Retro Studios Reminds Us It's In Need Of A Lead Producer For Metroid Prime 4

Surely they had this key role filled before? I wonder what Ha
Penned or if it’s simply just beefing up the team?

Where can I sign up?

They would be much better by reminding us they still exist, been very low output for ages now.

I would prefer they started working on new Donkey Kong Country game

Boy they can't be very far along

@KIRO
Games can have multiple lead producers.

Kensuke Tanabe is presumably one of them for Prime 4.

I'm guessing christmas 2021

This might be a game released on two consoles, the switch and the next gen console release. As I imagine it’s release is still 2 years away and I get the feeling that Nintendo has taken their foot of the gas for the switch now and we are limping towards the end of the switches life cycle. With a possible announcement of a new console in development next year and release the year after.

The job was posted May but not tweeted until now? No wonder everything takes such a long time at retro...

So no prime for switch then ☹️

@Lord I'd expect them to push out a NewSwitch (or whatever it will be called) late'ish next year. That should give them a fair bit of breathingroom for a true successor maybe in like early'ish 2023. Who knows how much Corona has thrown all of this off though ...

As for Prime, 2 years seems very, very optimistic - even without Corona. I would think and hope they turn it into a "next-gen" project for the Switch successor. It would make a good launch title along side a Mario game for instance.

I'm sure that this game will see the light on another platform.

@Lord

The end of the Switch soon? Damn, that was fast. Its only three years old. I imagine its still atleast four more years of the Switch. My guess is that the next gen console will be realeased in christmas time around 2025.

My guess is switch 2 in 2023. 2021 they have Zelda for their big game. 2022 would have a bunch of smaller games like Kirby and By 2023 they could have another Mario, Mario Kart, and metroid to launch the new console.

I think we will get a small clip showing what the story will belike at E3 2021. Metroid Prime Trilogy will release in Christmas 2021. More development updates will follow and a direct will show off game play at E3 2022. Metroid Prime 4 will be released in November 2022 with online multiplayer.

Fine fine, I’ll take the job.

@antonio2244 Maybe when you've been waiting thirteen years for a new Donkey Kong Country I'll have some sympathy 😋

There's trouble at mill.

"Metroid Prime Forever" or "How I Entered Development Hell Where Metroids Are The Least Of My Worries".

It's a long way off, isn't it?

Keep going with it though Nintendo! Ha.

@Slowdive If only most people would be so considerate of this, instead of jumping to kneejerk reactions.

Not at all surprised with the glass half empty responses.

2025. That's the year I'm locking in as my prediction.

@Dezzy
@NintendoGameBoi
I don't think they would like to compete with Pokémon Gen 4 remakes (I know diff genre). Mid October the latest or gets push to 2022.

2022, 35th anniversary of Metroid, following Zelda’s anniversary in 2021 (with a new switch model) and Mario in 2020.

This game isn't coming out soon and that makes me 😔

Oh... No... 🙁
It's going to be years until it's done.

@KIRO considering the context of the game pandemic, it could be a case of beefing up the team to compensate:

"After the restart and all the disruptions this year due to the global pandemic, having an individual who would be "responsible for maintaining project timelines", providing "studio-wide risk reports" and who is "responsible for studio-wide communication of project status" sounds like a great idea."

@Guitario good thing that nintendo keep saying they intend to support the Switch for years still and that the people predicting a Switch Pro/2 for years kept being wrong?

shrug tbh I didn't expect this one in particular until late 2021 at bare minimum when it became clear how much COVID would turn 2020 into a ***** year.

@Lord there's no way we are close to the end of this console. It's selling at a ridiculous rate and you could probably expect that to continue for at least another 18 month to 2 years. Then we'll see the gradual slowdown for the following 12 months after that. At most we are probably just about halfway through this lifecycle with another 3 years left. When you consider the output in the previous three years, I would think its perfectly reasonable to expect at least another 10-15 first party games.

People need to realize that we can actually gleam very little info from these hirings. They could realistically be anywhere in the development process at this point.

@Orpheus79V This place has some right rays of sunshine in the comment section. I imagine if you sat with them in real life they'd suck every ounce of joy out of you.

but why are they so neglecting this beloved series ?? why don't they hurry to release at least the hd trilogy, or a 2d Metroid, I really don't understand Nintendo some really wrong policies in my opinion and all the fans of the series !!

They're looking for a new lead producer, huh? Well, if they absolutely want to drop the laser weapons and move to bullets.... ( )

If I get the producer role I'll release episode 1 and 2 this Christmas, that's 3 full planets of content. Episode 3 April 2021 and Episode 4 September 2021. That sound fair?

@Ludovsky TBH I think it will be like BOTW where it's released on the Switch and Switch2 as maybe a final release on OG Switch

@Jacob1092 at least metroid fans got a trilogy from retro

If they're just now looking for a lead producer then it makes me think the game is still at least two-years out from release.

@Lord "Nintendo has taken their foot of the gas for the switch now and we are limping towards the end of the switches life cycle."

Um... what? The Switch is one of Nintendo's all-time best selling systems and continues to sell well, and has multiple top selling games. Nintendo would be idiots to take their foot off the gas now.

I think the switch will still be a viable platform, with games released in 2025. I think it might become relegated to the handheld partner to a more beefy console but I think it, alongside a pro-model, is going to be around for a long time. That said, I don't think much has happened in developing MP4.

@Slowdive I literally ran down to the comments to say the same thing lol. "Don't freak out, they probably have five 'Lead Producers' currently working on it already"

@Moistnado I will be very surprised if Nintendo's next console isn't also a hybrid

Well, we can call this one a next-gen title.

@Mountain_Man It’s selling well without Metroid Prime, in terms of game development things have slowed down quite a bit though!

@NintendoGameBoi We will get a title logo, like what was shown for Elder Scrolls 6 lol

I’m glad this game is in development, at least we know it’s being made and we will get one day! I would be upset I guess if there was no Metroid in development xxx

@TeslaChippie maybe, I do like the hybrid. I'm just thinking how gameboy became a pocket and then a colour and then a next-gen advance that played the same games too. It lasted a long time because it had a massive install base and was relatively cheap to make simple games for. I loved my Wii, even when smartphones were putting out better graphics. Last gen is always cheaper to develop for. I played my Wii at least once a week for over 10 years, and purchased games all that time too. I can see the switch having legs for a significant amount of time and I really doubt we will see a next gen, or even a significant upgrade on the switch next year, or the next and probably not the following year either. I really do want a switch pro but, I don't think Nintendo is in any hurry.

Why is everyone always so negative when it comes to Prime 4? Yes it will take a long time for it to be released, they had to restart it from scratch for gods sake. I rather have them take their time and make sure the game is actually good instead of rushing it out.

Tl;dr Stop being so pessimistic.

@UmbreonsPapa more like the producers half empty!

Ripperoni in pepperoni 🍕

@TG16_IS_BAE "...in terms of game development things have slowed down quite a bit though!"

Seems like there are at least a dozen games released for the Switch every month, so I don't know where people are getting the idea that software development has slowed down. If you're referring to first-party games, Nintendo has been steadily releasing three or four titles a year. And people seem to forget that we had a monster release this year with Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Oh man, I get a bad feeling about this game every time I read a "we're still hiring" report.

@antonio2244 I have not played the original trilogy, but still want a new one LUL

Cool. The longer it takes, the more polished it will be when it drops. I trust Retro. Take your time, folks.

I'm pretty sure each Prime game done by Retro Studios Retro had their own producer and a producer directly tied to Nintendo, which would be Kensuke Tanabe. This to me means that they're shifting into coming up with a marketing strategy for the game. I still expect Prime 4 in November of 2021.

Metroid's 35th anniversary is also next year. I don't necessarily think that's important for Prime 4, but I do think next year would be the best time to potentially see two new Metroid releases again. A new side-scrolling Metroid game should be on its way soon. Imagine a new 2D Metroid game in August for the exact anniversary and have Prime 4 follow up later in November.

That means it's coming out this year, right?

@Mountain_Man Eh, it’s only a monster release if the individual finds it interesting. Yes, I’m referring to first party titles, even though I have little interest in them

I predicted a 2021 November release.

@KIRO There are several in any one project, more are added as games expand. I reckon it will still be another two years minimum.

Another two years and we should be good to go, at which point it will be a launch title for the already delayed switch pro.

We are talking retro studios which take half a decade to make a game!

@TG16_IS_BAE "Eh, it’s only a monster release if the individual finds it interesting."

Have you looked at the sales numbers? New Horizons is a monster release regardless of whether or not you personally find it interesting. Pretending that the Switch is in its twilight years is silly.

Damn so they've been without a lead producer for more than a half year?
Makes me wonder if the Metroid 4 project has come to a complete halt...

They are certainly dragging their feet with this project. How much of the game is actually being worked on and how much of it is just them placing want ads all over the place?

I want this game to be great but these job listings instead of proper progress reports is making me lose hope by the day...

Saw this come up in the job centre, I put in an application.

Is it a safe assumption MP4 will be a simultaneous release on Switch and Switch U? Like Breath of the Wild?

I'm guessing it will come out around 2022 or 2023, probably be a launch game for the next-gen Nintendo console.

did i miss something, Kensuke Tanabe isn't the Lead Producer of the Prime series?or did Nintendo fired him for this job? i remebered back in 2017/2019 when Nintendo anounced that Retro Studios is now leading the development of Metroid Prime 4, after they decided to restart the development of the game if it dint met Nintendo hight standard of quality and out expection for the game, i remebered then anounced Mr. Tanabe Producer of the Prime series will lead the development of the game, did Nintendo fired him for this job?l

I mean I have zero qualifications for that job but sure. I’ll take a crack at it. 😂

oh no! my worst fears for the game have come true, now Metroid Prime 4 might release only in the penumate or final year of Switch, making Metroid Prime 4 the worst selling game of the franchise killing the franchise Switch was the chance of the franchise and Metroid Prime 4 to be the best game of the franchise and best selling game of the franchise, but Nintendo ilcompentence in not choosing Retro Studios first will harm the franchise immensily.

@antonio2244 Retro Studios is not a big companie enough to develop two big games simultaneousy, they are not a Insoniac or Naught Dog that can do develop two big games simultaneousy.

@Nintendo_Thumb i believe Switch will stay in the Market until 2025/2026, Metroid Prime 4 need to be sucefull on Switch to pay it hugh budget.

@I-U so a sequel of Metroid Fusion and a HD version of Metroid Prime Trilogy in 2021 to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the franchise?followed by Metroid Prime 4 be the Holiday title of Switch for 2022/2023? we have the trought.

@FargusPelagius that the stupiest idea i ever head, i you trying to kill the Metroid franchise?

@Arkay maybe because Retro Studios have not released a game since Donkey Kong country Freeze in 2014, and Metroid games got a track of bad games only gothing a excelent game in 2017, when Metroid Prime 4 was anounced in 2017 everyone was hyped for the return of Metroid in a home console and the first HD Metroid,and when Nintendo dropped the Development update Video of Metroid Prime 4 in january of 2019, everyone expected incluiding myself the game will release that year, and also the fact Retro Studios take forever to develop a game and acording to a video Arlo did on Retro Studios, the studios was facing some troubles.

I'm pretty sure producers aren't the ones programming, designing, testing, composing, and many other roles. I don't understand why everyone's being pessimistic.

@Lord Nintendo have stated several times Switch will stay in the Market until 2025/2026, if will be totaly stupid if Nintendo anounce that 2021 or this year is the final year of Switch, Switch is selling extremely well with no sight of slowing down, why Nintendo would decided to
descontinue Switch now, you are only feeling this is Switch Twilight years because of the lack of anouncemnts for Nintendo.

@Slowdive Tanabe NEVER was executive producer in his career. A basic research of his works show this. But yes, you're right that games have more than one producer, even more when it's a game that has a different developer and publisher. Tanabe here is the Nintendo producer of the project, so he obviously doesn't count, which is why Retro wants more lead producers inside the company.

@Giancarlothomaz First, stop watching arlo videos if you want to stay informed. Second, do a better research.

@Mountain_Man Who said twilight? It’s slowing down lol

@Giancarlothomaz I'm well aware of Retro.
People just have to wait. It's a big game, it won't be released so quickly. As for those that actually believed it would be released the same year as the update vid...sorry but that is just delusional.
Trust me, I'm a huge fan of the Prime games. I love them to death. Just be more realistic with your expectations.

@TG16_IS_BAE
Slowing down? Switch is selling as well as ever.

@Mountain_Man Dear lord, you fan boys. First party titles are slowing down in production, especially when compared to when the system first came out. After every peak, there is a valley, don't panic lmfao

@Nemesis666 7 years without a game, that could be a sign that companie is in trouble, remembre, when Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze was released and Retro Studios said they began pre- production of next game?where is Retro next game beside Metroid Prime 4?

@Giancarlothomaz I don't think the Metroid Prime Trilogy HD exists.

People are fearing that Metroid Prime 4 would be released at the very end of the Switch's life-cycle. As some people here pointed out, Nintendo already stated that they want to push for a long life-cycle of about 8 years or so.

As for the game itself, I think people are overreacting a bit. I feel like if Bandai Namco's Metroid Prime 4 was never announced, and Retro Studios' Metroid Prime 4 was announced on the day they announced the restarted development, then people wouldn't be so freaking worried about release dates. It has only been about a year and a half since they started developing the real "Metroid Prime 4."

Guessing 2023 possibly 2024. Definitely at the end of the Switch lifecycle.

@Giancarlothomaz it was a joke indicative of the current state of certain games.

I would prefer a new 2D Metroid, I've never been a fan of the Prime series. Would be nice to have a new game in the 2D series that is not a remake.

@TG16_IS_BAE Who's panicking?

My brain in a jar in 3015 telling my great great great great great great great great grandkids how cool Prime 4's gonna be

Ahem sure thing. Is the application process all online or do we do this in person?

@FargusPelagius i see, i very worried about Metriod Prime 4, i hope and expect the game to be the best game of the franchise and best selling too, since i become a Metroid fan trough Metroid Prime.

@MarinoKadame the rumor of january that say Nintendo would release a Paper Mario for Switch in this year, also said in this year or 2021 Nintendo with colaboration with another developer will release a 2D Metroid that a sequel to Metroid Fusion.

@antonio2244 nah prime 4 more important over donkey kong.

@Slowdive gotta say this is a bad take. That posting actually indicates pretty much the opposite of everything you just said.

Here's a much more accurate take on the situation: https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/metroid-prime-4-nintendo-switch-lite-update/

@antonio2244 you act like mesome713 with your contrarian commentary and nonsensical input lately.

Metroid Prime 4 is a hugely anticipated game and many folk are eagerly awaiting its eventual release.

Would you kindly stop with the irksome, demanding posts?

(You’re seemingly obsessed with the DKC games too; offer some more meaningful posts next time. Seeing you post, demanding the same thing over and over is extremely tiresome...)

@SpaceKaren This is sounding like development hell. I hope I’m wrong, but yikes!

@Mountain_Man Probably Nintendo, with the way their fans complain!

Retro Studios. Tweets. About needing someone for a high profile position. On a high profile game.

That's rare, if not unprecedented, and makes me think they're pretty serious (perhaps even a bit desparate) about getting the right person on board for the job.

My wild guess would be that Nintendo's been cracking the whip about having the game ready for the launch of the Switch's successor.

This is beginning to look like the car crash of game development. I’m thinking it’ll be canned and another studio entirely will take over, maybe even Nintendo themselves.

Is there even people of colour on this team
And arent they looking for like 12 people already besides this lead producer role

This entire thing has been a mess but okay, I'll play along.

So with the lack of info coupled with this information.

I'll take a guess and say we're getting this game sometime in 2024. If ever.

They've been hiring many developers of previous tech-driven games as of late, this project must be really ambitious to them, but what about their OTHER game? I know they were developing one before Metroid Prime 4. I hope we see at least a little sneak peek of how's it going soon, but the first trailer should probably come out next year.

I really hope they head into a bigger direction for this title. Make it still a first-person adventure, but also open-world or something similar to the biggest first-person exploration games like Kingdom Come: Deliverance. Exploration is what drives the Metroid Prime series after all, and when I think about how exploration could've best driven, I think about an expansive open-world.

@Octane how do you have a grey star?

Holy crap is this game going to even come out for the Switch?! Not even having a lead producer makes me think its like 2023 now... Probably end up being a dual release for Switch and Switch 2 or something...
And wtc happened to Retro's other game they've supposedly been working on since DKC Tropical Freeze? That just vanish?

This was announced at launch!
How can it not be farther along?

If this game isn't open world like Zelda after all of this, I will be really sad.

@Dezzy more like Christmas 2022

@SPL64 that's way to soon, it will be the end of 2022

@bits atleast your being realistic