COVID-19 greatly impacts Super Smash Bros. Ultimate DLC development

According to a recent report by Eventhubs, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate director, Masahiro Sakurai has shared some disappointing news about the development of the game’s upcoming DLC in a Famitsu column. 

Social distancing has been recommended by health specialists to help minimize COVID-19’s spread. This has led to many organizations and individuals working remotely, and ideally, it should help Nintendo continue to develop new content for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, but in this case, it can’t.

Due to the project’s need for secrecy, team members cannot take their work home, and as a result, can’t work remotely. There’s a much higher risk of leaks when workers move their work about, especially if they take it home with them. There’s also their other obligations outside work during trying times such as these, meaning there’s less time to get the job done. 

Sakurai went on to reveal that he had a presentation scheduled with a particular publisher regarding Fighters Pass Vol. 2. Unfortunately, due to the outbreak, the entire team was unable to meet, which led to its postponement. Sakurai had initially announced that all six challengers of the next Fighters Pass would be out by December 2021. However, with the delays caused by the coronavirus, that deadline is no longer realistic.

It’s a known fact that many businesses have been negatively impacted by the coronavirus outbreak, like tournament organizers and sporting events. These issues tend to spiral into delays and even cancelations, but when the health of the world’s population is at stake, it’s the better option.