Who doesn’t love freebies? According to Nintendo Everything, Saber Interactive has announced a Fall 2017 release window for their upcoming game, Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn, a beat-em-up starring Shaq himself, on Xbox One, PS4, PC, and Nintendo Switch. Better yet, consumers who purchase NBA Playgrounds on Nintendo Switch before the game’s online patch becomes available will net (pun wholeheartedly intended) a copy of Shaq Fu on Nintendo Switch for free as a sign of good will for the Switch version of NBA Playgrounds not launching with online play.
Here’s what Saber Interactive CEO Matthew Karch had to say on the announcement:
“We had every intention of launching online play for NBA Playgrounds on Nintendo Switch within days of release, but, despite our best efforts, it didn’t play out that way. We sincerely apologize for the delay and want to let everyone know the fix will be coming very soon. But words are cheap, and games are not. So we’re giving everyone that bought NBA Playgrounds on Nintendo Switch before the online play patch hits a free copy of Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn on Switch this fall to express our gratitude.”
The online update will also include 15 new playable characters, the ability to play as Shaq in uniforms from all teams he’s played with, and a new connection manager, which will monitor online matches and penalize players for disconnecting. Additionally, the entire shooting system will see an overhaul along with timing and a clarified UI.
I think this sort of apologetic freebie gesture is probably the best way publishers and developers can handle this sort of thing. Ever since Microsoft and 343 Industries gave out copies of Halo 3: ODST as an apology for The Master Chief Collection‘s online woes, I’ve found this method a good way to foster good will toward and maintain a positive relationship with the community.
As other platforms are now getting this online update, Switch can’t be too far behind. If you want to be a part of this offer, I’d snag a copy of NBA Playgrounds now before it’s too late.
