The 3rd party gaming situation on the Nintendo Switch has been the best it’s been in YEARS for Nintendo. While at one time 3rd parties wouldn’t touch Nintendo systems like the Wii or Wii U without incentive, the Switch has brought in NUMEROUS big-name 3rd party titles. Mario+Rabbids Kingdom Battle, Octopath Traveler, No More Heroes 3 (coming this year), Bravely Default II (also coming this year), Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3, and several titles from Platinum Games. Including titles like the upcoming Bayonetta 3 and the new IP Astral Chain that launched last year on Switch.
Astral Chain impacted many when it was first announced because of its very anime aesthetic, and the gameplay felt totally unique (which is Platinum Games M.O.). The game also made waves upon its release for its loads of great review scores (including ours, read it here!)
Now though, the game is getting more talked about because of its success. PlatinumGames studio head Atsushi Inaba confirmed to VGC that the ownership of the IP isn’t as simple as many would suspect:
“In the case of Astral Chain, it’s an IP that’s owned half by Platinum and half by Nintendo. So right now it just came out and it’s too early to say. For the time being we’re just hoping that it’s a success for the Nintendo Switch and we’ll see how it goes from there.”
This interview was done before the reveal of the 3rd quarter 2019 sales for the Nintendo Switch and its games. Where it was revealed that the game has officially crossed the million-seller mark. This could mean that a second game in the series is coming. But that will be up to both Nintendo AND Platinum Games to decide.
Platinum Games has noted though that they’re thrilled with the success of the title, as this marks yet another big hit from them after nearly being forced to shut down a few years back.