Nintendo enlists studios for franchise development

Nintendo is reportedly in the process of seeking out external development studios for new games based on its beloved franchises, with discussions already underway with three unidentified studios. This information comes as the industry anticipates the potential announcement and release of a successor to the Nintendo Switch within the year, with expectations that Nintendo will retain the hybrid console concept. The company has a history of partnering with third-party teams, including collaborations with Bandai Namco on Super Smash Bros., as well as MercurySteam on the development of Metroid Dread, and Ubisoft's crossover of Rabbids with Mario.

What is the current relationship between Nintendo and third-party game developers?

Nintendo has a history of collaborating with third-party developers to create new games based on its franchises, and is actively seeking additional partnerships.

Over the years, Nintendo's collaborations with third-party developers have led to unique titles that blend Nintendo's franchises with fresh ideas and styles coming from different creative teams. Notable partnerships include Bandai Namco’s involvement in Super Smash Bros., which is a prime example of Nintendo's willingness to work with external studios to develop games that still feel quintessentially part of the Nintendo universe. MercurySteam's work on Metroid Dread revitalized the Metroid franchise with a new entry that remained faithful to its roots while introducing modern gameplay mechanics and storytelling. Ubisoft's Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is another successful partnership that brought together Mario's world with Ubisoft's Rabbids to considerable acclaim, showing the potential for innovation when Nintendo licenses out its IP.