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[Shard]

http://nintendoeverything.com/no-plans-for-online-co-op-in-the-wii-u-version-of-hive-jump/

Hive Jump, Graphite Lab’s upcoming sci-fi action-platformer, will offer co-op with up to four players. There are plans to make this feature available both locally and online on PC, but it’s been confirmed that the Wii U version will only support the former option.

One feature included in the Wii U version of Hive Jump is being able to look at the mini-map on the GamePad. amiibo support is also in the cards, and the studio is looking into the possibility of other features like off-TV play.

 

[Deleted member 465307]

While I understand that game development is all about resource management, I think this explanation is rather poor. I'd have much preferred: "Given budget and time constraints and considering the resources the feature would require for only a small percentage of our user base, we are not including an online co-op mode for Wii U." Maybe throw in something about ESRB ratings if needed.

Because regardless of whether the system is seen as a "party system" or not, it's a quality that doesn't exclude other kinds of enjoyment. The developers know that, which makes this explanation frustrating.

 

[Champion]

Ehhh I could rant but its not like Nintendo is pushing to build an online community with the Wii U. Hell, most 1st party multiplayer games dont even have online co-op.

 

[The Spoony Hou]

“That’s something where we felt like the platform certainly is kind of a party platform. We love playing games on Wii U in kind of party mode. So we don’t have online in the plans for Wii U, but it will be for PC.”

If they lack resources or expertise, I can understand, but that excuse is bullshit.

 

[Shard]

If they lack resources or expertise, I can understand, but that excuse is bullshit.

Perhaps most beguiling is that the PC version will have Online Co-Op.

 

[SinCityAssassin]

Guys stop it's totally not a budget and market thing it's a "We like playing nintendo games on the couch, so now everyone else will have to play our game like that on it. Don't ask more questions."

 

[Spring-Loaded]

Perhaps most beguiling is that the PC version will have Online Co-Op.

wow.

 

[Shard]

wow.

Indeed, in retrospect should have delved deeper into that.

 

[The Spoony Hou]

Indeed, in retrospect should have delved deeper into that.

Maybe you should've put "lazy devs" on the title.

 

[Shard]

Maybe you should've put "lazy devs" on the title.

Not what I meant.

 

[The Spoony Hou]

Not what I meant.

I know.

 

[Shard]

I know.

Duly noted.

 

[Dereck]

That sucks

 

[Shard]

That sucks

Yes, yes it does.

 

[Parshias7]

There needs to be a term for dev/publisher PR speak that ends up sounding much worse than just saying what the real reasoning is.

 

[fabricated backlash]

Well one game off my list. Such a shame, might pick it up if they include it later, but no way am I getting it without online coop.

 

[Escalario]

No buy it is.

 

[Regiruler]

I would have understood if there was no online co-op in general, but that just blows.

Yet they're going for amiibo support. Bleh.

 

[Baust]

Hey guys! I work for the dev team!

Matt's awaiting approval on here, so I'll pass along his comment:

Matt Raithel from the Dev team here.

It's a drag that the only snippet on that site was one of me referring to Wii U as a "party platform" which implied it wasn't worth online co-op support. Forgive that over-simplification there is definitely more to it.

Online play for Wii U has been an interest for Hive Jump, but not something we could guarantee at the onset. So, we listed that as one of the first FAQ we posted on our campaign site. We explored it thoroughly and deeply over the last year. We’ve refactored our code several times to optimize and improve - to explore this feature. We looked at other titles and we talked to fellow devs about their own struggles with online play. We evaluated other tools to provide any efficiency we could uncover. In the end we had to make a tough choice about a stark reality. Online MP for the Wii U was going to be beyond our scope for this release due to time and budget constraints placed on our team.

Sadly, all of the effort that went into this decision was shortened to a snippet which excluded the good stuff: our level generation system, the weapons, the aliens, the lore, GamePad support, the bosses, relics, and all of the other great systems we're proud of on Wii U.

Rest assured, there will be a robust and worthwhile local co-op experience as well as single player mode on Wii U. We’ve also reserved focus for other features exclusive to the platform such as the gamepad controller, amiibo support and special relic rooms which you will only get on Wii U.

Those of you that have played the game at PAX Prime and Indiecade, who have jumped the early levels of the hive with your buddies nearby, we hope you agree that Hive Jump still has a lot to offer Wii U players.

Thanks for hearing me out!

 

[fabricated backlash]

Hey guys! I work for the dev team!

Matt's awaiting approval on here, so I'll pass along his comment:

Much appreciated... heck I might've been a bit harsh in my reaction, but it's so rare for me to get people together for local play, and my wife surely won't play this with me.

I'll probably end up getting the game on WiiU and if I find someone on PC I'll double dip, but man I'd love playing this on WiiU online.

I hope you are open to the idea to maybe include that feature in a patch down the road if it's possible for you.

But good on you to reacting to this shoddy reporting. Still it's a feature missing that is really hurting my enthusiasm for this game.

 

[The Spoony Hou]

Hey guys! I work for the dev team!

Matt's awaiting approval on here, so I'll pass along his comment:

Thanks for letting us know.

I'm sorry for the harsh comments, but we can only deal with the info we've got.

Hopefully in the future you can implement online co-op, if it becomes feasible.