There's been a lot of disruptions here and there since the coronavirus outbreak was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. Unfortunately, it's now also impacted the retail release date of The Wonderful 101: Remastered by PlatinumGames.
If you've backed this game, you've likely already been notified about the potential delays, but for those who haven't, or perhaps just missed the news altogether, below is the message in full. This also includes the retail release which has been pushed back to 30th June in the US and 3rd July in Europe. Digital codes shouldn't be affected, and Platinum stills aims to get them out before the retail release.
Physical Versions
Unfortunately, due to the effects of the COVID-19 epidemic, we’re expecting delays in preparing the US and EU physical versions. Backer rewards are being given the highest priority, but due to distribution issues, backers who have chosen physical versions of the game may receive it after general retail release. Our current estimate for the start of shipping rewards is late June. We apologize for the inconvenience, and thank you for your patience.
We know this is incredibly frustrating, and as a token of our apology for this, we will be providing all physical version backers with a Steam download code for The Wonderful 101: Remastered, so that they can play the game at the same time as backers who purchased the digital version.
Digital Versions
Codes for digital versions of The Wonderful 101: Remastered will go out to backers who pledged the corresponding tiers starting on May 7th. Due to the number of codes it may take some time for all backers to receive them, but we will work to get all digital tier backer codes out ahead of the retail release.
Physical Version Retail Release
Due to the effects of COVID-19 on production on distribution, the retail release date of The Wonderful 101: Remastered has been pushed back, to June 30th for the US version package release, and July 3rd for the EU version package release. While we are working to prioritize backer rewards, please bear in mind that the state of shipping and distribution in various areas may result in some backers getting their rewards after retail release. Again, we apologize for the unforeseen issues, and we are doing our best to get everyone the game as soon as possible.
The message signed off by thanking everyone for their patience in these "unpredictable" times. In a separate post recently, the file size of the game was revealed to be 7.6 GB - that's rather large for Switch but still smaller than the original version of the game, which was around 10 GB.
How do you feel about the delays associated with the physical version of the game? Leave a comment down below.
Comments 62
I can wait. Animal Crossing is taking my gaming time and I prefer that everyone at Platinum stays safe.
7.6 GB is nothing. Brawl was 8 GB on the Wii!
I can't run it on my crap PC, will probably give my code to a friend and buy a digital version on either PS4 or Switch. Probably PS4 since I went physical on Switch.
A little disappointed, but I can wait.. I couldn't even guess how many un-played games I have in my backlog.
And 7.6 GB is rather large? I'm guessing NL haven't seen the 42 GB download requirement for the retail copy of the Borderlands collection yet..
Go figure. The retail price ($40) is actually less expensive than being a physical backer (about $41), and now we get the game later, too. I spent more money to get the game later than someone who just goes out to buy it upon release. And the Steam code means absolutely nothing to me, as I don’t have a gaming PC. Can’t they give a Switch code to Switch backers? Or does that just make too much sense?
Well the wait will make it feel better when it comes out! We're all in this pandemic together.
Will see if I can sell my Steam code for $10 or something, then use that money to buy another month of premium on PornHub now that my free trial ran out.
@DinnerAndWine I understand that COVID-19 is the underlying problem and has stopped postal service in Japan, but then why can they ship the retail version to stores in NA and Europe before they get copies to backers? Surely there’s a way to send a shipment of copies to a distributor in another country who can send them to the people who actually paid to support this game. I’d understand if this delay affected everyone the same, but the backers have to wait longer than everyone else despite being the people who made this game actually a possibility. Feels like a kick in the teeth.
@thesilverbrick We should still be getting our physical backer copy before the actual physical retail release. The retail release has also been delayed. The only release not affected, is the digital release.
On the bright side, we're all getting Steam codes that you can either choose to use, or just sell if you wanted. Which then makes your Switch version much cheaper.
I don't see where the kick in the teeth is here? It is what it is, it's not like they've gone out of their way to do this on purpose.
@thesilverbrick
Those retail games are freight shipments that get sent to a distribution centre, then dispersed from there. The Kickstarter ones would be individually packaged, labelled and shipped via regular mail to each person, which numbers in the thousands all over the world, so it's not as simple.
@DinnerAndWine I understand that, but what I’m saying is that they could outsource the individual mailing to a country that doesn’t have a frozen postal system.
@ObsidianEleven Of course they haven’t done this on purpose. I just think it could’ve been handled better. I get that there was a problem they didn’t see coming and the game can be shipped out on time. But the physical backers could be sent download codes for the platform they actually chose the game for. Doesn’t that make sense?
@thesilverbrick
Logistically that doesn't seem easy, and it would also add major costs to them. Everything is crappy now anyways, so what's another slight disappointment here and there
@DinnerAndWine I suppose you’re right, and outsourcing the mailing would be a headache, but they could’ve at least sent physical backers a download code for the platform they actually chose.
@DinnerAndWine I had to miss this due to car troubles, so I'd totally buy your steam copy.
@thesilverbrick "But the physical backers could be sent download codes for the platform they actually chose the game for. Doesn’t that make sense?"
Agreed. It had already crossed my mind that it was weird they're only doing Steam codes. I'll probably sell mine tbh. If it had been a Switch code, I'd probably have used it while waiting for my physical copy.
@ObsidianEleven Yeah, selling the Steam code actually is a pretty great idea. I don’t know why that didn’t occur to me.
Pretty pissed off, myself. Along with the flood of complaints on the Kickstarter page for all those that backed it.
And before you argue:
There’s no reason you still can’t get the copies to your backers BEFORE retail outlets. You obviously have that control.
There’s also no reason you have to give people that ordered the Switch or PS versions a STEAM code, when you could give them a code for the version they paid for.
IMO, it’s an insult to those that backed the project to get it off the ground.
I’m not alone I’m my opinion, whether or not it’s the minority. I do feel though that for those that backed it, and those that don’t have/want to play it on PC, they have a right to be upset.
@TimboSlice It's a game. There are thousands of people dying during a global pandemic, and you're annoyed you don't get to play your game?
It's not an insult. It's just poorly thought out. They didn't do it to insult you. They didn't actually have to do anything, other than apologise.
I agree that really people should receive a code for the system they purchased it for, if a code is what they're offering. In the grand scheme of things though, it's not the most important thing to be upset about in the world.
@TimboSlice
We already discussed the reason why retail outlets will get the game before close to 20,000 individual people receive their own copy 🤡
@ObsidianEleven not everything has to be compared to the pandemic. Even without a pandemic there’s plenty of issues worth fighting about or caring about I’m this world more than anything ever will be in our small individual lives. That doesn’t make my point less valid.
Insult, bad decision making, ignorance... tomato ”toe-mah-toe”. All the same. Eroded customer loyalty.
@tobsesta99 and super Mario Odyssey is 5.2 GB. what's your point?
@thesilverbrick You get a special cover for the physical version and free upcoming DLC
I can't personally confirm this, but I learned on the forums that it's supposedly cheaper to secure Steam codes than on other platforms, hence why all the digital apology codes are for it. Still not sure what I'll do with the code I'll be receiving.
This news is a bummer, but it's also understandable under the current context. I'm fine with waiting; I have plenty of games to play.
@ArmoredGoomba Thanks, was going to mention that. It's why I don't have hardly any issues with the amount.
@ArmoredGoomba I actually totally forgot about the upcoming DLC being free to backers. Good point!
Not an issue for me as I'm pretty much all digital these days. I hope the rest of you can get your copies soon though.
Knew this was coming as I saw the word delayed. Might as well delay every game planned from now till the end of summer. This COVID-19 stuff is getting way out of hand.
Um...Funny joke here. COVID-19 for President lol!
@KillerBOB This is very disrespectful of you calling the Corona virus or covid-19, China Virus? Shame on you!
As a physical Switch kickstarter backer I'm okay with this. There are plenty of games to play in the meantime.
Nice, I backed a Switch physical but get a free Steam version for free. Portable and 4k action!
Where to sell my steam code.... that is the question!
@thesilverbrick Right?! I did that math too. But I justified paying a few dollars more bc we are getting the DLC for “free” with our Kickstarter pledge. But now getting the game potentially after somebody ordering from Best Buy kinda chaps me. And yeah, why a Steam code and not an eShop code??
The lesson learned for me after getting absolutely nailed by the terrible Shenmue 3 Kickstarter and now this, I probably won’t ever Kickstart a game again.
@KillerBOB stay classy
@KillerBOB the China virus huh? Ah just like your “president”.
I think I'll survive, would have been nice to get it on time but it's understandable how there's a delay considering current events.
I personally have no use for a Steam code, but Platinum was under no obligation to give us physical backers any additional codes at all. And I understand that giving each physical backer a code for the specific platform they pledged for would be much more of a hassle, and probably more expensive because of Sony/Nintendo fees.
Just yesterday, I was told that Japan Mail won't ship anything to my country until further notice. So yeah, I understand how difficult the situation is right now, I understand the delay and I'm thankful for the free Steam code, even if I'll probably end up giving it away to a friend.
Keep safe, folks!
It was too good to be true. A friend of mine preordered it on Amazon and saw it cancelled by Amazon itself a month ago, but I preordered it somewhere else and still haven't received any bad news. Anyway, as long as it's not cancelled it's actually not that big a deal for me, as I'm in absolutely no rush to play this game.
These things happen, but I am not a backer. But having read the Wii u reviews again I crossed this off my short list of 2020 games to buy. 🙃
@thesilverbrick Steam allows developers to generate and distribute as many keys as they want with no fee, they only charge commission on sales through their platform.
I don't know the specifics of Platinum's deal with Nintendo, but if it goes by industry standards they'd have to pay ‰30 of the retail price to give you a Switch eshop key.
The fact that this game had a Kickstarter run to begin with and is now feeling like a Kickstarter problem is just sad. Isn't their any game coming from Kickstarter that actually came out on time? I don't think there's ever a Kickstarter game that actually sticks to what they plan except maybe two: Shovel Knight and Shantae.
@thesilverbrick I'm totally with you and also disappointed. But after letting it set for one day and a little thinking, I came to some conclusions:
The official retail might be not even made in Japan, or if they are made there, they can be distributed through a big distribution center. The backers versions will be packed individually either by Platinum themselves or a small agency they hired. As Platinum is also on shutdown until May (and who knows if this was the last shutdown) it has a huge impact on the packing and sending.
Also, according to a statement from Platinum, the Kickstarter was not necessary to realize the project, it was more a fan service and PR to promote and publish Limited Editions. So we backers are not the ones who made Wonderful 101 remaster possible, unfortunately.
I was also thinking, why they not give out codes for downloads for the relevant systems.
My personal conclusion is, that a steam code has the lowest resell value. If they would give me an eshop code, I probably just would sell it because I have a huge backlog anyway and can wait until June/July. Anyway, I wish they would find a way, like giving out codes for a "limited time 100% demo" so the people who want to play it can do so. Also, maybe the game itself is not capable of handling several versions on one system in regards of save games. Who knows? But then again, how can I get my save from steam to my switch? Kind of useless... Anyway, better then nothing and health comes first!
@retro_player_77 Kickstarter was basically just for advertising. There was an article some time ago, that the project itself was already realized way before the Kickstarter. Also, if you check the timeline from the start of the campaign to publishing. That's way too short of they really needed that Kickstarter money. So basically the remaster was done at the point of the Kickstarter campaign and it actually was just PR plus a way to give people awesome Limited Editions without fighting for them in retail shops or paying ridiculous money on ebay
I imagine kids in Syria read this news and felt a pang of deepest sympathy for western kids (and overgrown adults) having to wait a few days to play their newest console game. Sending thoughts and prayers during this difficult time xoxo
Good job I’m not bothered
@zool same. I almost bought it for wiiu but was put off. Can’t understand the hype now considering it’s an average game
@sandman89 I agree, the controls were an issue, not responsive enough using the touch screen. Like many Wii u games. Rayman plays better on the Switch than it ever did on the Wii u. So maybe there is a small hope for 101, but I'll pass anyway.
I commented on the other thread that I can wait a bit longer, I’m prioritising XC DE anyway.
I won’t have use for the Steam code myself, not sure how much hassle it would be to try and sell it.
I have a huge backlog so I can live with a slight delay.
The Steam key is awesome, they didn't have to give those away, and I were already considering getting a Steam version to see how purdy it'll look on a 2080ti
A steam code? WTF? I dont have a PC, therefore this is useless to me.
How can retailers get copies before backers? This is stupid
Platinum Games should delay the game's release for everyone.
That way the people who actually funded this game aren't penalised.
Considering the amount of money PG made on this Kickstarter I don't think that's too much to ask.
I'm not mad that we get the game for a little more than others. I look at it as those dollars helped this game get made period. Plus, have they determined if the stretch goals will be available in the retail copies? Backers get that stuff for backing the game.
However, I do question the distribution of Steam codes to everyone as opposed to just giving us the code of the preferred system. That is a little lazy.
Honestly, I'm not used to getting Kickstarter backer rewards in the same calendar year that I made the pledge, so this is fine.
@zool you're missing a really great game, played it on wiiu and it's one of my favorite wiiu game, and one of my most played game. You should try before you juged 👍
@nathatruc I get what you mean, try first, but that usually means buying the game. An expensive way to find out if you like a game, as I have found out to my cost with other games.
I did play a demo of 101 and I do remember enjoying it, but finding it hard to complete. But I did not like the controls, the gamepad was for the most part gimmicky, not just with 101, but with most games.
I will keep a bit of an open mind and if there is a demo or the reviews say the controls are better and it is not a full priced game, I may give it a go. Or wait for a sale. 😀
@thesilverbrick That's very frustration indeed.
I'm fine with the delay, I backed the physical version and was planning on purchasing the digital the day of release. I wish they would give people the digital code for the platform they backed, as Steam is useless to me and I'll never support them, but I'm not complaining. I'll most likely give the code away to a friend and maintain my plan.
Who didn't see this coming?
@JamesJose7 My point is that people need to stop acting like gigabytes are humongous anymore.
@tobsesta99 gotcha, I get it
@Sakisa I will give you 50 bucks for it.
@JoeDiddley I will buy yours. Paypal?
@thesilverbrick Note they said that certain areas would be affected, and not all places. EMS from Japan has been shut down to pretty much everywhere, which is the cheapest plus fastest shipping so that's out right now. Likely if you're in the US or the UK they'll do a bulk ship via FedEx/DHL to save money and have a small distributor ship from there (or they should.) Other places they won't be able to reach even with that method, such as Romania, who are totally shut down. Or they're hedging their bets EMS starts again in June and they'll try to fire them all out as quick as possible, but even still they can't be responsible if some countries are still locked down.
Retail has likely been on a shipping container on the ocean for a month and a half, and that container left China and not Japan, and when it reaches the shore that's going to third party distributors for Target/Walmart/etc... to be shipped to stores. That's a slow but proven consistent method. Depending on a lot of factors it might work out retail gets them first and it really is all because of the 'rona. Otherwise they would have easily EMS'ed them out to the world all May and would have beat retail.
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