Paprium Controversy Intensifies: WaterMelon Games Faces Class-Action Suit Over Delayed Pre-Orders

Paprium Class-Action Suit: WaterMelon Games Under Fire Amid Ongoing Pre-Order Dispute Paprium, the ambitious side-scrolling beat 'em up developed by WaterMelon Games for retro and modern gaming platforms including the Sega Mega Drive (Genesis) and the Nintendo Switch, is again at the center of controversy.

What began as a celebrated revival of classic gaming has instead become marked by years of unfulfilled promises, leading to mounting frustration among fans and backers. Launched over a decade ago, Paprium first garnered attention when a physical Mega Drive version was offered for pre-order in 2017.

Despite initial excitement, only a scant number of buyers reportedly received their orders, with the majority still left in limbo.

The situation escalated in 2021 when WaterMelon Games turned to Kickstarter, seeking to not only fulfill outstanding pre-orders but also to fund development for new platforms, including the Nintendo Switch.

The campaign was notably successful, attracting 3,271 backers and raising an impressive €895,569 (approximately £767,000 or $973,000 USD).

Originally slated for a 2022 release, the game has since seen little progress, with updates from the developer virtually nonexistent. The absence of communication from WaterMelon Games has led to considerable unrest within the gaming community.

The story reached a new boiling point when a YouTuber posted footage allegedly showing unreleased copies of Paprium stored in a French warehouse—a claim that was subsequently proven to be false.

Nevertheless, the viral video reignited public scrutiny and catalyzed the formation of a new website, Paprium Case, dedicated to organizing those still waiting for their games. Paprium Case provides a detailed history of the project and spotlights other high-profile crowdfunding controversies, notably instances where the U.S.

Federal Trade Commission intervened, compelling campaign organizers to offer refunds to backers.

Building on this precedent, the site is now collecting testimonies from dissatisfied customers with the intent of pursuing a class-action lawsuit against WaterMelon Games. According to a statement published on the Paprium Case website, testimonies will be gathered and thoroughly examined through September 2024.

"In partnership with the identified plaintiffs, all submitted testimonies will be assessed and organized until September.

Should WaterMelon Games fail to respond, these collected accounts may be formally brought together in a collective legal action," the site outlines. The case highlights ongoing challenges within the video game crowdfunding scene, especially for indie developers attempting large-scale multi-platform launches involving platforms like the Nintendo Switch and legacy systems.

For WaterMelon Games, whose previous success with titles such as Pier Solar had elevated its reputation among retro gaming enthusiasts, these legal proceedings mark a significant shift. Paprium’s troubled journey acts as a cautionary tale for both backers and developers engaged in crowdfunding.

With legal pressure mounting and continued international attention, WaterMelon Games faces heightened scrutiny to finally deliver on its Kickstarter commitments and restore consumer trust in the Nintendo eShop and beyond.

Paprium WaterMelon Games WaterMelon Nintendo Switch Mega Drive Genesis European Commission YouTube Paprium Case FTC United States Federal Trade Commission