Devolver Delay Announcement Innovates With Positive Spin

Devolver continues to push the envelope when it comes to PR with a delay announcement that spoofs Nintendo Direct’s format and cheerful music. Striving to change how publishers announce and handle delays, the video first highlights the games that are getting pushed to 2024 in an upbeat and optimistic way as the narrators jubilantly introduce and banter briefly about each game. Instead of apprehensive apologies in the form of wordy paragraphs, Devolver said it proudly and owned their decision to give their teams ample time to make the game they would be proud and confident to release. 

Here’s the games that are getting delayed:

The Plucky Squire - A creative and wholesome looking action-adventure with the unique feature of switching between 2D and 3D

Stick It To The Stickman - A roguelike brawler based that’ll give you the satisfaction of literally fighting your way up the corporate ladder

Anger Foot - This game busted onto the scene and made quite an impression when it incorporated the kick as an integral weapon in this FPS. 

Pepper Grinder - This 2D action adventure lets you “swim” through the dirt with a grinder! It looks like a thrilling way to approach traverse this colorful world.

Although it’s disheartening to see a game pushed back after its original release date, it really shouldn’t have as much on a negative stigma. If we want a game that is fully realized and optimized, we should be happy to give developers the time they need! Besides, we all know what happens when a game is released before it is ready…

Now, these weren’t the only games featured in the direct, they saved the good news for last! Here's still a good batch of games that are going to be released this year:

Gunbrella - Armed with the iconic gun that doubles as an umbrella, you’ll play as a gruff woodsman on a quest for revenge in this noir-punk action-adventure side-scroller. Perfect maneuvering with your Gunbrella as you discover hidden secrets leading to ghouls and gangsters, cops and cultists, and the fallout of corporate exploitation

Wizard With A Gun - Wizard With a Gun is an online cooperative sandbox survival game you can either play alone or with a friend. Collect, craft, and outfit your wizard and explore the unknown!

The Talos Principle 2 - This sequel expands of the first game’s philosophical themes as it expands your mind and challenges you with thought-provoking first-person puzzles

The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood - Craft your own tarot deck and regain your freedom as a witch named Fortuna in this witchy narrative adventure that spans both time and space!

KarmaZoo - This game challenges you and up to random 10 players to help each other and earn karma with altruism to unlock characters and abilities. If you’re looking for a way to feel good about working with others, this is it!

All and all, the direct ended as quickly as it started with a runtime of just under 3 minutes. It’s not fun to hear a game you’re looking forward to is delayed, but Devolver did a good job of putting a positive and humorous spin on the news. This approach, coupled with the rundown of games still set for 2023, made it a good experience all around. 

Which Devolver Game are you looking forward to the most? Let me know!