Splatoon Update Speculation

[Nuvendil]

Mummelmann said:

Guitarguy said:

Mummelmann said:
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.

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.

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.

Given the release model for Splatoon includes free updates within weeks of launch, I say the drought is worse.  It stretches Splatoon's influence over the bone dry summer.  If there is a time a release model like this one can work, it's summer where very little releases on any platform.  As for reviewers deducting or not deducting, value is not only judged by amount of content but how satisfying it is.  And also, because free content is coming mere weeks later and is part of Splatoon's release plan, content there at launch isn't held to the same standard as another game with lacking content and paid DLC coming.  In the latter of those, the content needs to stand on its own and validate the purchase.  In Splatoon's case, the launch content only needs to be sufficient for the first month to justify buying at launch.