In December, an indie developer released the Nintendo eShop game Dungeon Munchies. However, the release is an early access game from Steam, and its description on the Nintendo eShop may seem deceptive.
Currently, there is no policy regarding games releasing in an unfinished state, commonly known as an early release. Although, despite this grey area in policy, many games released in such a state identify in this development classification.
Deception or Miscalculation in the Nintendo eShop?
As a result of the Nintendo policies and programs, assuming that it has completed its development cycle before launching on the eShop players will expect a finished game. Yet, as one player pointed out upon completion and credit, they reach a new zone with a doorway. Entering the doorway, the player is congratulated and prompted to start a new game+.
According to the user Rhaknar, the ending left a gnawing feeling which they decided to do further research. Discovering the game’s product page on Steam, also found that it was in early access with more content on the way. Yet, no mention of this in the Nintendo eShop.
Usually, this release state of the game is nothing abnormal that may violate policy; many are enjoyable in these stages. However, the description might seem deceptive, mentioning nothing regarding future content or early access in the Nintendo eShop description.
What Future Will Come to Players and Developers in the eShop?
Even with the grey areas within policy, Nintendo has banned releases that may go against policies. With this unprecedented situation, what will be the response, if anything at all. Nintendo in the past has cracked down on developers when it comes to the eShop.
Like before, the situation could be a loophole within the eShop system, the same as the discount loophole in 2020. Of course, Nintendo will have no problem promptly addressing this, but will this Nintendo eShop game be the only one to face this situation. Or will it become an ongoing issue in the future?
