As more titles are added to the Nintendo Switch launch line-up, crowdfunding campaigns are having to adapt quickly. Backers are ready to trade in their Wii U and PC rewards for the new console. Unfortunately, for campaigns launched long before the Switch was “a thing” developers are in a bind with how to handle the shift. Such is the case for Humanature Studios with their impending release for Toejam and Earl: Back in the Groove.
When Toejam and Earl: Back in the Groove hit Kickstarter in 2015 it raised $508,637 of its $400,000 funding goal. Enough to unlock the first several stretch goals, but not enough to promise a console release. Humanature has since teamed up with Adult Swim as a funding partner to bring the game to consoles.
Recently, the Nintendo Switch announced it would be the first console to get some loving. A Kickstarter update promised that Humanature and Adult Swim still plan for Toejam and Earl: Back in the Groove, to be on multiple platforms. Humanature expects to reveal more in future updates.
Funky Switch Swapping
Backers were enthusiastic about added platforms. Many immediately began making plans to request the Switch version in lieu of the PC version they’d pledged towards. While it seems like a fairly simple request, Humanature quickly realized it actually wasn’t. In the comments section of the update they explained that platform holders (in this case, Nintendo) require payment for every unit distributed. As such, changing to console versions would force the publisher to cover the costs and immediately put the project in the red. Not the best foot to start out on.
“Recently the folks at Adult Swim did the math, and discovered that with the number of backers that we have it’s just not feasible. I’m sorry about that guys. We and A.S. would have loved to make that possible our backers. We would if we could.” -Humanature Studios
While a direct swap may not be possible, plenty of backers are offering to pay a bit more to cover the difference between the platforms. Humanature would need to work the deal out with Adult Swim before committing to anything, but both companies seem to want to do right by the backers. Hopefully, they will find a solution that doesn’t leave their biggest supporters out in the cold.
Almost forgot about this one! Could clean up on the Switch given the lack of noteworthy games at the moment.