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Nintendo released its annual report yesterday, offering the usual spread of dry financial information. Of course, what we’re really interested in though is game development updates. Whilst no concrete details were given, Nintendo spoke further about the impact of COVID-19 coronavirus on internal development.
The company discussed product supply issues, retail store closures, and the differences with developing games from home:
In terms of production and shipping, product supply may be impacted if issues involving the procurement of necessary components persist. In terms of sales, sales channels may be restricted by measures to prevent the spread of the virus including restrictions on movement outside the home and closure of retail stores. Development schedules may be impacted due to the difference in development environment between working from home and in the office since teleworking is implemented at the Company and its partners. As a result, we may not be able to proceed with the release of Nintendo products and the start of services as planned.
Whilst this may come as disappointing news to some, it’s pretty much a given due to the current global situation. Coronavirus is a likely part of the reason we haven’t had proper updates on upcoming first-party games for some time, resulting in showings like yesterday’s Nintendo Direct Mini: Partner Showcase. What’s good to see is that Nintendo is making employee safety a priority during the pandemic, by “giving due consideration to the health and safety of its consumers and employees.”
When do you expect to see Nintendo first-party updates?
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