Seeing as my girlfriend is currently hogging Splatoon I figured I'd hit you all with a bit of a theory of mine regarding the free updates that are coming for Splatoon.

Firstly; I don't agree with the consensus that Nintendo was desperate to get Splatoon out in time for the Summer, and wasn't able to get the feature set complete; it just doesn't feel like an incomplete game to me. No, what I think Nintendo has done is deliberately hold back maps and features in order to continually give the game little boosts to its longevity and make sure it's a game that people return to. In the same way that they return to COD games, or Mario Kart, or Smash. Essentially I think that the 2 map rotation, locking off the ranked mode and the trickle feed of new maps are how Nintendo is seeking to turn Splatoon into one of their staple franchises, like Smash or Kart. This method of holding back content to trickle into the game also makes sure that people are able to learn how to play the game at a steady pace.

So, on the back of that theory, and based on the fact that Nintendo has already said in the Direct that there will be a Summer of Splatoon releases; including 3 ranked modes (including the one clearly on disk), 9 maps and a load of weapons culminating in the big update adding set team battles at some point in August. By that rough count, there are 13 elements (plus weapons) that to be added to the game. And there are 13 weeks between now and the end of August.

I think the obvious first 'event' that will happen is the unlocking of Ranked Battles, which I thiknk will take place either next weekend, or possibly the week after. After that, the question will be how frequent the updates will be, and if it'll be one at a time, or a couple of maps at a time. As GameXplain brilliantly discuss here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGmrg0efta4 there is strong reason to believe that at least 3 of the new maps are ready and probably on disk; Camp Triggerfish has appeared on numerous videos, and 2 are actually in the singleplayer mode.

So what I think think is most likely is that next week the Ranked Battles will be unlocked, and then a fortnight later Camp Triggerfish and either Bluefin Depot or Kelp Dome will be unlocked to tie in with the first Splat Fest. After that I think we will see a pair of maps, or a map and new mode released every couple of weeks throughout the summer, until v2 is released in August. I also think that the map rotation will increase from 2 to 3 maps per set come v2.

(The other option is that new maps will be announced and made available as part of their E3 presentation)

Anyway, thanks for reading my rambling musings, thoughts?

I still don't think that two modes, five maps, no proper customization, no changing timer from 3 minutes and only 4v4 were all great choices for online multiplayer.
I think they should have waited for fall instead, September release would be perfect; more content from launch and acting as a bridge into Q4 where both software and hardware always start climbing on the charts.

I'm sure it's a strategy, but I still think they should have delivered much more content day one because it will affect reviews.

I don't mind that the game modes and additional weapons were held back. But I do think that a few more stages were needed from day one. Hopefully, the next update is a week from now and not a month.

It's one thing to hold content back to increase longevity, but to do that you have to have sufficient content in the first place. That said what you mentioned sounds accurate. I'd be surprised if that tower mode doesn't drop soon as well though.

Obviously new weapons and gear will also come every update too, which is nice.

It would have been ideal to wait but the Wii U has had a massive drought and they needed a big release to tide gamers over. PS4/X1 can delay their first party/exclusive titles(ie Uncharted 4 and Quantum Break) because they have third parties filling in the gaps but Nintendo cannot do this.

If this is truly the case, then I think they went a little overboard with held-back content. IMO.

But what's worse? Having a drought or having a potentially huge title not fulfill its potential by releasing it too early?

It's not like hardware sales are going to be amazing anyway; this would be a slow summer regardless, I think fall would be a much better option, all things considered. I was actually surprised that some reviewers didn't deduct more than they did due to content when I actually read what was missing and what was present.

Valid point. I just feel that Nintendo are in a very tight spot considering the Xbox1 and PS4 are gaining ground very fast in terms of market share and software. The Wii U is already dated hardware compared to the other 2 consoles as well as being surpassed in terms of sales. I just don't think there was a perfect solution for them really...

Yeah, it is a difficult position they're in, likely one without a perfect solution. To be fair though; Sony and MS' release schedule for the summer are looking really bland, there isn't much at all until Q4 according to reports.
I'm hoping that the Fusion rumors have some truth in them so Nintendo can streamline their software development and output for the 9th gen; it is sorely needed since they can't rely on others in the same way to carry the momentum.

Summer is always slow, there is usually at least one big hit in the spring and then several during fall but summer months are notorious.