Nintendo is slated to offer a price rollback for development kits to entice indie game developers. Nintendo announced at the Game Creators Conference 2017 in Osaka, Japan, that they are now offering the Nintendo Switch development kits for only 50, 000 yen, which is around $450. The kits were formerly rumored to cost $2,620 to $3,950.
80 Percent Price Reduction Opens Doors to Struggling Indie Game Makers
It should be noted that game developers long had to deal with the expensive up-front costs of developing games for console. For instance, a PlayStation 3 development kit was priced at $20, 000 at launch. The Co-Founder of Vlambeer, Rami Ismail noted that the low price offer of Nintendo is a radical departure from their earlier exclusiveness, Digital Trends reported.
In Sony's later console releases, PS4 development kits were sold for $2,500. As for nintendo,the Wii U development kits reportedly ran for around $2,500. Hence, the price reduced Nintendo Switch development kits represent an 80 percent reduction in price.
Ismail also noted that more third parties, from small to middle-sized indies would now get a chance at developing for Nintendo. Several indie games such as "Stardew Valley" and "Shovel Knight" have already been announced for the $299 Nintendo Switch hybrid console.
Nintendo Switch To Become More Approachable For Indies
In other news, the GamesIndustry. Biz Japan Edition noted that the current low cost of the Nintendo Switch development kits will allow the platform to be more approachable for independent game developers. In addition, the kits also come with support for Unreal Engine 4 and Unity. The new price is said to be the lowest Nintendo offered.
Nintendo reportedly produced the Nintendo 3DS development kits for $2,620. However, those who opted to the functionality to capture footage, game makers had to pay $3,950. Interested game developers may register on the Nintendo Developer Portal which merged all of the company's developer programs since July 2016, Nintendo Insiders reported. Watch the Top Indie Games coming to the Switch here:
