Dragon Quest XI Developer Explains Delayed Nintendo Switch Release
The long anticipated Dragon Quest XI is on its way to the west for its upcoming release for the PC and PlayStation 4, though unfortunately the Nintendo Switch version of the game will be releasing at a later date, according to Square Enix. Additionally, while many expected the game to release on the 3DS, a version for the western market is not being planned. Many are now wondering what the reason is behind the delayed Switch version, though until now the Dragon Quest XI developer has kept quiet about it.
During PAX East, Gameinformer had the chance to ask the Dragon Quest XI developer what the reason was behind the delay, and producer Hokuto Okamoto revealed that it was actually a compatibility issue. “As we were working on Dragon Quest XI on Unreal Engine 4, we were also wanting to work on the Switch version, as well,” Okamoto said. “Unfortunately, the engine was not compatible at first, though Nintendo and Epic were working on it together. When the engine revision released making porting to the Switch possible, we started working out our plans for the release.”
The compatibility issues stemmed from how early on the developer actually began working on the game. Back then the Nintendo Switch wasn’t actually being called the Switch at that time, instead going by a different codename, though Square Enix still wanted to announce that Dragon Quest XI would be making its way to the newest Nintendo console. “As the console started to come into focus, we found out that the engine and the console did not work together yet,” Okamoto said. “Throughout the development of the game, we worked with Epic and Nintendo to make progress to get the game on the Switch.”
There is currently no release date for the upcoming Switch version of Dragon Quest XI, though the release date for the PC and PlayStation 4 version is September 4, 2018.
So, thoughts on the delayed Switch version? Which platform do you plan on picking the game up for? Let us know in the comments section below, and as always, stay tuned to Don’t Feed the Gamers for all the latest gaming and entertainment news! Don’t forget to follow DFTG on Twitter for our 24/7 news feed!
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Ryan "Cinna" Carrier3026 Posts
Ryan is the Lead Editor for Don't Feed the Gamers. When he isn't writing, Ryan is likely considering yet another playthrough of Final Fantasy IX. He's also the DFTG cinnamon bun.
