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Many studios are practically falling over themselves to get their games on Switch in hopes of latching onto the wave of solid sales and exposure that others have been benefiting from ever since the console launched last March. There’s one, however, that’s apparently feeling a bit trepidatious about the prospects of publishing on Nintendo’s hybrid system: Atari. The company recently announced that it wants to bring its RollerCoaster Tycoon series to Switch, but with the caveat that the title needs to be crowdfunded. Here’s the announcement video:
And here’s the synopsis straight from Atari’s StartEngine page:
BRINGING THE BEST-SELLING GAMING CLASSIC TO THE NINTENDO SWITCH™
INVEST IN ROLLERCOASTER TYCOON®
Since RollerCoaster Tycoon’s initial release in 1999, it has been one of the most popular gaming franchises of all time. Developed by Chris Sawyer, the RCT series has generated hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue and built a dedicated, diverse and expansive fan base around the world.
Atari is the exclusive master licensee of the RollerCoaster Tycoon franchise. The RCT franchise has become one of Atari’s most popular, generating very significant revenue.
Early in 2017, Atari unveiled the newest entry into the franchise — RollerCoaster Tycoon Touch. This free-to-play 3D simulation game for iOS and Android was an instant success, skyrocketing to the top of the app stores after worldwide launch featuring by Apple and Google Play. With more than 12 million downloads since launch and praise from gamers and critics alike, the classic gameplay proved to be a natural fit for touchscreen devices, making it easier than ever for gamers to flex their imaginations.
In developing the RollerCoaster Tycoon franchise in its most recent versions, Atari worked with Nvizzio Creations. This world-class developer has years of experience developing engaging 3D experiences for gamers, and was intimately involved in the development of RollerCoaster Tycoon World for the PC.
The unmitigated success of the RollerCoaster Tycoon franchise made the opportunity clear for Atari Game Partners: deliver the first RollerCoaster Tycoon game for the Nintendo Switch. The RollerCoaster Tycoon franchise needs to be put in the hands of even more gamers and developed for the new and innovative Nintendo Switch! RollerCoaster Tycoon on Nintendo Switch will be an all-new game made specifically for Switch with exclusive features.
It’s a perfect match… One of gaming’s most beloved brands is bringing one of gaming’s best franchises to the most exciting platform in gaming today… And we are offering you the opportunity to invest.
For this project, Atari is seeking investors, as opposed to regular old backers, and the title would be developed by RollerCoaster Tycoon Touch studio Nvizzio Creations.
While many would likely enjoy having RollerCoaster Tycoon on Switch (it would be the first series entry on a Nintendo system since 2012’s RollerCoaster Tycoon 3D on 3DS), there are a number of outspoken fans taking to social media to vent their frustration with some of the small print attached to the proposal. In it, there’s a note that some of the funds raised might not be used exclusively for game development, something that has stoked the ire of many potential backers and fans. The comments thread on the StartEngine page as well as under the YouTube video are riddled with outraged statements, as a result.
Will Atari be able to produce a Switch version of RollerCoaster Tycoon that fans will be pleased with? Well, considering the project has reached it’s $10,000 minimum goal, we’ll apparently find out down the road once it comes to the system.
Source: Eurogamer
