Indie Dev Talks About Having Switch Proposals Turned Down By Nintendo Five Times

uh oh. thats not good

Quality control isn't always a bad thing. Still, harsh.

I was reading about that. It was interesting, the story that is. I've watched trailers for the game, great music but the gameplay looks boring.

I hope that means RCMADIAX won't be making games. Good riddance.

#DoNotForgiveNintendo

There are titles on the store of that are mature or not, good quality or not. If anything, there doesn't seem to be any real standard for what gets approved.

It appears to be completely random as to what gets on. It's possible is based on projected sales, but then you look at the whatever the flying witch game is called and................

After seeing Vroom In The Night Sky accepted and released on the eShop, I’m quite surprised to hear that Nintendo has any kind of screening process for indie submissions.

Nintendo and the eShop aren't democracies. Nintendo is the gate master, and that's the reality of the situation. What do they want? Not even Mario knows.

They've allowed an influx of underdeveloped titles recently. Not sure why, but MS and Sony have done the same. And honestly, even a crap game will make a return. People will buy Life of Tiger. Even if 1% of the PS4 install base buys it, that's 700K units sold. And that's probably what's happening with the eShop too. Crap still sells.

But they have let in so many other shovelware games which are free on android or iOS, come on

then how does utter trash get onto the eshop? Something doesn't line up here

Nintendo of America always have been very weird, from censorship to downright refusing to localize a game (like Xenoblade Chronicles). And they've ALWAYS done wrong by the gamers. I'm just glad to live in Europe.

Yet Nintendo let tons of trash on the Wii U/3DS eShop.

His game must be pure trash. lol

It would be nice if we could get the full story here

"...would you assume that the exact same policies will be in place in each and every region?"

Why would that even be an option? Of course NOA would have different policies than the other regions, they’ve done it for decades. Just look at that Wii U game that came out some years ago, NOA changed 2 of the costume options because their policies are clearly different.

The creator of VA-11 HALL-A?
Oh come on, this game is so good, this developer has already proven himself!

there are plenty of indie games already and lots are very crappy

maybe Nintendo is starting to be more selective in order to ensure your satisfaction and loyalty with the eshop

who wants 500 indie games with 99% crap ?

"Interestingly, one game was apparently rejected for being "too mature" which Wozniak feels is unfair. "

Ugh. This again.

THIS when Nintendo of Japan has been making a concerted effort to change their image and scout out more mature games for the platform?!

It seems like everything I don't like about Nintendo can be traced back to NoA.

just ask GOG.com and you will know what a strict policy is

So why not go to NOE or Nintendo Japan and push your games with them?

I mean dude says its easier for indies with them... go talk to them. Less talk more action.

Sadly, no matter what you try to get on these days--anything where you're just trying to make a living for yourself by making a product or selling a service or whatever--it's always set up to favour those who are already successful and popular over anyone else, which is totally ironic considering the people/companies that are already successful and popular are the ones that need the least help getting a break. But, as long as money rules the world that's just how it's gonna be, sadly.

Sounds like he moaning about normal life's issues.

That makes two of us then.

@GC-161 I thought the same thing ... except that Wolfgame is US-based, so probably does not have access to NoE or NCL.

That being said, it does seem a lot of "word" vs. "nothing" without much detail from Wolfgame. And given that Wolfgame does not appear to have a lot of resources or have a lot of a track record (other than publishing VA-11 HALL-A), it could just be finding it tough to get noticed.

And yet broken games like WWE 2K18 from 2K Games are allowed on sale. Double standards there.

So you guys allow firefighter a really bad game but not VAL HALAL a really awesome game that really has good characters and writing.

Call me when NOA stops being babies

There is likely some level of math on the number of titles in various tiers that Nintendo is wanting to have published, both in the eShop and in physical copy.

Let's face it, the eShop is not set up well to have thousands of games drop each week right now. Give it time to mature and I'm sure the process will improve.

@Thisismycomment This at the same time baffles me. NoE copies games wholesale from NoA, the key example being Fire Emblem: Fates.

If they have different policies, then why are they copy pasting from one another?

@Ralizah What's the full name of this game? Just "Mudo" isn't ringing any bells on the Eshop nor on YouTube...

As far as "publish", I'd need more insider information on what Nintendo does (outside of sell the blanks for the physical copies) for major publishing companies like 2k, Bethesda, and EA.

I'd assume that those companies take on the lion's share (if not all) of the risk for the publishing and distribution of the games. Indies, on the other hand, I'd assume have some higher level of Nintendo involvement (and risk). Nintendo may be doing okay right now, but they aren't nearly as flush as "the other guys" at this point.

Nintendo should not be talking about maturity when they have titles like Bayonetta under their belt. It's sad to see that as soon as Nintendo makes something that sells well they start believing that their god himself or something.

Dear NintendoLife,

Please research your information FROM THE SOURCE before posting misleading information.

https://mobile.twitter.com/Ouren/status/953138741765386241

Vallhalla isn't even licenced to Wolfgang, for one.

I don’t know who this is that’s gotten rejected but I wonder how or what kind of “mature” they are talking about. Violence, nudity, language? Also how extreme?

@super-nintendo Acutally play the game pls

Maybe his game was just terrible...

@onex
The twit that you linked to is complaining about MyNintendoNew, which is not the same website as NintendoLife.

Maybe you should follow your own advice & do some research before posting.

@onex Am I reading it wrong. NL just uses that title to ID Wolfgang Wozniak/Wolfgame.

And while it is not a Wolfgame license, it is all over its website.

This is kind of ironic. Letting trash come in to the Wii U out but letting out a well received indie adventure game for Switch is kind of painfully moronic

@all_for_peace Are you blind?
Read the tweet thread.
NintendoLife has done the same thing as MyNintendoNews, meaning Wolfgang doesn't even have the same sentiment anymore.

@mike_intv Yes, that is correct, yet commenters are assuming it's about Vallhalla.
But according to Wolfgang's tweets, this "news" story was taken out of context in an interview.

I would imagine that this game is alright, since their previous game was pretty good I hear, but, this is great that they have some quality control. The Wii U got some of the worst games imaginable and I often wondered if there was anybody overseeing this stuff at all before it gets on the eshop, so, it looks like they've thought about that for the Switch.

Good to know they'll fire me down if I start spamming the eShop with craptastic AGameAWeek games.
I'm going to have to up my game if I want a new JNKPlat in there!
...
.. .. And, you know, figure out how to actually do that!!

Two of the three conditions he gives for a game to be accepted just seem like common sense... the fact that he's criticising them just makes it seem like he's sore about being turned down five times and wants to complain.
The regional thing is the only potentially valid point... but this is just based on one person's perspective... for all we know, the apparent regional bias could simply be due to more games being submitted in the other regions... without hearing from indie developers in those regions it's impossible to make any sort of fair judgement on which region has it easier.

@onex I went back and read the original on "The OP"

Much of the story about indie developers was Wolfgang's complaints (he is mentioned 14 times in the article). It seems to be a click-inducing "Nintendo is bad" article. Though it does note he is not deterred from publishing on Nintendo by this — no NL did drum it up a bit too.

https://dotesports.com/the-op/news/nintendo-switch-indie-developers-19968

with all the indie trash on the switch, your game must suck balls to get turned down 5 times.

Who? Sorry, but with the abundance of great indie titles appearing on Switch, I have to assume this guy is an outlier.

"You will likely notice that most of the indie games on Switch are from one of those regions, have a big publisher behind them, or have experienced great success previously on Steam. If your work does not fall into one of those three categories, then it seems like Nintendo of America is not interested."

So the issues seems to be NoA has an internal standard for selecting games (with an option to take a risk on things they think is worth it when they don't meet the standard), and he is upset that he didn't make the cut...

How is this a story? I am fairly sure that is exactly how every digital storefront (well, every store ever) works. Sorry, this just sounds like an attempt to make a stink and get free publicity.

EDIT: For example, I cannot purchase RC Cola at my local grocery store not because RC/7-Up doesn't want to sell it. I cannot purchase it because the grocery chain saw the product does not work in my market and refuses to carry it. You don't see RC/7-Up taking to twitter to complain that they won't sell their product.

@mike_intv Yes, and according to the game in question, it was a short game about two people having a conversation, which doesn't have any 'adult content' at all. So maybe the "too mature" they are talking about pertains to it being a boring text slog. lol

And Bayonetta is OK? Pathetic.

@QwertyQwerty I gave you an answer

So, uh... About the source article in the link...

https://dotesports.com/the-op/news/nintendo-switch-indie-developers-19968

"Wozniak, who works as a developer and publisher with Wolfgame and Poppy Works, has grappled with problems of his own while trying to bring games over to the system. Wozniak regularly collaborates with indie developers to publish their games, such as porting Sukeban Games' VA-11 Hall-A over to PlayStation Vita. But while working to get his partners' games published, he faced multiple rejections for Switch games from Nintendo of America"...

You said this in this article:
"Wolfgang Wozniak, perhaps most well known for his work on VA-11 HALL-A,"...

Nope, not his game. He was porting/publishing it for someone else. Double check the source article, don't just regurgitate from mynintendo.

@PlywoodStick Bingo!

As long as it keeps RCMADIAX and TreeFall off the Switch, I'll turn a blind eye. Soon as either of those hacks show up, there's no reason to deny anyone.

I think Nintendo really needs to go get a copy of Wolfenstein 2 if they concern about "too mature"... it starts with a bang.

They sell 10mill units and they start with their old Draconian garbage again - it is Unfortunate that the GPD2 is $650 dollars. Steam is the real Indie central.

Can't of been good games then, good to see Nintendo isn't going to let any old rubbish come onto the Switch.

@daveh30

AMEN! Utter embarrassments on the Wii U.

@ClassSonicSatAm In this case the game is actually pretty good but rejected for mature themes

Totally unprofessional, they deserved to be rejected.

The criteria is if Reggie's body is ready or not.

Reggie's body was not ready.

Whatever Nintendo's approval process is for indies these days, I support, because all in all, the eshop is just loaded with impressive and great titles (with a couple of duds here and there, but overall just great content). Does anyone remember all the crap and shovelware that made up the majority of Wiiware titles? I am so glad Nintendo has seemingly grown some standards for what is good enough to be on their eshop. Having said that, their comment about Nintendo not allowing indie devs to publish Mature content is concerning. I would hope that if a game is great and happens to be rated M for its content, that Nintendo would let it be published to the eshop. If Nintendo really doesn't allow that, then that is lame. However, I do wonder if this dev is just wondering if that's the reason his game wasn't approved when the reality is that the game itself just isn't very good.

I don't know all the circumstances, so I can't really say if Nintendo is sound in their judgement or overzealous. For every 10 that do make it, I'm sure there's 10 that didn't, but we'd have to be able to arbitrarily see all the facts, which we can't. All I can say is, keep trying? Try Microsoft or Sony? I dunno...?

The eshop definitely has had some trash games that belong on a mobile for free...
Honestly this is the only thing I’ve heard like this, so personally not bothered. His game was probably not even any good, which also begs the question why is there crap on the eshop? I’d rather it be vetted more carefully as there are several games which just should not be allowed on there, maybe Nintendo realise this and he is one of the examples where they have tried to stop it, he is maybe just one of the vocal minority which is why he got the limelight on his game.

So an indie developer can't get their game on the eShop... big whoop...go put it on steam....or psn...or the Xbox marketplace

Missing too much info to make an informed opinion.

@Socia It's on steam and sold alot of copies porting purly demand from the fans.

So it's ok to greenlight asset flips like the upcoming "Rally Racers" but games actually made with care aren't? Did Sony share what they smoked to let Life of Black Tiger (and officially endorsed) on the psn to 'em?

Can you guys not use Gonintendo as a source please the missed a ton of info on the matter

It's not NoA that's the problem, it's American society. Some highly sensitive issues have been popping up lately plus people are specifically gunning for Ninty with lawsuits so I would be extra cautious too. Those devs have an already established track record meaning less risk than someone new to the industry. Remember what happened with Street Fighter and Overwatch as apparently fans weren't very pleased with the appearances of certain characters? Things like this are far less of an issue in places like Japan or Europe! 😂 Another thing is even though Ninty is looking for more mature content for the Switch, they don't (and you shouldn't either) want the console to become absolutely FLOODED with mature titles and because we LOVE such games imagine what happens when one indie gets the green light how many others will follow suit. A company has to take every precaution it can even if it seems unreasonable because the entertainment industry is not very forgiving and when the wrong people get something to use against you they do all in their power to bring you down.

Yet we have Vaccine on the eShop. Really makes one wonder what NOA/NOE smokes in their free time.

Also, from the source article:

"Of particular note, one title was shot down after he introduced a game that deals with mature themes.

"It's a short and sweet game where two people have a conversation," Wozniak explained to The OP. "It's an adult situation, but there is no what you would call 'adult content' in it. Specifically, this was mentioned as being exactly what they were looking for, but too mature."...

This is probably why it was rejected. It wasn't so much a game as it was a story. There are plenty of other short and sweet "story games" like this which have high quality writing dealing with heavy topics that have done well on PC, such as To The Moon. However, Nintendo of America is not exactly known for allowing "story games" to be published. Possibly for the same reason Sega of America rejected JRPG's back in the day: they think there's no market for it on their platform, regardless of whether or not it's really true. So there's a fair possibility that the rejection of the introduced game has nothing to do with it's actual quality. As others have mentioned about certain companies which make money by selling garbage, Nintendo isn't necessarily concerned with the quality of games as long as they function, and think there's a market for it. (Case in point, 1-2-Switch)

Somebody is butthurt. He needs to get over himself and come up with a better idea. The eShop is starting to get a few real stinkers. And that's not good. I think it's important for eShop curation.

@Inertiacreep I disagree, being denied by NoA seems to be due to something different and not only due to the quality of the title. If you recall axiom verge is a great game but had difficulty getting on the switch.

https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/03/axiom_verge_team_still_awaiting_approval_for_nintendo_switch_release

I don't know if he's talking about getting approved to be on the eShop, which would be really weird since they have a ton of indies, good and bad, coming through each week or if he's talking about being a part of their Nindies program/featured on a direct etc.
For all we know they could have filled out a form wrong which caused they to be denied. Anyways I've heard from several people that VA-11 HALL-A is an awesome game so I hope it gets on the Switch. But he's not helping himself by bad mouthing Nintendo, there must be a better way to air his grievances.

I want to see this conversation “game” for myself.

I know its about Switch but seems kind of strange with all these recent releases of Shovelware being released on 3ds. I guess as a true console goes Nintendo has tightened the reigns on what they accept. They made a huge mistake on Wii with all the Shovelware they allowed. Now they are being much more picky I guess.

How much is too Mature? Mature is Mature no? As i said from the day the Switch launched, Nintendo, especially NOA, should be arms wide open to all developers. Let the players decide with their wallets!! Jeez!

Nintendo are once again in a position where they are able to pick and choose between offers from all sorts of developers and publishers.

This is why, even after a year, registered developers still have to submit game proposals before they can apply for a dev kit.

@Specters
To develope for the Switch at all you need a dev kit. To get of of those in the first place you need to submit a game brief.

If you're not pals with or part of an existing publishing house with some amount of success under their belt, you're likely to be ignored for a time in the application process as Nintendo is likely experiencing a violent onslaught of game briefs from hopeful indies.

I’m surprised this has taken this long to get out. NOA is refusing to work with a lot of the developers that gave them support during the Wii U / 3DS era. It’s kind of a slap in the face too. When they desperately needed support we were there to provide it and now that they are on top they act like they are too good for us. Karma will come back around.

@idrawrobots Va-11 HALL-A? It's pretty popular, just a VN about working at a bar. They do talk about mature matters but it's far more tame than a lot of VNs out there. Silly, over the top, and down to Earth all at the same time.

If you want to see it for yourself it's on PC and Vita, there are quite a few videos around.

EDIT: Oh, read the article itself, yeah, it's a different game. Honestly though, having played Valhalla and based on their description, I'd imagine it's the same case.

@machomuu And it has some of the best Wafius

"Too mature for Nintendo"
...Nintendo still not making any sense as usual.

Sucks for devs making decent games but if it keeps the likes of RCMADIAX's shovelware away from the Switch I'm all for strict content control.

Nintendo's Seal Of Quality is important. Think about how RCMDIAX ruined the Wii U e-shop singlehanded. Such a tragic event must never be repeated.

@thiz
In this case it'd be the platform holder, not the publisher. And he's not even calling them bad, really, just saying that they're being a bit ambiguous about what they're looking for, and that they have been turned down several times.

@machomuu not that game. The game they were submitting that Nintendo thought was too mature.

@PlywoodStick Exactly. The way I read the original article I figured Wozniak had an issue with interpreting what NoA meant by too "mature/adult". In this case I'd think it referred to the game catering to the wrong demographic for the Switch, not being too violent/explicit or anything.

@idrawrobots Yeah, edited in a bit there in regards to that.

@macaron75

"who wants 500 indie games with 99% crap?"

Valve.

I feel like the dev. isn't giving the whole story here or even a reasoning why he got rejected five times. His game got rejected for being too mature, but DOOM, Meat Boy and Binding of Issac are all on the eShop..

@KryptoKrunch You need to read the article here:https://dotesports.com/the-op/news/nintendo-switch-indie-developers-19968 Nintendo life legit copy pasted the Gonintendo article which is a news source I rather not trust.

Looking at the e-shop, there is some mature stuff on there, and there is also some somewhat-bad to downright-bad stuff there, hence the QA is either ineffective, as it is, or it simply is arbitrary - which unfortunately, would be even worse imho.

@MFD I meant different policies from Japan.

Some of you have been using the term "Nintendo of Japan" but there is no such place. It’s Nintendo Co. Ltd., only other regions outside of Japan get the "Nintendo of..." name.

This is basic Nintendo Seal of Quality.

Do you want your mature game on Switch? It must be something REALLY important for the system (as skyrim or doom).

Nintendo will not allow a game that can be a success just because it is soft porn or shows violence.

Implosion is a mobile game. But was a mobile success: Nintendo approved.
Mr. Shifty had a lot of bugs, but it had good reviews on Steam. Approved.

If bad games are on the eshop and people are complaining, it means they have to restrict more them.

I wonder if there is more between the Wolfgames/Wolfgang Wozniack and NoA than is let on. (Or whether or not the site/author has it in for Nintendo).

The following is the end of an article about VA-11 HALL-A coming to Vita from dotesports by Anna Valens (same site, same author). The quotes in the second paragraph strongly resemble what was said in today's article. It came out Nov. 6, 2017 — four days before Doom was released for Switch. This leads me to believe that "mature" may actually mean "high brow" or "esoteric"

From: https://dotesports.com/the-op/news/va-11-hall-a-vita-switch-18534#list-1

As for whether VA-11 Hall-A will come to Nintendo Switch, there's some complications involved. While Wozniak would love to bring the game to the Nintendo console, both Sukeban and Nintendo of America would have to approve the game, and Game Maker Studio would have to work properly on the Switch. Furthermore, Wozniak thinks Nintendo of America is too concerned with keeping mature titles off the console, so the game might not get approved for release.

"The biggest challenge here [is] Nintendo of America's approval requirements and desires," Wozniak said. "We have another game that contains a mature situation where two people talk about [it] in a very kind and patient way... the concept was not approved because they are not currently looking for mature titles."

So for now, don't expect VA-11 Hall-A to land on the Switch any time soon. In the meantime, the game is available now for Windows, Mac, and Linux, and VA-11 Hall-A's PlayStation Vita launch lands on Nov. 14.

M rated doesn’t mean a game is mature. I’d hardly call DOOM mature.

@thesilverbrick is that the special edition, narrated by Bill Nighy?

I totally agree about the publisher and steam success playing a factor. It's something I noticed myself. It sucks that they've been rejected so many times. It is a bit hypocritical of Nintendo to reject their game for being too mature while simultaneously bringing bayo 1 & 2 to the switch

Nintendo of America have always had more backwards policies than the other regions. Anyone should be able to see that, especially game journalists.

Before I jump on one party or the other, I would love to know more details surrounding the situation

That picture looks familiar...

Not surprising. My love notwithstanding, Nintendo has a reputation of severe bigheadedness and seemingly being different for different's sake. Many of their decisions make no sense or go against the grain just for the sake of going against the grain.

@mike_intv I mean it might be easier for indies dealing with NOE than NOA.

However, the biggest hurdle after that is dealing with the European ratings board. Which is a lot more finicky (and expensive) than their American counterpart. Since they ask for a fee and a working demo before giving them a pass.

So yeah, releasing videogames isn't an easy thing (unless you stick to Steam and deal with getting buried with a gazillion half-baked "games"). Instead of complaining, they should do more networking and making contacts (friends).

First thing I thought was at least there's not crap like on the Wii U. That got pretty embarrassing sometimes the "games" they'd let on the eshop. So I'm okay with it I guess, there's only quality (for the most part) on the Switch. Let's keep it that way. But if it's something else with NOA then Idk. Just my first thought

This is interesting, Valhalla is most certainly not run of the mill indie rubbish and I think NOA know this. HD rumble whilst making cocktails and a cyberpunk script? The answer is YES.

couldn't an american studio just submit a game to nintendo of europe, or are there rules preventing that?

I don't mind some quality control on indie games but there's a lot of trash on the eShop already. I don't know why this person/developer is claiming this. I'm confused... maybe prove it anyway?

The only thing I know about that game is the awesome soundtrack.

ill be honest there have been very few indie games that are worth any money most are fads or flash in the pan people want them cause they are popular but die off quickly

Yet 10tons can just regurgitate their source code? Honestly, they make a generic twin stick shooter...then release another 4 straight after. They release a puzzle game akin to angry birds...then churn out 4 more straight after. At least VA-11 Hall-A brings something different. I don't have much respect for 10tons.

Ok. I mean, so what, we won't get bread simulator? OMG i'm so depressed cause of this

Nintendo of Japan at least seems to be making a conscious effort to rid themselves as the "for casuals" reputation Nintendo was pushing during the Wii era, so it's strange that Nintendo of America didn't get the memo.

As for indie games in general, I personally wouldn't care if the eShop was a wasteland of whatever games as long as user reviews were in clear sight and the store was easy to navigate with a good search engine, you know, like Steam.

"What Wolfgang forgot to mention in the first version of this article was he was caught sleeping with Reggie's wife".

Clearly some personal issues or bad blood??

This is clearly just someone out looking for a bit of attention / publicity / sympathy, absolutely no way are we getting the full story here and you know it @NintendoLife :-/

Another article from NintendoLife posting regurgitated content from a source that has gotten the wrong end of stick. Wow what a surprise.

There are different people running each branch, and we should not presume to know how they run things behind the scenes. But I think it is fair to assume there is at least some difference between regions for the simple fact that different people are in the positions.

Though I seriously doubt if your game was denied 5 times, that is was only because it was too mature. It's more likely some half baked indie studio whining that their c-grade title was rejected.

Also games like Doom, Skyrim and Wolfenstein are mature but still stay clear of politics and certain types of humor or themes. Perhaps these indie devs, if they were rejected for being too mature, were crossing some difficult lines.

I think Nintendo are very cocky company. They’ll be their own demise. The way they are with you tubers and streamers well they are just greedy.

@Steelhead Even narration by Bill Nye couldn’t save that turd of a game.

Interesting that this article popped up. I was browsing around the Blackhole forums on steam and they got turned down by Nintendo as well. Apparently their game was too old according to the devs.

I'd love some details. A groundswell of interest from the community might change NOAs tune.

git gud or get out

Nintendo turned them down because those games sucked. Plain and simple, no conspiracy against indies or anything like that. Make better games and and publishers will want them.

Unless I missed something I don’t think the game rejected 5 Times was Valhalla. For one I think it’s popular enough to warrant a Switch version, but also that game was made in Game Maker Studio, a program that can export to just about every console except the Switch, which means the game would have to be completely re written to run on Switch since there is no native export for it. Doesn’t seem worth it.

I watched the vid, and i get why its turned down. Looks boring as hel, i am glad Nintendo is a bit strict or else eshop will end like the mobile store with useless games in it. So yeah thumbs up for Nintendo.

It's called corruption, in every company there is some sort of corruption. It's about human nature.
(those) Games are well received on Steam and without age blocks, no excuses. Everyone know that even trash gets continuosly allowed in the Nintendo Switch system.
Just a simple example of human corruption.

NOA have always been a law onto themselves.

It wasn’t the game they were looking for. Try another. They’re probably playing a balancing act on the eShop. Maybe his game is getting viewed by the wrong employee. 5 times isn’t much if you stop to think about Todd McFarlane’s rejection letters... lol. He just shouldn’t give up. Try something else, keep trying... you wanna make your game special anyway, have a calculated pitch... or it’ll either get wishlisted or ultimately ignored. Switch owners aren’t desperate to play just anything. I know I’m not. I already have a satisfying amount of games, and its only year one. I can’t wrap my brain around all the amazing stuff from that Direct, and I’m still working a few retail games, while having mostly completed a few solid indie titles that I still love enough to replay. This is a highly competitive market, are you a bad enough dude to compete with Shovel Knight, Brawlout, Fast RMX, Shantae, Axiom Verge, Stardew Valley, etc? Lol.

For those that are saying they understand Nintendo and that it looks boring or whatever, keep in mind that the PC version of the game was very well received. It's not my kind of thing, but it looks like a high quality title within its relative niche. It's even making its way to the Vita...

Somebody sounds bitter.

@Ryu_Niiyama
I think he is a bit bitter about it, but I would be too, because the feedback is sort of vague. They don't want it, but it's not clear why. It's totally within Nintendo's right to do so, but it's hardly a satisfactory outcome for the developer in question. You can't even modify the game to fit the requirements.

During the Wii and Wii U era nobody really cared about Nintendo's arbitrary way of putting games on their store, because sales on the platform were probably going to be tiny anyway. Now that the Switch's eShop is enjoying some moderate succes, getting a game on the platform can be pretty import for the financial succes of your product. When that decision process seems, once again, rather arbitrary, it can be a frustrating venture indeed. And I totally get that.

@TheGameSquid All we have is this guy's word. So unless he is willing to break NDA to show exactly what was sent to him I take statements with an eye roll and a whole lot of salt. Like I said, somebody sounds bitter.

@Ryu_Niiyama
While I've no reason to disbelieve him (as we've heard similar things from many other developers and Nintendo themselves), you're absolutely right about not being able to verify the story, that we don't know the details and I agree with you that I should treat it as such.

Seems a bit odd. I am hoping it's not true. The Switch needs as many indie gems as possible.

@Ralizah I'm not sure if the problem is "NoA" or if it's a top-down enforcement from NCL based on Kyoto's impression of what Americans are like, which as with all their emulation of America, is generally kind of an idyllic, distorted image. NCL essentially NEVER went "full kiddie/family" like NoA did. Even 3DS had the black boxes instead of the white ones and has always had edgier content. But given that the American entertainment industry is possible the most in your face raunchy of anywhere, it doesn't seem to me like NoA would intentionally sanitize unless either A) Kyoto demands they do based on a perception that Americans are still Ma, Pa, and the Kiddies in the Rec Room who go to church every Sunday morning, or B) Pure numbers, they feel carving the family niche gives them a business advantage where nobody else really competes in that space. However it was NoA that sought out Bethesda to begin with, which just makes it weirder. If the Fractured But Whole rumors turn out, then I think we can put to bed the "NoA are a bunch of prudes" myth.

That's not true, there are some brand new games that release on eShop from brand new developers.

I doubt the too mature thing as there are a few mature rating/themed games on the eshop.

@Nintendoforlife you mean Gunbird? It's an awesome game!

@Chrismakem Nooooooo, Vroom in the Night Sky is what I was referring to. That game is the purest form of shovelware.

Phew! Gunbird is somewhat a classic

I am not sure why this surprises so many people. Nintendo has been anti Indie for years (outside of major hits like World of Goo). and nothing much changed with the Switch, they loosened up a bit but have stopped QA when involving reasoning. Allowing such garbage as Physical Contact: Speed another garbage rehash of card game collections that is exceptionally overpriced. They also allow stream green-light garbage games like Vaccine yet claim some games are not suitable because they are too "mature."

TL;DR: QA is more gone then ever but they still deny games based on garbage logic, so not much has changed.