reality

Saw this coming, 'technical difficulties' just means they can't be bothered to make it for a dying console which their game won't sell well on. Glad they are letting people upgrade their pledge though, suppose they don't want to lose half their support base before the game even launches! I will be purchasing it for the Switch if it comes out for it, if not I won't bother getting it for XBONE.

another reason that kickstarter and other founding pages most die.

@Nintendude789 That's kinda how I feel- more sad for the Wii U than anything. It died a slow and painful death.

I wasn't looking forward to this game- or at least didn't have any expectations for it. Might have gotten it if it reviewed well.

I was hoping for a few surprises for the system- good surprises. Doesn't even look like we will get MK8 DLC- betcha it comes to the Switch.

@msvt
can feel like it sometimes, but then again....
Luigi U
Mario Maker
DKC: Tropical Freeze
I mean there's no replacing those gems so I still love my wii u.

I am sorry say this but Yooka Laylee devs pull a project cars. The devs lied. Yooka Laylee was not in development for the wii u in the first place. Proof, they said team 17 (same people who make worms) was handling the Xbox and PS4 port. They are handling the PC and Wii U port of the game. Okay now 5 months later they delay the game to Q1 2017. A nintendo website said are they making a NX port of the game? They said "At this stage we’re aiming to just release on what we promised on Kickstarter – which is a lot for us as a team of twenty people!". Okay cool now. Why they said right now that Yooka laylee could not get port to due with technical difficulties. bullpoop. Yes BS. Unity is an easy tool to port game. Once you make your games on the Unity you can port it one every console if you have the sdk. This game will FAIL MARK MY WORDS. If you want something like banjo play hat of time

@hieveryone You do know what a scam is, do you? They took money to develop a Wii U version, not a Switch version. Now they are like "Buy a Switch and you'll get the game". Imo stuff like this is worth bringing the dev team to court.

Unforeseen technical issues = dying platform. Looks like I'll be waiting a little while to get this one, then. It's a shame, I was looking forward to playing this around its release.

@MajinSoul Its a scam. The game is not in Development in the wii u in the first place. They pull a project cars. First they said the game will not coming to the nx. Okay. Second they are handling the wii u port and the PC. Team 17 is handling the Xbox and PS4 port. Third Nintendo never mention or put a trailer of Yooka laylee on their website or youtube page. The game is a scam

@Tyranexx Dying platform LOL. Second what do you think Xbox one and PS4 owners will buy Yooka laylee.!? No, why because Xbox owners don't play any other games beside shooter and Playstation owners also don't play other games beside shooters. Platformer is nintendo bread and butter. DK, Mario games sell amazing on the wii u.

@therealgamer This is sadly accurate. Just watch the mental breakdown whenever an indie game is announcend in Ps+/Xboxgold. Do people really expect them to actually pay for this game if they don't even want it for "free"?

@MajinSoul Its not going to sell well on the xbox one and PS4. Second the game will suck bad. They show the same footage over and over again with any new levels. Its going to be free on PS+ and Gold. I am going to continue working my game right now but I am going to a couple of Youtube video exposing the frauds of the devs of Yooka laylee. Yooka Laylee is a scam. Its not a good game, does not look like Banjo. Also if want a platform on the wii u and switch contact a devs and a game called A hat in time. A hat in time is a real successor of 3d platforms.

@therealgamer I would also love for them to show us proof - with a video of whatever they had running on a Wii U.

@Moon Me too. I want a proof of this. There was not a yooka laylee in the first place. They are lairs. I am going to exposed them right on my youtube page. Also next week I am going to show of my game that I working on.

I found a new article that Yooka laylee was not cancel due to "end production of the wii u" if nintendo denied it couple of time. Here is a proof the devs lied - End to Wii U production “nothing to do” with Yooka-Laylee Switch - http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2016-12-13-end-to-wii-u-production-nothing-to-do-with-yooka-laylee-switch

DO NOT SUPPORT THIS GAME. THIS GAME IS A SCAM. MARK MY WORDS THIS WILL BE ANOTHER MIGHTY NO.9. YES GET MIXED REVIEWS FROM OTHER GAME WEBSITES. NINTENDO FANS IF YOU WANT A GAME SIMILAR TO BANJO CONTACT Gears for Breakfast ON TWITTER AND BEG THEM TO RELEASE A HAT IN TIME FOR THE WII U AND SWITCH. THE HAT IN TIME LOOKS BETTER AND PLAYED BETTER THAN YOOKA LAYLEE.

No surprise here, I was actually thinking what if this game moves over to the Switch and the Wii U version gets canned? Looks like that's happening now. I was actually gonna buy this on another console from the get go, but if I do get a Switch I might get on there.

Releasing on Wii U targets 13m Wii U owners. If it gets released on Switch early after the Switch is released, then there will be far less than 13m Switch owners to buy it, even if Switch sells well.

@PGS_71 Sales have nothing to due with it. Come man they are indies dev like me. The plege about 3 million copies at kickstarter. The need at least 67,000 people to buy the game to get the money back. They are not AAA devs. So they lied.

@Mega_Yarn_Poochy If you took the time to read the comments section you'd see a lot of people complaining about this. I personally think it's sort of scummy but I wasn't going to buy the game anyway so it doesn't affect me.

"But no, this is an indie developer, and they can do no wrong."
Still don't understand this weird idea that people are biased towards indie devs.

@therealgamer Jeez, calm down. You're spamming the comment section at this point. Also nice generalisation.

@MajinSoul Whiny 12 year olds aren't indicative of a console's userbase. Nintendo fans get a ton of bad rep too thanks to a certain minority as well.

Considering I'm not buying the Switch no, I'm not happy. I wanted Yooka-laylee and Bloodstained but never mind. I do understand why they're doing it, but that doesn't mean I'm not very disappointed. At least Igarashi was honest about it.Nm that a physical version of Shantae is bring released and while MN9 botched it by having slowdown problems, Comcept delivered.

I don't believe a word they're saying unless they outline in detail what specific issues were encountered. And even more importantly: Why didn't they see this coming during the planning phase? If they didn't see it coming that's just extremely bad planning, if they did they were lying to the backers.

In my opinion this is a purely financial move!

@RainbowGazelle At least they didn't cancel it like those Project Cars troglodytic morons.

Lost all faith in Playtonic with this they can forget me buying any of their games ever.

Not sure why people are so surprised, lol. The Wii U is dead. Nintendo's success and future as a first party company hinges on the Switch. If it fails, so does Nintendo. It sucks for Wii U owners, but the Wii U has run it's course, and Nintendo supporting it any longer would be a mistake. They should release a few small games, Breath of the Wild, and then be done with it.

I'm not a Wii U owner, so I'd never heard of this game. Not sure it looks like a game I'm interested in, but it sounds like a lot of other people are, so I'm glad it's coming to Switch.

@therealgamer: You're correct that platformers do well on the Wii U. My comment was more on the fact that the device is clearly in its twilight stages; I love my Wii U and will still be playing it for a while yet, but it's hard to ignore the signs that its support is slowly being cut down to nothing. I see that Playtonic has come back and said it was truly due to technical issues since my last comment, but it wouldn't surprise me if the relative "failure" of the Wii U and its install base didn't have some sort of impact in the decision.

As for your generalization of PS4 and XBONE owners, I would own a PS4 myself if I had the time to invest in another game system; I don't want it for the shooters, but for access to games like the Uncharted series, Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth, and Infamous: Second Son to name a few.

All I can do is laugh at this point.

@blackknight77- I thought they already had? I remember there was an article about it on NintendoLife with Kojima saying that the WiiU was cancelled or at least that it was highly likely.

@KirbyTheVampire

Most of the people aren't surprised as much as they are annoyed.

Good thing I have a PC.

Well more specifically, it's good to have a PC for issues like this. Like, this is very frustrating for Wii U owners, but if you have a PC it's less of an issue.

@mikegamer Yes they did. It's no longer coming out on Wii U, just like Project Cars.

@ToneDeath "We'd like to apologise to those affected by this development and offer all Wii U backers the opportunity to move their pledge free-of-charge to any of the versions launching on April 11th (PS4, Xbox One, PC, Mac or Linux) or upgrade to the Nintendo Switch version when we announce further details in 2017." The answer is right there in the article

@WilliamCalley Well, the difference here that even though it's certainly disappointing, the makers of Project CARS completely wrote Nintendo off, something that Playtonic isn't doing. They've all but promised a Switch version instead, so one way or another, the game is apparently still coming to a Nintendo platform...

It will be interesting to see how many Wii U owners will go on to buy a Switch, especially soon after launch. I absolutely love my Wii U but I wouldn't risk buying a Switch having experienced what's happened with 3rd parties, indies and even Nintendo themselves abandoning Wii U so quickly.

I understand the economics involved, but I wouldn't be an early adopter again. I wish Nintendo great success with Switch but I won't be gambling on them again.

When I buy another console, I will take the safe bet and go with Sony or Microsoft next time.

@rjejr Yeah I know, although I would not say I've been waiting for two years. I've had other things to do in the mean time. Games aren't THAT important to me, no more than a hobby, and as far as that Kickstarter is concerned: you can still choose another version or wait for the Switch version, of which I have no doubt that it will come, so it's not like the money of the people that backed the Wii U version is completely lost.

Unless you really don't want another version, but honestly, this was something that we could have expected. True technical difficulties or not, the Wii U is a dying platform and the revenue of putting a game on there will be marginal at best as a result of that, so for a company as small as them, it's quite a logical choice.

At least they are still in communication with Nintendo, unlike other companies that cancelled games that were supposed to come to the Wii U, so expect that Switch version to be announced any time now, and backers will then probably be able to change their selection from Wii U to Switch. Problem solved....

They should try to use the Expansion Pak. Maybe the game will work then.

Screw that, I'm getting it for the WiiU or for nothing.

@rjejr Another thing: you mentioned that the Wii U version was the leading version, but that actually supports Playtonic's statements, because in a leading version, you would obviously come across any hiccups much sooner than with a port of a game that's already done...

@gcunit THIS. At least Igarashi did it early, though not officially (what are they waiting for?). To do this 4 months from release? Very shady thing to do. Maybe 5-6 months ago, it would have been more forgivable. Now? Not so much.

@PGS_71 How could ANY Wii U owner, let alone early-adopter, buy the Switch on launch? Or near launch? Fool me once...

There are already ominous signs of a Wii U 2 type debacle, T2 has been soft regarding RDR2. Bioware won't release ME: Andromeda on Switch.

Something WILL be sacrificed on the alter of portability. It will likely be power...

@ThanosReXXX Yeah, but how do you port a game that isn't finished yet or working right? Shouldn't the objective be, finish the game, make it work, port it. Not - offer a game on Wii U, collect $2 mil, give some money to Team 17 to make the game on other consoles, take all the credit.

Whoever is running the Playtonic twitter account is really making it sound like this will be coming to Switch, very much so. But who knows when people will be able to even get a Switch. Wii U sold 3 million at launch, Nintendo is planning only 2 million Switch. NES Mini all over again. Scalpers are probably very excited.

I am not surprised. I knew it wouldn't be released on Wii U...I doubt it will come out on the Switch. I have no faith in any of these devs when it comes to Nintendo. I just automatically assume their games won't make it there.

Honestly, I suggest every Wii U owner who backed it for the system request a refund rather than switching to a different platform. They said contact them if you want a refund. If you still want it, get it later on sale or used. They made this decision for monetary reasons (you cannot convince me otherwise, short of a video of the game running on actual hardware showing the exact problems they were having), you may as well take your money back since they are not delivering what was promised and knew far in advance of this that they couldn't/wouldn't.

Just another reason I will never back a Kickstarter or buy an Early Access game. You never know what will happen with them, it is a total waste of money.

Pretty glad that the wii u version got canned. I do feel like they should have done like Igarashi and told people early that this version would get canceled. It does feel bad to give money to a dev with the hopes of receiving the game on a system, only to have that dev not release the game at all. I feel like Nintendo is to blame as well because of the lackluster sales of the wii u as well as the difficulty of making games on the system. There's a reason why most wii u games are made by nintendo and that's because they're the only ones who know how to program for it. Nintendo seriously needs to start making systems that other developers can ACTUALLY use. 3rd parties make or break systems so it's incredibly frustrating to see Nintendo fail to accommodate other developers.

@Allspice I can agree about the Early Access part. For me the moment I became skeptical of Kickstarters was with Double Fine splitting Broken Age into two parts when they ran out of money. I was shocked that you could get $3.5 million and still be unable to make a complete game. Nowadays I will always wait for the finished game before I part with my money. No sense in paying for a game that has no guarantee on being finished.

@Aurumonado Expansion pak - too funny!

Yes! I knew Yooka-Laylee would move to Nintendo Switch. I'm even more hyped for it now!

I lost interest in this a long time ago when it was revealed that the story is basically them grinding an axe against Microsoft. Your problems aren't mine, guys. It's as bad as Styx releasing a song bashing Dennis DeYoung after their falling out. The whole Occupy vibe ain't for me, either. I'm getting a Switch, but not this.

Seems strange how they mentioned to wait for details on Switch and not just list it as an option to change to. Even just listing the Switch release date as TBA would work for me.

Was hoping for a switch version. Shame about the Wii U version though.

@AlexSora89 Thank you Alex, that actually did cheer me up a bit.

@shani Sorry - too much profanity in one post to warrant cleaning it up - deleted. No profanity, thanks.

@gcunit Oh okay, sorry for that! I had seen and written more profane posts in the past, so I assumed this was okay.
Since I didn't have the text saved anywhere (would be nice to get it via email to edit it whenever a post is removed), I'm assuming it was spelling out the word behind BS? Is abbreviating it okay though? Because I've seen that done all over the site...

@rjejr
When there's no joy to be found, have no fear, for Alex is always around!

Switching is fine, it's flat out cancelling with no Switch version that would bother me.

You know what this means??? Yooka Laylee on the go!!!

I am comment #270 of pain. The Wii U only brings pain now haha. Bringing it to Switch makes sense but cancelling all the hard work on the Wii U version seems like a waste. I'll still pick this up for my XB1 but man, I thought this would be one final gem for my Wii U collection.

@Aurumonado post of the century. Well done, you just won the internet

Before people get complacent about a Switch release, read the wording of the statement on the website. They promise nothing. I'll be waiting until they make a further statement early next year before deciding whether to get the Xbox version instead. Ideally, I would opt to upgrade to a physical Switch copy...

@ToneDeath You won't have to. they said that you can er., switch to a switch version if it releases on said platform.

@gcunit Thanks for understanding! You can remove it now.
And don't worry, I won't see this as an encouragement to use the abbreviations unthoughtfully instead. I just wanted to clear it up, because I also thought of it as a grey area but wasn't really sure.
Anyway, I'm totally fine with the fact that NL mods actively watch out for profanity and remove it whenever necessary, just like Nintendo does on Miiverse. After all, there might be children reading this!

So here's the edited version of my post:

I don't believe Playtonic and I'm not buying their explanation.
We're talking about a 3D platformer here, not a new GTA. Even Watchdogs and Lego City Undercover, both open-world games, are running on Wii U (with a not so ideal framerate, I know).
If it was a performance problem, they could've just scaled down the graphics.
Another piece of evidence for their explanation not being believable:
Playtonic have been developing the game for quite some time. Now after years of development on Wii U they notice performance problems? What kind of lame excuse is that when they could've recognized these problems years ago?

This was the one big Wii U release (apart from LoT: BotW) I was still looking forward to. The only way it could get worse would be if Nintendo cancelled the Wii U release of BotW as well. Reading this piece of news really made me furious.

If they had delivered a proper explanation, maybe I would've changed my pledge to the PC version. But now I just feel ignored and disrespected as a customer, because a) they clearly ignore Wii U customers and b) they disrespect our intelligence by providing such a lame excuse that even the dumbest person on earth would see through that and see it as what it is: Playtonic clearly fear not making any profit from the Wii U version so they dumped it. It's as simple as that. They're trying to fool us into believing it had anything to do with hardware limitations!

@therealgamer Agreed. It is just too late on the development cycle to cite technical issues, specially as it seemed that the Wii U version was front and foremost on their development priorities.

I'm a bit sad because many (like 10 or 12) Wii U users won't get this in any pother platform but I'm buying a Switch almost day one (after the dust settles a bit).

In other news. I really hope that Nintendo ramps up the Switch production to at least have 4 million units by the time it comes out.

This is disappointing. I don't even want the Switch. Nintendo is failing everywhere. There's games they should have made for the Wii U and now other developers dropping games for it. I could state more but why waste my breath. I think I may buy an Xbox next.

Now I really want to be sceptical about bloodstained although I don't think I can...

I know I'm in the minority, but I was never all that excited about the prospect of a new collect-a-thon platformer similar to Banjo-Kazooie or Donkey Kong 64. Just wasn't really my style.

I would love to see something like a new Blast Corps, though.

There is nothing predictable about this. Stick your head out of the ground. The game could been on the Wii U, this is just lazy and poor development. This is bad news, very bad news. Will not buy anything from them now.

I backed Yooka Laylee for the PC; according to the information on the Kickstarter pages, Playtonic didn't actually begin working on the Wii U version until some point after E3. So it wasn't actually the base of the project like many people believe. The base was the x86 version for PC/PS4/XB1. This is because the game is being developed in Unity, which the Wii U has major problems with.

Back in June, Grant Kirkhope and Steve Mayles did an interview with GameXplain, and even then, they had not yet even internally had any serious discussions on GamePad and Miiverse functionality. That's right- not even two of the top employees had anything to talk about on the matter, circa E3 2016, even though the project was originally estimated to have an October 2016 release.

So yeah, the Wii U version had a slim chance of success from the beginning, and by earlier this year, it became evident that it would almost certainly encounter trouble. Playtonic should have been more forthcoming about this likelihood since the beginning, though. They couldn't really highlight problems regarding the game earlier, because... Well... It hardly even existed for the Wii U. It would have just been a down port.

I have a feeling eventually Nintendo & third-parties are just going to treat the Switch like they did WiiU, so I'm honestly NOT cool about upgrading. Especially, 'cause I only had the WiiU a year, I have many great games for it, but it's sad the industry & consumers have been treating the console like it's a joke.

Sega won't even give us the Sonic Advance trilogy, and they've been out in Japan (a region where Sonic isn't even popular) for nearly a year. It's getting hard to trust third-party companies when it comes to supporting Nintendo's new system.

Forget it. I'm done.

Following this news I think it's very safe to say that Breath of the Wild won't be coming to the Wii U. Save all your pennies for the Switch now fellow Nintendo-lifers!

Wow the Wii U is having some horrific final days. Nintendo and everyone else just want you to forget that this system ever even existed. The GameCube had a better outing compared this. This is almost Virtual Boy levels.

@PlywoodStick Thanks for posting that, I think it's also a good answer for @rjejr...

I bet if the Wii U had a userbase of 50 million then there wouldn't have been any technical issues.

Whenever a game is cancelled for Wii U it instantly goes onto my 'not going to bother with it' list. Eventually I'll play it when it's 'free' on XBL or PSN.

@RainbowGazelle But those who pitched in got screwed over. At least this has promise. They were stupid developers.

That's pathetic Playtonic. You just wanted to have the game on the Switch, not because of technical difficulties. I'll probably never play this game, since the Switch is a piece of junk.

@Ralizah This is more a case of "Do we want to gimp the game and use years-old dev tools just to reach an ever-shrinking audience while missing out on the excitement of a Switch launch window with most of our target market on it and brand new shiny dev tools and more power to play the game as intended?"

its a long question.

@Meaty-cheeky Its not nearly VB levels.

The Virtual Boy got, what, 12 games in total with only one of them being good? The Wii U is miles better than that hunk of junk.

@DanteSolablood @Syrek24 @Ralizah

You all threw the press release quote at me:-

"We can however confirm the exciting news that we are now working very closely with Nintendo to look to bring Yooka-Laylee to the upcoming Nintendo Switch. We’re looking forward to exploring the opportunity and will have more details to share early next year. "

So since when had the words LOOK TO and LOOKING FORWARD TO EXPLORING mean Its going to happen?
So I stand by what I said in my first post.
It is your assumption and interpretation of those words that you and others conclude it's a done deal and will be on the Switch.

I honestly hope it does come to it as I'm disappointed in its loss from WiiU. I'm just not jumping the gun.

Plus as I said once it's been out on XBOne and PS4 will it be 'old hat' when and if it finally arrives. Which is that not what kept occurring on the WiiU from launch?

@Laxeybobby No. The Wii U could not run most of the games released on the PS3 or 360, even in VERY cut down reduced versions. Activision had actually commented publicly a few times prior to pulling out that developing for the Wii U was like building a game from scratch. If the Wii U had used a chip design from at least the same decade as the PS3 or 360 it would have actually had a lot more ports.

As for the game coming to the Switch, there is no reason why the Switch version can not be a launch title, unlike the Wii U, the Switch has similar tools & engine support to the PS4 & XB1. It's not such an arduous task to port it. If they can, a month is not such a long time (being at launch is a good sales booster too).

As for the game going to the Switch, there is also the line "upgrade to the Nintendo Switch version when we announce further details in 2017." Not if, when. However, I don't see why they won't bring Yooka-Laylee to the Switch OTHER than laziness.

@subpopz
Just like you don't know the reverse isn't true. Considering they said that they were prepared for an October release but wanted to polish the game a bit more, they've been dishonest somewhere. These sort of "technical issues" aren't something you fix with a bit of polish.

@Laxeybobby Read between the lines, man. They're not going to announce the fact that they're randomly considering something. More than likely they're developing a version for Switch and Nintendo wants them to be quiet at the moment. Who knows, maybe it'll be mentioned in the January event. You don't think the "we'll have news for you early next year" bit is more than a little suspicious?

@ThanosReXXX No, it's not a good answer, it's a contradictory answer to everything we thought we knew to be true.

@PlywoodStick Funny you should mention "back in June" b/c here's the interview I read from an interview with Playtonic back in June. About a week BEFORE E3, so they sure as heck better have been working on th eWii U verison then.

_______________________

writer Andy Robinson said: “We naturally have so many backers who opted for Wii U. Because of the size of the team, we couldn’t take on all the consoles. You can imagine from a developer stand-point, that porting from PC to PS4 and Xbox One is slightly more straightforward than porting to Wii U.

“I also think it feels right playing it on a Nintendo system to some people.

“But the other versions will be fantastic as well.”

Technical art director Mark Stevenson added: “We wanted to make sure that Wii U gets the right attention. There is a lot of nostalgia around Banjo, Banjo heralds from Rare’s Nintendo’s days, and we are all massive Nintendo fans as well.”

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/yooka-laylee-delayed-to-2017-playtonic-internally-handling-wii-u-and-pc-versions/0167997

Does that mesh AT ALL with anything you said? Does it sound like the Wii U version hadn't begun yet, or was in trouble?

Not blaming or doubting you, I trust what you say is true, but that's what I was reading back in June. In fact NL did an article highlighting that same section.

https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/06/playtonic_handling_wii_u_version_of_yooka-laylee_team17_porting_to_ps4_and_xbox_one

Here's what TW had to say in that article. (I'm a big fan of his, if he wasn't worried, why should I be?)

"In fact, the Wii U version is in very safe hands indeed."
"but also reflects the fact that Playtonic is committed to delivering a quality Wii U iteration to backers and fans."

So maybe you knew things others didn't, but that's what we knew, all the way up until yesterday.

@ThomasBW84 - Since I'm quoting you. Hope it doesn't spoil your mood.

@rjejr "to everything we thought we knew to be true."

Correction: That YOU knew to be true, or rather: THOUGHT to be true...

And then there's also the point of them already acknowledging that the Wii U version is taking more effort by stating that porting to the Xbox One & PS4 is more straightforward in that very interview you quoted...

So, they already suspected it was going to be more difficult to begin with, and when the game got more expansive and elaborate in its worlds and graphics (which is clear from all the latest footage) it simply became too much for the ol' Wii U.

But it's coming to Switch, so no one loses out, because you can either get a full refund or choose to select another platform, which could be the Switch, so no one should complain, unless they have no other console but the Wii U and are not planning to buy any other console. And even if that's the case, then you can still get your money back.

@ThanosReXXX "Correction: That YOU knew to be true,"

I correct your correction w/ my TW quote above. I am not the only one who thought Playtonic was making this game on Wii U. I have't read all soon to be 300 comments, but I'd say "we" must be at least 50-50.

"But it's coming to Switch, so no one loses out"

B/c all 13.4 mil Wii U owners will have a Switch on April 11th. If this game comes out on Switch on April 11th. I'm sorry you can't comprehend disappointment b/c gaming is only a hobby to you, but lot's of peopel who were looking forward to thei sgame on Wii U are losing out, b/c it isn't coming to Wii U. I dont care what other systems it's coming to, it's nto comin gto Wii U so they lose out.

Why do some people feel the need to apologize for other people when other people screw up? I don't get it? And why do some people feel the need to tell other people they shouldn't feel like they lost out. Feeling loss is a feeling, nobody can tell another person how to feel. feelings aren't rational, feelings are the opposite of rational, they are uncontrollable.

@rjejr Well, maybe I'm a bit too light-hearted about it, because I indeed identify gaming as a hobby (not "just" a hobby, but a luxury thing nonetheless, so not of primary importance) but there are people on here, that are acting like someone killed their dog or something, displaying all their "righteous" indignation at such a "foul move" on Playtonic's part. It's ridiculous and even a bit pathetic and disgusting.

And I can understand that Wii U owners will miss out on not having this game on their system of choice, but I was talking about them not being duped, since they can either get a full refund or can select to transfer their copy to any other system (PC, Xbox One, PS4 and probably also Switch) completely free of charge, so it's not like their copy of the game that they paid for is completely lost. Losing out would be having paid for it and never getting the game on any platform at all, which clearly isn't the case here.

A lot of people already own either a gaming PC or one of the other two consoles, so they're not losing anything at all if all they want is to own and play the game. I think it would be more important to actually get the game you supported than to get it on a specific system, ESPECIALLY if the game is more than likely going to look a hell of a whole lot better than it would have ever looked on the Wii U, so there really is nothing to complain about.

Unless of course we're dealing with people that just like complaining, but they would even have found something to complain about if the game actually would have found it's way to the Wii U, because then they would have had an inferior version, compared to all the other consoles and the PC...

@rjejr P.S. Most people should or probably do know that all games start their lives on a graphical workstation/PC, so technically, all games are ported, so your correction to my correction isn't entirely relevant.

That is also why I pointed out what Playtonic themselves said about porting to Xbox One/PS4 being more straightforward, since both of these are also based on x86 architecture, like PC's are. So, naturally, porting from PC to PowerPC architecture would take more effort and optimization.

So, I'd say their reasons were valid and a mix of two things: more trouble to port the game/too much time needed to optimize towards a different architecture, and an assessment of how that time and effort (and of course investment/cost) could possibly have been translated into a decent profit margin.

They're a company, not Santa Claus...

I for one am happy that it's still coming to a Nintendo platform regardless, so they haven't completely shut it down, like other developers that cancelled Wii U games actually have done.

@subpopz
And you're singling me out because...?
I'm well within my rights to be sceptical, as I previously said, they've been dishonest.

@mikegamer Sorry, what's the difference? Anyone who pitched in here also gets screwed over.

@rjejr they also said if you backed the Wii u.you get to upgrade to any console for free.so they really didn't take money without giving a option.lol

@HaNks Would be interesting to get an actual break down of the numbers by platform, I'd be very surprised if the percentage of backers asking for Wii U codes was even close to double digits.

The Wii U is a dead platform so it makes sense that they'd drop it in favour of being able to create a better product, realistically how many sales are they likely to make releasing it on the eShop in 2017, would they even make enough to cover the costs of the Dev kits, let alone the QA and certification?

It would have been nice to have gotten a more detailed explanation as to why it wouldn't work on the Wii U, probably down to a feature in unity which is not supported on the Wii U.

People also need to remember that Kickstarter isn't a pre-order service, there's always going to be a risk of not getting anything in return for your money. I'm just happy that the game is being made and that I helped make that happen.

@RainbowGazelle All the more reason not to support these trivial things.

Well that sucks. Anyway, I plan on getting a Switch anyway and would prefer it going forwards. If Yooka-Laylee is announced as a "launch window" title for Switch, that would really make my day!