Hey everyone, we wanted to give an update on some ongoing issues with Path of Titans on Nintendo Switch and how we’re planning on handling them moving forward.

Update Regarding Switch Support

Path of Titans on Switch has been behind for a few patches now and we would like to reach out to our Switch players with the latest information we have regarding the updates and delays we have had on the platform.

Difficulty with Supporting Nintendo Switch

While we have been working closely with Nintendo to make sure our game meets their expectations, the last few patches, along with Switch 2 requirements, needed a lot of extra work for their updated standards. These requirements take a lot of development time, with a 30 day minimum between submission and release. Any failures to meet standards such as in-game Nintendo branding, requires another 30 days or more per attempt, and may not always be resolved from our end, as some of the issues are dependent on Nintendo.

For example:

• Switch 2 had issues with their touchscreen responsiveness on Path of Titans, we submitted a request for the hardware for testing but were blocked. Despite us delisting the game for Switch 2 this was still considered a blocker.
• Dinosaur names are complicated and don’t always make sense when translated to particular languages. For clarity these names were left untranslated, in addition to some unimportant English words. This was also considered a blocker.
• Icons that we have been using for years were suddenly blockers as their standards have changed with no grandfathered exception. We were told to change an icon to one we were previously told not to use which led to a rejection.

Other platforms such as Playstation, XBOX, and Mobile, have their own rigorous requirements and standards, but updates continue to be released with minor changes and minimal delays, usually 1 or 2 business days.

Though these Nintendo issues have persisted previously, we would still get the patches approved and out to our Switch players, albeit often later than other platforms. This latest patch may still take weeks or months to resolve with Nintendo, if they are willing to work on them at all. This has knock-on effects outside of requiring extra development time, like desyncing our services, and not allowing us to resolve bugs as updates come out on other platforms.

Nintendo’s Support For Modding

We also want to make the game as open as possible for people looking to add creatures, maps, and other features through modding, within reasonable limits. However, Nintendo restricts how much data can be written by Path of Titans on Switch’s SD card or Flash Memory, limiting mod access for Switch users. Because of this, each patch requires a complicated mod approval process to be able to get the patch in.

This method of updating specific only to Nintendo’s platform places a lot of strain on our developers. As such we have requested Nintendo make reasonable adjustments to align them with the Development Relations of every other platform, or we will need to halt support for Switch until the process improves or we have a completed game. Their response was sending us delisting instructions, clearly showing they don’t intend on resolving these issues.

Moving Forward with or without Nintendo’s Support

If Nintendo changes their strategy on limiting developers access to development kits, Switch 2 documentation, etc., and improves the Lotcheck process and Developer Relations Experience, we will be able to resume support. Otherwise, it will continue to be in this semi-supported state, or in the worst case, force us to end support completely until Path of Titans is ready for its full release.

This could mean updating the game less regularly, so we can allot the time necessary to resolve their issues, with easier-to-manage, larger updates. Or it could mean that without the support or transparency needed from Nintendo we may have to temporarily end support for Switch altogether, but of course we wouldn’t leave our Switch players behind.

If that should come, here is our plan for Switch users and those who are still interested in playing on Switch:

• If Path of Titans is delisted from sale, we will be discounting the game beforehand for anyone looking to purchase the game and play with their friends in the most recent Switch state.
• Players can still use their Alderon accounts with the game purchased on PC and Mobile.
• We are working with Playstation and XBOX to see if we can have a migration plan for those looking to migrate to a different platform.
• We will be giving a 6-month notice period to spend in-game currency, before the title is removed from the Nintendo Store and the in-game Coin store is no longer accessible.

To make sure those who can only play on Switch are still able to enjoy Path of Titans, we will be adding AI Dinos, an offline mode, and a Local Switch-to-Switch Multiplayer in a final patch, until such time that we can resume regular updates. However, this is dependent on Nintendo maintaining our Developer Contract so we can make these long-term updates.

Looking Ahead

We hope this encourages Nintendo to update their standards in a way that is easier to work with for smaller development teams, so new content can be rolled out to Switch players on a more regular basis, as with every other platform we work with.

We are extremely thankful to our patient Switch players for sticking with us throughout this process. We remain hopeful that Switch players will get a full copy of the game when released and that we will be able to update the game with offline mode and AI Dinos to enjoy in the meantime.

We will keep you updated as we work diligently to resolve this issue in the same committed way Switch players have supported us. As always, thank you, and we hope to see you soon.